Zhoushan Island, Principal island in Zhoushan Archipelago, Zhejiang, China.
Zhoushan Island is the principal island of the Zhoushan Archipelago in the East China Sea, featuring a varied landscape of coastal zones, ports, and settlements. The island connects rural areas with modern port cities, showing how traditional island life exists alongside contemporary maritime activity.
The island came under British control during the First Opium War in 1840, with forces remaining in place until their complete withdrawal in 1846. This period marked a turning point in how the region connected with foreign powers and reshaped local conditions.
The Zuyin Temple on the island maintains Buddhist traditions through regular ceremonies that shape the spiritual life of local communities. Visitors can observe how religious practices remain woven into daily rhythms and gatherings throughout the year.
The island has three main port zones - Dinghai, Shen-jia-men, and Laotangshan - that handle shipping and passenger traffic. Visitors can use these ports as entry points and find connections to the mainland and surrounding islands.
The Realm of Tonggui was built in 1651 as a memorial ground holding graves of fighters and civilians who resisted Qing rule. This place preserves memory of a lesser-known chapter of local resistance to foreign control.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
