Zhoushan history

The history of Zhoushan is the chronicle of an archipelago whose destiny is inextricably linked with the sea. Located in a strategically vital position off the coast of East China, for centuries it has served as a naval outpost, a centre of trade, a haven for pirates, and a sacred site for pilgrims.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the islands have been inhabited since ancient times, the first significant mentions in chronicles date back to the 4th century, when the archipelago became a base for a rebellion during the Jin Dynasty. However, the first official administrative unit was established here much later:

• 738 AD: During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Wenshan County was established on the archipelago, marking the beginning of the region's official administrative history.
• Subsequent Dynasties: The status of Zhoushan changed repeatedly. During the Song era, it was Changguo County (from 1073), and under the Qing Dynasty, it became Dinghai County (from 1687). These changes reflected the shifting policies of Chinese rulers regarding maritime trade and defence.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Zhoushan was defined by three main factors:

• Geographical Location: The archipelago is located at the entrance to Hangzhou Bay, at the intersection of important sea routes. This advantageous position made it a natural "gateway" for trade and maritime communication.
• Trade and Navigation: Since ancient times, Zhoushan has been an important centre for fishing and maritime trade. In the 16th century, it even became one of the main bases for Wokou pirates, and later, a place where early European traders arrived.
• Political and Military Role: The strategic importance of the islands made them an arena of struggle for control. Power here passed from imperial officials to rebel leaders, which directly influenced stability and economic development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Zhoushan's history was multifaceted. The economy of the islands traditionally relied on the gifts of the sea — fishing and salt production. Thanks to its location on the Maritime Silk Road, the archipelago was open to cultural exchange. It was here, on Putuoshan Island, that one of the most important centres of Chinese Buddhism was formed, which continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world to this day. Many temples on the island trace their history back to the Tang Dynasty.

Chronology of Historical Events

The history of the archipelago is a journey from a secluded fishing region to a strategic outpost and a centre of international trade. Below are the key dates that determined the fate of the region.

• 738: During the Tang Dynasty, Wenshan County was officially established, considered the beginning of the administrative history of the region now known as Zhoushan.
• 863: The Japanese monk Hui E left a statue of the Goddess Guanyin on Putuoshan Island, initiating the island's transformation into one of East Asia's main Buddhist shrines.
• 1073: In the Song Dynasty era, the county was renamed Changguo, and its status was elevated due to the development of maritime trade and shipping.
• 1387: Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty, as part of the "sea ban" policy, ordered the evacuation of the islands' population to the mainland to combat piracy.
• 1560s: The archipelago became a base for the legendary "Pirate King" Wang Zhi and smugglers operating in the waters of the East Sea.
• 1688: Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty lifted the sea ban and established Dinghai County, beginning the economic recovery and resettlement of the islands.
• 1840: During the First Opium War, the British fleet captured Dinghai, using the archipelago's convenient harbour as a temporary base off the coast controlled by China.
• 1950: Conclusion of civil war hostilities in the region and the establishment of PRC control over the archipelago following the evacuation of Kuomintang forces.
• 1987: The State Council of the PRC approved the creation of Zhoushan as a prefecture-level city, separating it from the Ningbo region.
• 2009: A grand engineering structure was put into operation — the Zhoushan Trans-oceanic Bridge, providing a land connection between the islands and the mainland for the first time.
• 2011: Zhoushan received the status of the country's fourth national "New Area", oriented towards the development of the marine economy.
• 2017: Official launch of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, with the archipelago as its centre.
• 2018: The first overseas Boeing plant for the completion and delivery of 737 MAX aircraft opened in the city.

Key Milestones in Zhoushan's Development

Zhoushan's development is a story of transforming an isolated archipelago into a strategically important economic and cultural hub. The key transformations that defined its modern appearance span several centuries.

• Becoming a Centre of Buddhism (from the 9th century): The cultural and spiritual development of Zhoushan is inextricably linked with Putuoshan Island. After a statue of the Goddess Guanyin remained here in 863, according to legend, the island gradually turned into one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism. This event laid the foundation for centuries of pilgrimage, forming a unique cultural landscape and making tourism an important part of the regional economy long before its modern flourishing.
• Opening to Foreign Trade (17th–18th centuries): Thanks to its advantageous position, Zhoushan became one of the few ports open to European traders during the Qing Dynasty. Although this status was lost in 1760 due to tightening trade policies, this period demonstrated the archipelago's immense potential as an international trading hub.
• Gaining Prefecture-Level City Status (1987): As part of the PRC's reform and opening-up policy, Zhoushan was elevated to the status of a prefecture-level city, and its ports were opened to foreign vessels. This decision became a catalyst for modern economic transformation, giving a powerful impulse to the development of shipbuilding, port logistics, and fisheries.
• Construction of Trans-oceanic Bridges (2000s): The completion of the massive bridge complex connecting the archipelago with the mainland city of Ningbo was an infrastructure revolution. The bridges, including the famous Zhoushan Trans-oceanic Bridge, ended the islands' transport isolation, integrating them into the Yangtze River Delta economy and vastly accelerating logistics and tourism development.
• Creation of the Zhoushan Archipelago New Area (2011): The approval by the PRC State Council of the country's first national "New Area" focused on the marine economy defined Zhoushan's future. This status attracted massive investment and kickstarted the development of clusters in petrochemicals, bulk cargo processing, and marine technologies.
• Integration into the Pilot Free Trade Zone (from 2017): The inclusion of Zhoushan in the Zhejiang Pilot FTZ finally solidified its role as a key centre for international oil and gas trade. This facilitated the creation of China's largest base for the storage and transshipment of oil products, strengthening its position in the global market.

