Mount Putuo Scenic Area-Purple Bamboo Grove

Mount Putuo Scenic Area-Purple Bamboo Grove is located at the southeastern end of Putuo Mountain Scenic Area, facing Luojia Hill across the sea. What people often refer to as "Purple Bamboo Forest" is not a patch of purple bamboo, but rather a collection of attractions including Purple Bamboo Forest, Bukenqu Guanyin Yard, and Chaoyin Cave. This area was an early site of Guanyin worship on Putuo Mountain, and many visitors come here drawn by the legend of "Bukenqu Guanyin." Entering the scenic area from the parking lot, go straight at the intersection to reach Nanhai Guanyin and Guanyintiao Scenic Spot, or turn left and walk to the end to find Purple Bamboo Forest. The gate of Purple Bamboo Forest is combined with Heavenly King Hall in a unique architectural design. Above the central door of Heavenly King Hall rises a gate tower that serves as the entrance archway, with the inscription "Bu Tan Purple Bamboo Forest" written by Kang Youwei. The temple is modest in size, with the main building being Yuantong Hall, which houses a seated statue of Guanyin with purple bamboo, where visitors can offer prayers. Additionally, the temple features many calligraphic plaques and couplets by famous artists, rich in Zen spirit, worth a careful look. Exiting Purple Bamboo Forest, follow the path opposite toward the sea to reach Bukenqu Guanyin Yard and Chaoyin Cave. Along the way, you can see Sea-Viewing Pavilion in front of Bukenqu Guanyin Yard from a distance. The temple is small; the original ancient nunnery has long disappeared, and the current buildings are newly constructed. However, this is one of the earliest temple sites on Putuo Mountain, marking the beginning of Buddha worship, making it a must-visit spot in Putuo Mountain Scenic Area. Opposite Bukenqu Guanyin Yard is Chaoyin Cave, half-submerged in the sea, where the tides surge in and out day and night with a thunderous roar. Enjoying the sea view here, you can see Luojia Hill in the distance, resembling a giant Buddha lying on the sea—a beautiful sight. Legend has it that this was a place where Guanyin manifested, so devout believers often interpret the sound of the tides as the Buddha's teachings, adding a mystical aura to Chaoyin Cave. Nearby stands a stele inscribed with "Prohibition of Self-Sacrifice and Finger Burning," a reminder that in the past, many devotees would jump into the cave to sacrifice themselves or burn their fingers in front of Bukenqu Guanyin Yard, believing this would lead to enlightenment. The local governor erected this stele to stop such practices. Today, no one engages in such acts, and this history has become a favorite story for tour guides, while the stele serves as a photo spot for visitors. After touring Mount Putuo Scenic Area-Purple Bamboo Grove, you can walk further south to pay homage to the 33-meter-tall Nanhai Guanyin. Additionally, the area is close to the pier; walking back to the pier, you can also visit South Heaven Gate and other nearby attractions along the way.