Putuoshan is a small island in the East China Sea. It's possible to walk from one end to the other in an hour or two but you could also spend days here relaxing and visiting some of the many temples. The island has about 3000 residents and about a third of these are monks. The park-like atmosphere and numerous Buddhist temples give the island a peacefulness that can't be found on the mainland of China. The temples here are dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, or Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion.