An aerial view of Zhoushan's Shengsi Islands. [Photo/WeChat account: sstour]

The Shengsi archipelago in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, was recently featured in the Chinese National Geography 20th anniversary special issue, which highlights 15 categories of scenic landscapes in China.

The Shengsi archipelago, an essential part of China's largest island group — the Zhoushan Islands — stretches across the eastern sea and consists of 630 islands divided into eastern, central, and western clusters. The region is rich in biodiversity and ecological resources, with more than 700 marine species recorded in its waters. It is also a major fishing ground in the East China Sea, supporting key commercial species such as ribbonfish, large and small yellow croaker, and cuttlefish.

Shengsi's appearance on the magazine's "Most Beautiful Island Challenge List" reflects both its natural endowments and years of ecological and cultural enhancement. From marine restoration and cultural preservation to fishery transformation and tourism development, the islands are emerging as a model of sustainable coastal living.

Chinese National Geography devoted three pages to Shengsi in this issue, offering a valuable window for the world to rediscover the archipelago's maritime charm. The feature is expected to draw greater interest from travelers and researchers while boosting local efforts in ecological protection, cultural heritage, and marine economic development, injecting renewed vitality into the islands' future development.