I really enjoyed my time on Putuoshan. To go somewhere that's not inhabited by several million people was great, but I feel more than 1000rmb was expensive for a day trip. I think two nights, or one night and the overnight ferry home, would be better value. Two whole days would also give you more time to relax on the beaches and explore the island at a leisurely pace. Returning an overnight would give you the opportunity to see the sun rise over the Bund too. Then again, if you go when the weather's hot and sunny, you might find you don't care when or how you come back-so long as it's not for a very long time...

Need to know:

Putuoshan is a small island in the East China Sea and its mountain is one of the four sacred peaks in China. It covers an area of only 12.5 square km and sits just 297m above sea level. It's not impossible to walk the island's length in just a couple of hours, but most people choose to spend a few days relaxing on the beaches or visiting the numerous temples. Of Putuoshan's 3000 residents about 1000 are monks. The whole island has been declared a National Park and consequently there is an 110rmb entrance fee ¨C although beware, this does not include some of the most popular or famous sites.


Need to go:

To the beach! The two most well-known beaches are the Hundred Step Beach and the Thousand Step Beach. The former charges 10rmb for entry but is supposedly equipped with sun loungers and parasols (albeit at a cost), as well as quad bikes and banana boats. At night it also occasionally has karaoke parties. Thousand Step Beach is free and bigger but has no facilities.

Puji Monastery is the most accessible and famous monastery on Putuoshan, sitting on the island's central axis. It costs 5rmb to enter. Expect the usual parade of tourist facilities in close proximity though: hotels, restaurants and grocery stores.

Guanyin Statue is a 33 metre high bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy. She sits on the south-east corner of Putuoshan by the sea and views the surrounding hills. She's reputed to protect fisherman and islanders, but who doesn't like big shiny things anyway?

Mount Putuo may sit at less than 300 metres above sea level but it's a fairly strenuous climb up approximately 1000 steps. The views across the island are great though, especially if you can pick out Guanyin, glinting in the sun. A 40rmb return cable car is available.

What to eat and where:

Seafood is plentiful and revered in Putuoshan. It's best enjoyed from one of the bright orange stands on the promenade in the evenings, as the freshest stuff has been caught the same evening.

Vegetarian food is common, since the island is dominated by Buddhism. Most of the restaurants on Putuoshan will offer a large number of vegetarian or ¡®fake meat' dishes mimicking traditional Chinese food. A good place to find such cuisine is at temples, where it is also pretty cheap.

Beer brewed on Putuoshan is most easily found in the hotel restaurants. It's worth a drink, but only for novelty value.

See a list of typical Fish dishes and other Chinese dishes with Chinese characters and English translations here

Nightlife:

Port restaurants are the major nightlife venues in Putuoshan. The feasting lasts until usually at least 2am or 3am and it's common for musicians to entertain you as you eat.
Final thought:

Take good, sturdy, comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the whole island. The walk is worth it but the blisters are not! If you're a westerner expect more staring than you'd get in Shanghai too. Be aware that ATMs can be hard to find. Try the major hotels or budget before you leave.

Related: Hongzhou

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