The architectural appearance of Zhoushan is unique and inseparable from its island location. Instead of a single city centre, numerous settlements formed here, each with its own character, while urban planning was always subordinate to the sea, religion, and trade. Several key directions can be highlighted in the development of its architecture.

Traditional and Religious Architecture

The heart of the archipelago's spiritual and architectural life is Putuoshan Island, one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism. Its landscape is dotted with temples and monasteries, many of which trace their history back to the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties. The architecture of these complexes serves as a classic example of Chinese temple building:

• Puji Temple: Founded in 1080, this is the largest temple complex on the island, expanded multiple times during subsequent dynasties. Its pavilions with curved roofs, richly decorated with carvings, are harmoniously integrated into the natural terrain.
• Fayu Temple: Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it is known for its elegant wood carvings and calligraphic inscriptions left by emperors.
• Pagodas and Statues: Important elements include the stone Pagoda of Many Treasures (1334) and the majestic 33-metre statue of the Goddess Guanyin, which form the island's recognizable silhouettes.

Civil and Port Development

Historical districts, such as the old town of Dinghai, have preserved features of traditional coastal development. Narrow streets, low houses with tiled roofs, and lively markets reflect Zhoushan's heritage as a vital fishing and trading port. Architecture here was primarily functional, oriented towards protection from sea winds and the needs of seafarers. A significant part of the old port area is being transformed today through revitalization projects, where old docks and warehouses are converted into cultural and tourist facilities.

Modern Urban Planning and Modernism

Since the end of the 20th century, Zhoushan has undergone a massive transformation made possible by the construction of infrastructure mega-projects. A key role in this was played by the creation of the trans-oceanic bridge complex connecting the archipelago to the mainland in 2009. This triggered rapid development:

• New Urban Districts: Within the framework of the Zhoushan Archipelago New Area, new residential and business quarters are being actively built. Modern architecture is represented by high-rise office buildings, such as the Zhoushan Port International Building, and large residential complexes.
• Infrastructure Facilities: New port terminals, logistics centres, and industrial zones demonstrate a modern industrial style, emphasizing Zhoushan's status as one of the world's largest ports.

Thus, Zhoushan's architectural landscape represents a fascinating combination of ancient Buddhist shrines, traditional fishing settlements, and ultra-modern urban and industrial developments, reflecting its centuries-old history and dynamic present.

Notable Figures Associated with Zhoushan

The Zhoushan Archipelago, having been a significant maritime, cultural, and political centre for centuries, has been the birthplace or site of activity for many iconic figures in China's history and modern times. These people left their mark in a wide variety of fields — from politics and business to art and science.

• Sun En (4th-5th centuries) — Leader of a major Taoist rebellion at the end of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. He used the Zhoushan islands as his main base to organize attacks on coastal areas, making the archipelago an important point on the military map of that time.
• Yishan Yining (1247–1317) — A Buddhist monk and diplomat of the Yuan Dynasty era. While serving as the abbot of a temple on Putuoshan Island, he was sent to Japan as an imperial envoy, which facilitated cultural exchange between the two countries.
• Wang Yijun (died 1862) — One of the military commanders during the Taiping Rebellion. He attempted to capture Zhoushan from Qing troops but was defeated and killed, which became one of the notable episodes of this conflict in the region.
• Tung Chao Yung (1912–1982) — A native of Zhoushan who became one of the world's largest shipping magnates and the founder of Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL). His success story became a symbol of the enterprising spirit of people from this maritime region.
• Qiao Shi (1924–2015) — An influential Chinese politician whose homeland is Zhoushan. He held top state posts, including serving as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress from 1993 to 1998.
• Sanmao (1943–1991) — The pen name of the famous Taiwanese writer Chen Ping. Her ancestral roots are in the Dinghai district, and her work, full of travel and autobiographical motifs, has had a huge influence on Chinese literature.
• Michael Miu (born 1958) — A popular Hong Kong actor born in Zhoushan. He is known for his numerous roles in television series and films, which brought him widespread fame in Asian cinema.