2012 China Self-Drive Tour Route Selection ―― Hi, Zhoushan!

        Reasons to Drive Here

        In addition to the beautiful Peach Blossom Island from Jin Yong’s novels, this place also boasts peculiar cliffs and caves, famous temples, golden-sand beaches, and picturesque fishing harbor night scenes. It is like a string of emerald-like pearls scattered across the East China Sea.

        Impressions

        Shenjiamen Fishing Port ― Putuo Mountain ― Peach Blossom Island ― Zhujiajian ― Dongji Island ― Salted Mustard Yellow Croaker ― Dried Yellow Croaker Roast Pork ― Zhoushan Hairtail

        Shenjiamen Fishing Port: China’s largest natural fishing port, where tens of thousands of fishing boats shuttle year-round, masts stand densely, and the sea is teeming with fish and shrimp. When night falls, the ten-mile stretch of seafood stalls along the harbor forms a unique island fishing port scene.

        Putuo Mountain: The bodhisattva sleeping in the South Sea, who blesses her followers here. Light a stick of incense in reverence and temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the secular world. Peach Blossom Island: The dwelling place of the Eastern Heretic Huang Yaoshi from Jin Yong’s novels. With its pleasant climate, rolling peaks, misty mountains and seas, and unique scenery, as well as soft and delicate sandy beaches waiting for you to explore.

        Zhujiajian: Facing Shenjiamen across the sea, the island features continuous golden sands, steep and rugged rocks, vast forests, and ceaseless tidal sounds. Its annual International Sand Sculpture Festival attracts visitors from all over.

        Dongji Island: An East China Sea pearl far from the main island of Zhoushan, offering genuine sunshine, blue seas, islets, and seafood. It is a sacred place for local fishermen's culture and sea fishing.

        Salted Mustard Yellow Croaker: The waters around the Zhoushan Archipelago are one of the main producers of yellow croaker. The flesh of yellow croaker is tender, nutritious, and holds high economic and medicinal value. It can be prepared in dozens of delicious ways such as braised, stewed, stir-fried, or served fresh. Salted Mustard Yellow Croaker is a homely dish often served to guests in Dinghai.

        Dried Yellow Croaker Roast Pork: Fresh yellow croaker cleaned, salted, and dried is called yellow croaker fillet. The finely processed yellow croaker fillet from Zhoushan is white, round-shaped, flavorful, and moderately salty, rich in protein and with an appropriate amount of fat. Stewed with ginger, it can serve as nourishment for women after childbirth. Dried Yellow Croaker Roast Pork is a most distinctive local delicacy used by Dinghai locals to entertain guests. When the fish fillet is cooked with pork, the texture is tender and soft, with a strong aroma of the fish fillet blending with the freshness of the pork. The two flavors complement each other beautifully.

        Zhoushan Hairtail: Zhoushan hairtail is famed both at home and abroad for its thick, oily, and delicious meat. It can be prepared in various ways including braising, steaming, salting, and air-drying.