Taohua (Peach Blossom) Island

Taohua (Peach Blossom) Island is one of the islands in Zhoushan Archipelago located to the south of Shenjiamen Fishing Harbor (沈家门渔港), with an area of 43 square kilometers. It has the highest peak in the archipelago named Duizhishan Mountain (对峙山). The mountain stretches out in all directions, forms waves of peaks and bears a magnificent view of sea and mountains. A magic legend goes that an ancient anchorite named Anqi had been practicing to make elixirs on the island. When swallowed the pills made of specific materials, he was drunk. He spilled the ink on rocks, and the inkblot turned to the patterned veins of peach blossom, from which it got its name.

In the past, its beauty was unknown to the tourists. The high mountains, exotic reefs, golden beach, blue sea, dense hills and verdant trees are all seductive beauty elements. Its green coverage has reached over 75 percent currently, thus it is also called “Arboretum on Island”. It is the most botanically diversified island in Zhejiang Province for it is rich in natural resources especially in diverse species of trees and flowers. Narcissus is considered as a local specialty, ranked one of the top three species of Shuixian (a term of flowers), and exported to Hong Kong, Japan and other nations and regions.

The island is comprised of six scenic areas which contain more than 60 attractions all together. Anqi Peak is closely related to the anchorite Anqi. If you enjoy tracing the footprints of the fairy, it could be a must. East Sea Pearl is a smooth and naturally formed rock ball, like a flaming pearl chased by dragons. Baique Convent is said to be the place where Kwan-yin became a nun, and you will hear the touching murmurs that are Kwan-yin’s praying for people. The fanciful rock formations, such as the lion descending down the mountain, sea seal heading a ball and so on, are really eye catching for tourists.

The popularities that it has gained mainly attribute to Jin Yong also known as Louis Cha and his novels martial arts. It has been a popular location for shooting movies and TV series based on Cha’s novels. As the TV series “The Legend of the Eagle-shooting Heroes” hot played across the country, a theme park named “City of Eagle-shooting Heroes” was founded on the island. Starting from 2004, Jin Yong Martial Art Festival was held annually here. It offers wonderful performance and competitions of martial arts, which feasts tourists’ eyes utmost.