Mount Putuo, Zhoushan — Photo by Yux Xiang (CC0, Unsplash/Wikimedia Commons)

Zhoushan

China's Largest Archipelago City of Buddha, Sea & Islands

Zhoushan is China's largest archipelago city, comprising over 1,390 islands scattered across the magnificent East China Sea. As the only prefecture-level city in China established entirely on islands, Zhoushan combines breathtaking maritime landscapes, sacred Buddhist heritage and a thriving fishing culture. It is home to Mount Putuo — one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains — the cinematic beauty of Dongji Island, and the golden beaches of Zhujiajian.

I. Top Must-Visit Attractions

1. Mount Putuo  [5A Sacred Buddhist Mountain]

One of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Surrounded by sea on all sides, this island mountain seamlessly blends Buddhist sanctity with spectacular coastal scenery. The 33-meter-tall Nanhai Guanyin statue overlooks the ocean from a hilltop, radiating golden light at sunrise.

Nanhai Guanyin Statue, Mount Putuo — The 33-meter golden Buddha overlooking the sea (Wikimedia Commons)

2. Zhujiajian Island  [5A Island Resort]

Known as the "backyard garden" of Zhoushan, famous for its sandy beaches, dramatic granite peaks and lush island forests. The annual Zhoushan International Sand Sculpture Festival is held here.

3. Dongji Island  [Cinematic Island]

The easternmost inhabited island in Zhoushan, made famous by the hit film "The Continent." Dongji retains a raw, untouched beauty with stone houses perched on cliffs, turquoise waters and dramatic sunrise views over the eastern sea.

Dongfushan Island, Dongji Archipelago — The easternmost inhabited island of Zhoushan (Wikimedia Commons)

4. Daishan Island  [Fairy Island of the East]

Known as the "Fairy Island on the Sea," combining beautiful beaches, ancient salt fields and pastoral landscapes.

5. Shengsi Islands  [Archipelago Paradise]

A stunning archipelago of over 400 islands known for pristine beaches, bioluminescent "blue tears" in summer and the abandoned fishing village of Houtiao — where ivy-covered stone houses have been reclaimed by nature.

6. Puji Temple  [Ancient Buddhist Temple]

One of the three major temples on Mount Putuo, Puji Temple is the largest and most important Buddhist complex on the island. With its grand halls, ancient trees and incense-filled courtyards, it serves as the spiritual center of Putuo pilgrimage.

Puji Temple, Mount Putuo — The largest Buddhist temple complex on the island (Wikimedia Commons)

II. Unique Urban Culture

1. Guanyin Buddhist Culture

Mount Putuo is the spiritual center of Guanyin worship in China and a major international Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

2. Maritime Fishing Civilization

As China's largest fishing base, Zhoushan's culture is inseparable from the sea. Generations of fishermen have developed unique maritime customs, from the grand "Sea-Sacrifice Festival" to traditional boat-building craftsmanship.