2 Days Putuoshan Tour from Shanghai: Island Sanctuary of Guanyin

We'll pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai in the morning. The distance from Shanghai to Putuoshan is about 280 kilometers, and the drive takes roughly 3.5 hours. Sit back and enjoy the ride, we'll reach the port where the ferry awaits. The moment you step onto the boat, you'll feel the city fade away.

Welcome to Putuoshan, the "Sea and Sky Buddha Kingdom," and the sacred home of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. This special Putuoshan tour from Shanghai invites you to leave the noise behind and enter a realm of profound compassion and peace.

First, visit Puji Temple (普济寺).It is the largest and most ancient temple on the island. It is the center of all Buddhist activities here. Before entering, you will see the Haiyin Pool (Lotus Pond). In summer, the lotuses bloom. They symbolize purity rising from the mud. Walk into the Grand Hall. You can see the majestic statue of Guanyin. It is surrounded by 32 different forms of Guanyin. This shows her ability to help all kinds of people. Many visitors like to light a stick of incense here and make a simple wish for peace, health, or happiness.

Next, move to the Purple Bamboo Forest (紫竹林) at the seaside. Here you will find the famous "Unwilling to Leave" Guanyin Temple (不肯去观音). The story is very touching. In 863 AD, a Japanese monk named Egaku wanted to take a Guanyin statue to Japan. But storms blocked his ship near this spot. He realized Guanyin wanted to stay here. So he built this shrine. This place is the origin of the whole Putuoshan pilgrimage.

Finally, visit the iconic Nanhai Guanyin Statue(南海观音像). It stands 33 meters tall. It is made of bronze and gold. The statue faces the vast ocean. It looks like it is protecting the world. Standing at her feet, you will feel a deep sense of peace. Sunset is the best time to visit. The golden light makes the statue shine.

In the afternoon, we take a relaxing walk on 100-Step Beach(百步沙滩). The sand is soft, the water is clean, and the atmosphere is quiet. It’s a lovely place to slow down, take photos, or simply sit and watch the ocean. Many travelers say this beach walk becomes one of their favorite memories of the trip.

In the evening, we check in at your island hotel. You can rest, enjoy a cup of tea, or take a short walk nearby. Nights on Putuoshan are very peaceful—only the sound of the sea remains.

Best time to visit:

April to October offers warm weather and green scenery. If you prefer quiet, avoid public holidays and Guanyin festival days (19th of Lunar February, June, or September).

What to wear:

Comfortable shoes for walking, modest clothing (cover shoulders/knees for temples), a hat for sunny days, and a light jacket - it can be breezy near the sea.

Morning on Putuoshan is especially serene. After breakfast, we head to Fayu Temple, a beautiful complex hidden among tall ancient trees. The temple has quiet pathways, elegant stone carvings, and historic halls with imperial plaques. It is a wonderful place to feel the gentle and dignified spirit of the island.

After the visit, we take the cable car up to Huiji Temple on the mountaintop. The ride offers open views of the coastline and forests. When you arrive at the top, the air is fresh and the sky feels closer. Huiji Temple is known for its calm energy, and many visitors like to spend a few minutes here just breathing and enjoying the silence.

If you enjoy walking, we can take a small pilgrimage path nearby. The trail is easy and surrounded by trees and stone steps. It’s a simple way to feel the spiritual rhythm of Putuoshan.

Your driver will be waiting to take you directly back to your hotel or airport in Shanghai. You leave the island refreshed, with a sense of peace that will last long after your trip ends. Safe journey!