The maritime via ferrata project on Taohua Island in Putuo district is under construction. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]

The first maritime via ferrata project in China is under construction on Taohua Island in Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province and is expected to open in May next year.

Via ferrata is a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors, such as wooden walkways and suspended bridges.

The added infrastructure creates an exposed route feasible even for inexperienced climbers, allowing those who are not well-versed in climbing techniques to hike on ledges, climb vertical walls, as well as reach the peaks of mountains.

The via ferrata project on Taohua Island spans 762.95 meters, including steel bridges and six zip lines spanning an entire length of 525 m.

"We will spend three years gradually updating the scenic areas on Taohua Island to create more tourism calling cards involving rehabilitation and island adventure," said an official from Taohua town.