Îles de Zhoushan, Island group in Zhejiang, China.
The Zhoushan Archipelago sits along the eastern coast of Zhejiang Province at the mouth of Hangzhou Bay and consists of roughly 1,390 islands and numerous reefs. These islands form a complex coastal landscape with mountainous terrain rising significantly above the water.
The islands came under regular Chinese administration in the 8th century and later served as key trade routes connecting Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, and mainland ports. This strategic position made them important hubs for maritime commerce.
Mount Putuo became a major center for Chan Buddhism with temples and meditation spaces that visitors can explore today. The religious significance of these sites is still felt by locals and pilgrims who come here.
The archipelago connects to mainland China through bridge networks, and Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport provides regional air connections. Getting around the islands varies in difficulty depending on which areas you want to explore.
The islands are actually submerged mountain peaks that once formed a land connection to the Korean peninsula. Some peaks rise over 500 meters above sea level and reveal the area's dramatic geological history.
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