A seaside view of Huaniao Island in Zhoushan. [Photo/VCG]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province has launched its "Hello Island" initiative in recent years, presenting exhibitions, beach concerts, and creative markets across multiple islands, highlighting two decades of efforts in environmental protection and sustainable island development. 

The initiative links ecological conservation with cultural and tourism activities, promoting an island-wide approach where villages and islands are developed as integrated scenic areas. 

Zhoushan has created a framework for island protection that includes national marine reserves in Putuo district and Shengsi county, safeguarding rare species. Projects such as the Blue Bay restoration have revived coastlines on Gouqi Island, while dolphins have reappeared near the waters of Dongji Island, underscoring ecological improvement.

More than 260 projects have been launched under the initiative, with investments of 1.83 billion yuan (about $258 million). Remote islands have advanced desalination, infrastructure, and economic planning, fostering new industries such as camping, marine leisure, and fishing-tourism integration.

Island industries are diversifying. Shengshan Island has established an international fishing base, Gouqi Island has expanded its mussel industry into 377 supermarkets across 30 cities, and Dongju Island has developed a pet-friendly camping site generating over 500,000 yuan in the first half of this year.

Tourism growth reflects these changes. Zhoushan hosted 12.07 million visits in the first half of the year, up 16.3 percent year-on-year, with overnight stays reaching 8.24 million, up 18.4 percent year-on-year. Total tourism revenue rose 18.3 percent to 16.98 billion yuan, leading the province in growth.