City Introduction of Zhejiang, China: Zhoushan

Cultural Highlights

Over 6,000 years ago, the people of the Hemudu Culture were dwelling in the Zhoushan Archipelago. In the Spring-and-Autumn Period (770BC-403BC), Zhoushan was named Yongdong, for it is located east of the Yong River. It was under the administration of the State of Yeue. In AD 400, during the Eastern Jin Dynastry, Sun En started a rebellion in Zhoushan but failed. In 1863, a Japanese Buddhist monk put a Guanyin Statue in Chaoying Cave, which later became a popular scenic spot. British forces seized Zhoushan in 1840 and ruled it for parts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 1916, Sun Yat-sen visited Zhoushan and wrote an article called “Traveling to Putuo” (You Pu Tuo Zhi).

Tourist Attractions

Zhoushan is rich in tourism resources. The Putuo Mountain is well known among Chinese Buddhists. It has a 33-meter tall statue of the Guanyin at Zizhulin and two major beaches, Baibu Beach and Qianbu Beach. Puji Temple and Fayu Temple are also located in Putuo. The summer and autumn are the best two seasons to visit Zhoushan.

Seafood is very popular in Zhoushan. The best dishes include Zhoushan Seafood Noodle, Guanyin Pancake, Shrimp Dumpling, Fish Skin Dumpling, and Seafood Steaming Paozi.

Honors

Best National Tourism City in China (2005)

---National Tourism Administration of P. R. China