Putuoshan Mountain

Putuoshan, some 100km/60mi east of Ningbo, is an island just 12sq.km/4.5sq.mi in area, which belongs to the Zhoushanquando group of islands. Together with Wuteishan, Emeishan and Jiuhuashan it makes up the four Holy Mountains of Buddhism. Many legends have grown up around the mountain and island: in 916 a Japanese monk tried to bring a statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) to his country, but when he came to this region, an iron lotus flower rose up from the water and barred his way to his ship.

Thereupon the monk took a vow to build a temple, at which the lotus flower vanished. A short time later the ''Temple of Guanyin, who does not wish to depart'' (Bukengqu Guanyinyuan) was built on the slope of the mountain. According to another legend, after a long period of meditation, the Goddess of Mercy is supposed to have received enlightenment on nearby Luojiashan. She then crossed the sea with a single leap and came to rest on Putuoshan where she left behind a footprint.

Between the 10th and early 12th C 218 monasteries, accommodating some 3000 monks, were built on the mountain.

Among all these religious buildings the Monastery of Universal Salvation stands out. Built in 1080 it covers an area of 14,000sq.m/3.5acres and comprises seven temples, 12 pavilions and 16 other buildings. The Yuantong Baodian Hall, the largest of all the temple buildings, will accommodate 1000 people. The second largest monastery is Fayu Si. In the Yangzhi convent the stone likeness of Guanyin is of particular interest. The prince's stupa (Duota) dates from the 14th C.