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Putuoshan... The Island That Time Forgot

Route: Shanghai - Putuoshan - Shanghai

The temple island of Putuoshan (shan = mountain) lies a few hours away from the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. This tranquil and green island is filled with pagodas, temples and caves and offers a lovely contrast to China's big cities.

This module is also a good option if you would like some beach time at the end of your holiday. Don’t expect to find lounging chairs or large umbrellas, as the area is not a resort as such. It does however have a sandy coastline and warm sea. Two nights on Putuoshan island is enough to recoup and enjoy the peace and calm radiated by this small island.

If you'd like to start building your China holiday, take a look at our bite-sized China trips. Or alternatively, you can choose from one of our ready-made holidays in China.

Duration:	3 days/ 2 nights (extension possible)	Departure:	Sunday through Wednesday; from Thursday – Saturday the island is crowded with Chinese tourists
Comfort level (1-4):	3-4 (see accommodation)	Accommodation:	2 nights in a double occupancy room with ensuite bathroom
Price:	£215 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Included:	Transport and accommodation
Transport:	Round trip transfer by land and water from Shanghai to Putuoshan Island	Excluded:	Meals and island preservation fee. See 'Please Note' at the bottom of this page

Day 1: Shanghai - Putuoshan Island

Today you'll need to grab an early breakfast, as you'll be picked up at 7:00am for your transfer to the bus station. A public bus will drive you for three hours to Luchao, where you’ll catch a boat to Putuoshan Island. Bring along a snack for the journey as the boat only has a simple bar.

During this visit to the beach in China, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with all necessary facilities. Have some lunch at your hotel, rest up for a bit and then head out to explore the island. We recommend visiting the statue of Guanyin in the late afternoon. At this time of day it will be beautifully lit by the setting sun.

The best way to explore the island is by foot; the island has been cultivated for pedestrians and there are signs everywhere to lead you in the right direction. Putuoshan is small (approximately 6km in circumference) and you can easily walk around it in a day.

Day 2: Putuoshan

After breakfast this morning, your day is free to enjoy the island. Delight in the many delicately carved rooftops and arches mirrored in the ponds of the Puji temple. Stroll through the temples, and along the pagodas and well-kept gardens.

If you want to visit a beach in China, then head down to the “100 steps” beach. Around noon you’ll start to see people carrying buckets filled with the catches of the day for the Putuo fish restaurants. In true Putuo style just point out what you’d like to eat and enjoy a delicious meal at an affordable price.

In the afternoon, you can visit Fayuchan temple. The temple lies on top of a mountain and pilgrims climb hundreds of stairs to reach it. Every three steps they kneel and bow down with their hands on the ground.

Day 3: Putuoshan - Shanghai

It's the end of your trip to the beach in China and at 13:30 the boat from Putuoshan Island will head back to the mainland, so you’ll have some time in the morning to take another dive into the sea or to visit one of the temples. You’ll be back at the Shanghai bus station at around 18:00, where this module ends. You can catch a taxi at the pier to your hotel in the city or if you’re travelling on, to the station or airport.

If this beach in China isn't quite what you're looking for or you're after a China trip with more of a western influence instead, have a look at our Hong Kong trip. Alternatively, if you’re looking for more of a resort holiday, check out our Hainan holiday.

Beach in China - Putuoshan Golden Buddha

Please Note:

1. Putuoshan Island does not offer bike rentals; most people make use of a mini van network that connects the island’s attractions in several minutes.

2. The distances on the island aren’t large, so most attractions can be reached within 30 minutes. You can walk around the entire island in 2.5 hours.

3. As a contribution to preserving the temples and walking paths on the island you’ll pay 110 Yuan when you arrive on the island. You’ll also pay 5 - 6 Yuan to visit temples and 25 Yuan for the guarded ‘100 steps’ beach. The other ‘1000 steps’ beach is quite beautiful; however it’s forbidden to swim here since there is no lifeguard present.

4. Putuoshan is a beautiful island with a very relaxed, Buddhist feel. Please note that it is not a beach resort.

5. More than 500 monks live on Putuoshan island; however you won’t see many of them during your stay. The exception is during mid-February, June and in September when there are several important ceremonies, such as the festival of the goddess.

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