Four Filipino crew members and one local officer pose for a photo in Daishan county, Zhoushan. [Photo/Tide News]

On June 25, in celebration of the 15th Day of the Seafarer, the first Zhoushan Marine Culture Station opened at Shulanghu Terminal in Daishan county, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. 

It welcomed four Filipino crew members with temporary shore passes to visit the facility.

The new station highlights Zhoushan's maritime heritage, featuring fisherman's paintings, model ships, and marine rope art. It also includes a digital reading area and a film screening room.

The 22-year-old Buenaventura Jerico said that experiencing local culture in this way adds richness to his seafaring life.

A cultural performance was held on Shulanghu Island the same day, with music, skits, and traditional opera, providing a vibrant cultural exchange.

Daishan managed 2,150 international vessel entries and exits, accommodating nearly 44,000 foreign crew members in 2024. Shulanghu Terminal alone processed 464 ships with over 10,000 crew members and issued 3,366 boarding permits.

According to local officials, the marine culture station aims to support the mental well-being of international seafarers and encourage them to become cultural ambassadors for Zhoushan. 

Two more stations will be launched this year, with cultural markers installed at high-traffic international docks to create new must-visit spots for visiting sailors.