Consisting of 1,339 islands and reefs, the Zhoushan Archipelago in the East China Sea is China's 1argest offshore island group, accounting for some 20 per cent of all the islands in China. seaward extension of the Tiantai Mountains in east Zhejiang Province,the mountain chain was submerged about 8,000-10,000 years ago as a result of rising sea levels, creating what we now call the Zhoushan Islands.Ages of pounding and erosion by waves have left the islands with many caves. In both number and quality, Zhoushan's sandy beaches rank among China's best.

Putuoshan is the largest island in the Zhoushan Archipelago and Buddhism took root here in the ninth century.the late Tang Dynasty(618-907). Later,in the Song Dynasty(960-1279),it was dedicated to Guanyin,the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy,and became the world's largest site for the worship of the bodhisattva.Long recognized as one of China's four sacred mountains of Buddhism,it attracts an endless stream of pilgrims. At its height,there were three major Buddhist temples,88 nunneries and 128 shelters. The 19th  day of the second, sixth and ninth months of the lunar calendar are three major Buddhist festivals, when the faithful congregate here to worship.

The island is a scenic resort too, with over a dozen sites of strange-looking rocks, dark caves,thick woods,ancient trees and sandy beaches. Whilst the West Lake in Hangzhou is reputed as the best combination of hill and lake scenery.Putuoshan Island has the best combination of hill and sea views.