Zhoushan Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 舟山 (zhōu shān)
Population: 1,176,000
Area: 222,000 square kilometers (85,715 square miles)
Location: in the east of Zhejiang, east China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Dinghai, Putuo); 2 counties (Daishan, Shengsi)
Area Code: 0580
Zip Code: 316000
GDP (2019): CNY 137.16 billion (USD 19.88 billion)

Located south to the mouth of the Yangtze River, Zhoushan is in the coastal area of eastern Zhejiang in the fringe of Hangzhou Bay. It is the only city established on the basis of a group of islands, the Zhoushan Archipelago. The city backed on the Yangtze River Delta megalopolis is an important pass to the opening up of the Yangtze River Basin and the delta area. Floating on the East China Sea, the area is listed on the world's four largest fishing grounds. The unique island scenery endows Zhoushan with endless charm. Blue sky, clear sea, beautiful islands, sun-kissed beaches, fresh seafood are always the essential parts of Zhoushan tourism.

The Buddhist culture and temples of Mt. Putuo attract many devout believers. Mt. Putuo is a holy place for Guanyin Bodhisattva to enlighten all beings. And a bronze statue of Guanyin on the mountain is the landmark. There are many temples and bathing beaches on the mountain. The best time to visit Zhoushan is from June to October. Taohua Island, Dong Ji Island, Zhujiajian and Shengsi Archipelago are the best places to take a summer vacation.

Strongly affected by the sea, the region has a humid and temperate climate without winter chilliness and summer heat. The annual average temperature is about 16.1C (61F). Typhoon may concentrate on the period from July to September. The best time to pay a visit is during June to October. During the typhoon period, weather forecast and marine information should be followed closely.

 History: According to the historical relics discovered, human beings have already dwelled here as early as 5,000 years ago. During the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), it was well known as the place where one of the three celestial islands locates. Some explorers visited the island seeking for a longevity drug. Administrative unit began to be established here in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

 Physical Features: Zhoushan Main Island is the fourth largest island second only to the Hainan, Taiwan and Chongming islands, and the whole city consists of some one thousand islands of all sizes with ninety-eight of them inhabited. Further more, it has a vast sea area over twenty thousand kilometers (about 7722 miles).

 Local Highlights:
Fishery, Taoist culture and seashore are the advantages to the development of the city. Centered by the three main features, the city holds several festivals yearly.
Seafood Festival: in Shenjiamen Port, Zhoushan Main Island, during July to October
Putuo Mountain Nanhai Kwan-yin Cultural Festival: in Putuo Mountain during November
International Sand-sculpture Festival: in Nansha Scenic, Zhujiajian Town (Zhujiajian is the fifth largest island southeast of Zhoushan), during July to October

 Special Local Products: shell carving, fisherfolk tapestry, Putuo Buddha tea, sea product (eel, crab, jellyfish, mud snail and yellow croaker)