"Putuo" is a Chinese name for "Potalaka," the place where Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) resides according to the BuddHism. Putuo Mountain is known as 'Buddhist country amidst sea and sky'. It is also referred to as 'Oceanside paradise and Buddhist realm' and as 'The first sacred place in the world'. In addition, Putuo Mountain is not only the national center of Guanyin pilgrimage, but also the international pilgrimage center of Guanyin of the South Sea.
Putuoshan (Putuo Mountain) is located on one of the Zhoushan Islands in eastern Zhejiang Province, and covers an area of only 12.5 km2 with mountain ranges in the northwest, and beaches in the southeast. Its circumference is only 33 km. It has 3000 to 4000 inhabitants of who about 1000 are monks and nuns. The largest buildings are four storeys tall. Most are two storeys and in old architecture.
The island is famous for its old religion culture and unique island scenery. There are many wonderful scenic sites on the island, including temples, nunneries, beaches, exotic rocks, etc. The island is known for its rugged terrain and exquisite landscape, featuring an array of temples, pagodas, arched bridges, narrow alleys, fishing boats, and artisans' shops.
Putuoshan is one of the four Buddhist mountains of China. Others are Wutaishan, E'meishan and Jiuhuashan. The four Chinese Buddhist Mountains are each believed to be dominated by a major Buddha; It is not only a sacred place of Buddhism-"Buddhist Land of South Sea," but also an ideal summer resort. It has a mild climate, intriguing surroundings and unique scenery. It's been likened to be a brilliant and beautiful pearl.