5 Days Buddhist Temple Tour: Putuoshan & Jiuhuashan from Shanghai

Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai, China's most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai's long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai's unique culture. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Shanghai, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Daytime recommended activities: You could wander Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street—browse local boutiques, sample tasty street snacks like sugar-coated haws, or relax in a riverside café; stroll the outer lanes of Yu Garden to get a preview of traditional Hui-style architecture; or head to Lujiazui to snap photos of the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a vivid contrast to The Bund's old-world vibe.

Evening recommended activities: Don't miss a leisurely walk along The Bund - you'll love the illuminated colonial buildings lining the waterfront. For an even more memorable experience, we suggest an optional Huangpu River cruise: it lets you take in both The Bund’s classic architecture and Pudong's futuristic skyscrapers from the water, a perfect way to end your first day in the city.

Today after breakfast, your driver meets you at your hotel in Shanghai and transfers you to the high-speed rail station for the journey to Mount Jiuhua. The landscape outside the train window shifts gradually—from the flat Yangtze River Delta to the soft folds of Anhui's mountains—preparing you for the peaceful days to come.

Welcome to Jiuhuashan! Upon arrival at Jiuhuashan rail station, our driver will transfer you to the mountain base. We'll start our exploration in the core area, where ancient temples nestle among pines.

We begin at Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺), a bustling yet serene monastery right in Jiuhua Street. Step through its wooden gates, and the sound of temple bells and distant chants wraps around you. Wander the stone courtyards, where monks tend to lotus ponds, and breathe in the faint scent of incense—your first taste of Jiuhuashan's spiritual rhythm.

Next, we take a cable car up to Longevity Palace (百岁宫). The 10-minute ride offers stunning views of valleys and peaks below. At the palace, you'll find the preserved body of Monk Wu Xia, a revered figure whose life of devotion inspires pilgrims. Stand quietly in the hall, and feel the weight of his dedication in the air.

Shanghai to Jiuhuashan High Speed Train Tip:

Today we will take the carefully selected G7136 high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Jiuhuashan (10:20–14:13), balancing a relaxed morning with enough time to enjoy Jiuhuashan’s highlights upon arrival.

For guests who prefer more time on the mountain, the earlier G8387 train from Shanghai South (08:45–12:03) can be arranged, making it possible to visit Dongya Chan Temple (东崖禅寺) and Tonghui Chan Monastery (通慧禅林) on the same day (hotel breakfast may be missed then).

Wake up to the smell of mountain air and a simple breakfast before visiting the Incarnation Grand Hall (月身宝殿). As you approach, you'll notice pilgrims bowing respectfully. Inside, the dim light illuminates the preserved body of Kim Gyo-gak, the Korean monk who became Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The air is thick with reverence, and even a few moments here feel transformative.

Later, head to Huacheng Temple (化城寺), Jiuhuashan's oldest temple (dating back to the Tang Dynasty). Walk through its ancient halls, and imagine the monks who've prayed here for over a thousand years. Then, check into your accommodation in Jiuhua Street—spend the evening listening to the mountain's quiet or savor a simple vegetarian meal at a local temple restaurant.

Then, we board a shuttle bus to Fenghuang Pine Station. From here, a 15-minute cable car ride takes you up to Tiantai Scenic Area—Jiuhuashan's "roof." The cable car glides over misty valleys, and on clear days, you'll see peaks stretching to the horizon.

Once off the cable car, we hike 800-900 stone steps to Tiantai Temple (天台寺). The path winds through pine forests, past stone carvings of Buddhist sutras. Some pilgrims climb on their knees as an act of devotion—feel free to walk at your own pace, pausing to admire the views.

Along the way, we stop at Ancient Prayer Platform (古拜经台), where Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is said to have prayed for all living beings. The platform overlooks a steep valley, and the sound of distant temple bells echoes through the air. It's a moment of pure serenity.

At the top, Tiantai Temple awaits. Its red walls and golden roof shine against the blue sky, and inside, a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva sits calmly. Stand in the courtyard, and take in the panoramic views—mountains rolling like waves, forests stretching as far as you can see. It's easy to understand why this spot is called "where heaven meets earth."

After soaking in the peace, we hike back down to the cable car and ride to the base. Our next stop is the Phoenix Ancient Pine—at 1,400 years old, it's a living symbol of Jiuhuashan. Its gnarled trunk and spreading branches look just like a phoenix spreading its wings. Pilgrims tie red ribbons to its branches, making wishes for happiness and peace—feel free to add yours.

From the pine, we head to the mountain exit, where our driver will transfer you to the high-speed rail station to catch your bullet train to Hangzhou.

As you leave Jiuhuashan, you'll carry more than memories—you'll take the mountain's calm and wisdom with you.

The rest day is for your free exploration in Hangzhou, the Paradise on Earth.

Jiuhuashan to Hangzhou High Speed Train Tip:

We will try to secure seats on G8386 from Jiuhuashan Station to Hangzhou (16:05–18:08), as the station is closer to the mountain and helps reduce transfer time by car. If tickets are unavailable, we can alternatively arrange C2350 from Chizhou to Hangzhou East (16:33–19:00).

This morning after breakfast, your guide/driver will wait for you in your hotel and then escort you to Putuoshan (230 km / 3.5–4 h).

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 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 Mount Putuo:

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 take a relaxing walk on Thousand-Step Beach (千步沙滩). 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.

Then, 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.

After your Putuoshan tour, your guide/driver will be waiting to take you directly back to your hotel or airport in Shanghai/Hangzhou. You leave the island refreshed, with a sense of peace that will last long after your trip ends.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your 5 Days Jiuhuashan & Putuoshan Tour. We are always dedicated to serving you and look forward to welcoming you again for your future trips to China/Asia/Africa.