Undiscovered Zhoushan

(shanghai daily)
Updated: 2006-11-15 10:28

The Zhoushan Archipelago in the East China Sea calls to mind Mount Putuoshan, one of China's four sacred mountains and pilgrimmage sites. A kingdom of Buddhism where Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, is worshipped by millions, the island is already a landmark, a tourist staple.

However, Western expats and holiday goers from nearby cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou and elsewhere may not spend much time on worship.

Fortunately, the archipelago also contains some undiscovered and unspoiled pleasures on other easily accessible islands that can be explored. Some are just a 10-minute boat ride from Putuoshan.

This was an entirely different experience. Variable seascapes, lush woods, golden beaches, sheer rock cliffs, rock formations that beckon your imagination, "dragon's pearl' rocks, hidden wooden huts, wonderful seafood and fanciful fishes -- these were some keywords for my journey to islands other than Putuoshan.

While flights for Zhoushan are available from Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport all year around, I chose bus and ferry service from Nanpu Bridge. It is cheaper. A one-way ticket cost a little over 100 yuan (US$12.70) and takes about four hours, much faster than direct coach, which takes six and a half hours.

The bonus of coach and ferry is that you can experience the East Sea Bridge and Yangshan Deep-Water Port en route because the boat sails from that port.

Traveling at more than 30 knots, the fiberglass fast boat was swift and comfortable. It would have been better if the seats in the enclosed cabin had been elevated and offered a view of the seascape and islands. When the boat was about to arrive at her destination -- Sanjiang Wharf on Zhoushan Island, the sunset at sea was striking against the silhouettes of islands.
Zhoushan Island is the largest island in the archipelago and China's fourth largest island. Mini-bus services are available from Sanjiang Wharf to Shenjiamen, a famous fishing port at the southeastern end of the island and the best gangway to explore the neighboring islands.

Base yourself in the comfortable small city -- there are nice hotels along the five-kilometer waterside promenade. There are lots of neon lights and great potential, but no glamourous neoclassical buildings as on Shanghai's Bund.
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