Detours: Putuoshan

Visited by mists, infused with legend and supposedly guarded by a deity, the tranquil island of Putuoshan appeals to the hermit in us all.

Putuoshan ('Putuo' meaning beautiful white flower and 'shan' meaning mountain) is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains. Located off China's east coast, northeast of Ningbo and accessible by ferry from Shanghai and Ningbo, it's also got plenty of affinity for children.

At its port, a Buddhist nun smiles a greeting and wanders over to my two offspring for a mutual cooing session. Buddhism is well known for its compassion, and a visit to the island home of Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara) - also known as Kwun Yum, or the Goddess of Mercy - is the place to feel it.

Many legends relate to Kwun Yum appearing to faithful travellers in times of need. A 9th-century story tells of a Japanese monk who, carrying a statue of the goddess, gets caught in a storm. The goddess appears, tells him to leave the statue and guides him to the safety of Putuoshan, where he erects a temple in her honour.

Putuoshan certainly feels like a sanctuary, especially to those escaping the hustle and bustle of China's east coast.

Mystical temples, sweeping beaches, scattered traditional architecture and forest-clad mountains combine to create an enchanting atmosphere.

The island is only 12.5 square kilometres in area, and some visitors explore it on foot, although a more popular option is the regular minibuses plying the few roads.