Zhoushan is a prefecture-level city composed entirely of islands off the coast of Zhejiang Province in eastern China. Situated at the southern mouth of Hangzhou Bay, it occupies an archipelago that faces Shanghai to the north and Japan and Korea across the East China Sea to the east. The city’s administrative seat is in Dinghai District, and it holds a strategic maritime position connecting major coastal hubs.To get more news about zhoushan in china, you can citynewsservice.cn official website.
The Zhoushan archipelago comprises approximately 1,390 islands, making it known as the “City of a Thousand Islands.” Of these, 98 are permanently inhabited, with Zhoushan Main Island ranking as China’s fourth-largest island. The total jurisdiction covers about 1,378 km², while its built-up urban and metro area spans roughly 980 km². Geographic diversity ranges from densely urbanized centers to remote islets with pristine beaches and coastal cliffs2.
Historically, the region’s first regular administrative unit emerged during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), when maritime activity began shaping Zhoushan’s identity. Over centuries, it evolved into a hub for fishing, trade, and Buddhist pilgrimage. In 1987, Zhoushan was officially converted into a prefecture-level city, reflecting its growing economic and cultural importance in the Yangtze Delta region.
Economically, Zhoushan recorded a gross domestic product of CN¥151.2 billion (approximately US$19.9 billion) in 2020, with a per capita output of CN¥130,130 (US$16,999). The local economy blends traditional fisheries and aquaculture with emerging industries such as shipbuilding, port logistics, and tourism. Its port facilities handle both commercial shipping and a thriving seafood trade that underpins Zhoushan’s reputation as China’s Seafood Capital.
Transportation in Zhoushan capitalizes on its maritime heritage. Shenjiamen Fishing Port, one of the world’s three largest natural fishing ports alongside Norway’s Bergen and Peru’s Cayao, anchors the city’s seafood industry. High-speed ferry services link Zhoushan to Ningbo, Shanghai, and neighboring islands, while bridges and undersea tunnels continue to improve road access. Regular bus and taxi services operate on the main islands, connecting urban districts with remote beaches and tourist sites.
Tourism is a pillar of Zhoushan’s modern identity. Mount Putuo (Putuoshan), one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, attracts pilgrims and leisure travelers with its historic temples, serene sea views, and monastic culture. Beyond Putuoshan, visitors can explore themed islands: Zhujiajian for its sand sculptures, Taohua for martial arts lore, Gouqi for white-washed architecture reminiscent of the Mediterranean, and Daishan for coastal hikes and seafood villages. The city also claims China’s first rays of sunrise, drawing early-morning crowds to its eastern shores.
Zhoushan experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Annual precipitation is generous, often exceeding 1,200 mm, with a pronounced rainy season from May to September. This climate supports lush vegetation on many islands but also makes the region prone to typhoons during late summer and early autumn. Local authorities maintain robust emergency response systems to safeguard residents and maritime operations during severe weather events.
With a 2020 population of 1,157,817 across the prefecture and an urban population of 882,932, Zhoushan balances bustling port activity with island-style living. Urban density averages 900 people per square kilometer in built-up areas, while many rural islets retain populations of a few hundred. The demographic mix includes long-standing fishing communities, cultural custodians on Putuo, and a growing workforce in maritime engineering and tourism services.
Looking ahead, Zhoushan aims to deepen its integration into the Yangtze River Delta economic zone by expanding its port infrastructure, fostering green aquaculture, and promoting sustainable tourism. Plans include waterfront revitalization in Shenjiamen, eco-trails on uninhabited islands, and digital upgrades for Buddhist heritage sites. These initiatives seek to preserve the archipelago’s natural and cultural assets while enhancing Zhoushan’s role as a maritime nexus and island getaway for domestic and international visitors.
