South Sea Guanyin

Zhejiang


The first thing you see as you approach Putuoshan by boat is this 33m-high glittering statue of Guanyin, overlooking the waves at the southernmost tip of the island. It's the symbol of the island. To get closer to her and 33 other bronze Guanyin images, and for grand seaviews, you'll have to pay an entrance fee and climb hundreds of steps.

The number 33 is significant because Guanyin is said to be able to take 33 forms in her quest to hear all human suffering. Putuoshan lies at 33 degrees latitude north, with an apparent circumference of 33km.


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Nearby Zhejiang attractions

1. Duobao Pagoda

0.79 MILES

Putuoshan's oldest structure is this five-storey, 18m-high stone pagoda, with alcoves carved from the rock sheltering Buddhist statues. Built in 1335, its…

2. Buddhism Museum

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This small museum contains some of the Ming and Qing dynasty relics from Putuoshan's temples, including effigies in bronze and jade and ritual implements,…

3. One Hundred Step Beach

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The most popular of Putuoshan’s beaches has a pretty pagoda perched on terraced rock that always has a crowd. Swimming is allowed between May and August…

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5. Chaoyang Cave

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At the jutting point that marks the boundary between One Hundred Step Beach and One Thousand Step Beach, 'Sun-facing' Cave is a small, rarely visited…

6. Guanyin Cave

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Crouch with an arched back into this magnificent, smoky and mysterious old grotto with a low, head-scraping ceiling to witness its assembly of Guanyins…

7. One Thousand Step Beach

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Putuoshan’s largest beach stretches all along the northeast coast of the island – a long unspoilt stretch of blonde sand. Swimming is only permitted…

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