Located at the southern foot of Lingjiu Peak, Pu Ji Chan Temple ranks as the dominant temple at Mount Putuo. When it was first established during the Song Dynasty, more than 1,000 years ago, the Temple was called Bu Ken Qu Guanyin Temple, literally translated as Not-willing-to-leave Guanyin Temple. In the centuries following, the temple underwent name changes several times. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, during the Qing Dynasty, more than 200 years ago, it was reconstructed and dubbed the Pu Ji Chan Temple.

Among the 586 halls in the Temple, Dayuantong Hall is the largest and is also ranked as the biggest main hall designated for worshiping Guanyin throughout the country. It is said that the hall can seat a hundred people at one time without feeling too cold and spacious and a thousand people together without feeling too crowded. Thus, Dayuantong Hall is also called a hall with life.