Buddhist Paradise: Putuoshan Island
2 min readPutuo, and indeed the Zhoushan archipelago at large, is pebest know for the mesmerisingslan island of Putuoshan, amystical place that is a heady mix of sunshine, sand and soul-searching. Justifiably AAAA state-level- scenic spotand- the only’ Buddhist Mecca” that enjoys it’s’ own island- the site is known throughout Asia as a renowned Buddhist Kingdom’placed between sea and sky. The world’s largest site for the Guanyin pilgrimage, the island is a true wonder packed with memorable panorama’s, stunning temples, fresh air and unforgettable flora.
Lacking a connecting bridge to the mainland, he only way to reach to Putuoshan is by boat-and if you ask me, that’s part of the charm.Before you do that however you can admire the fine recreation of Lasha’s potala Palace that sits majestically along the dock’s surrounding hill-tops.
Approached by car this interesting archit you arrive at the ferry terminal, the cluster above still seems pretty authentic. Some people baulk at such simulacrum, calling it phoney, cheap or crass, but for my money this lovingly crafted landmark only adds to the journey’s richness as it preps you for the spiritual feast that lies ahead. ver get the chance to venture out as far West as Tibet, and for those people this remake serves as a neat reminder to the region’s spiritual significance and its unmistakable aesthetic traits.
Broadly speaking, the island itself is split into three main attractions or points of interest. Those are Puji Temple, Fayu Temple and the impressive Guanyin of the South China Sea But to say the rest of the island has nothing to offer would be to miss the point entirely. This oasis of peace and ranquilli as to be said, crowds of people during weekends and holidays) is joy to behold;here you find glorious beaches,ocean pathways charming cliff side pavilions, smart hotels, restaurants, winding streets, dense forestry and much, much more. Feel free to loose yourself in the island’s mystique on foot, or for the less mobile amongst us, an army of minibuses are on hand to shuttle you from location to location for a small fee. However you choose to traverse Putoshan Island, you’ll return home feeling fitter, calmer and spiritually refreshed. Pearly temples In 1580, during the eighth year of Ming Dynasty Emperor Wanli’s reign of power, a monk named Dazhi travelled the breadth of the Middle Kingdom in order to continue his transcendental training in the foothills of Mount Putuo, a place that was even back then famed for its beauty and spiritual nctuary n pellbound by the island’s natural elegance he extended his stay and built a small sanctuary named ‘Ocean Tide’ or ‘Buddhist Ocean Guanyin’. Destroyed by fire in 1598, it was rebuilt and expended in 1605. Decades of war, destruction, renewal and redemption followed until, in 1731 Emperor Yongzheng ordered a large-scale renovation project on the site-then.
