Across the ocean

[Photo/China Daily]

In addition to Wanghai Tower and islets around the main island, there are a few other scenic spots worth seeing.

1. Haixia military theme park

Named after the movie about a legendary woman militia, Haixia military theme park is China's first military theme park focused on coastal defense. Retired aircraft, warships, artillery are all displayed. With many watchtowers, blockhouses and trenches, the park is an ideal place for playing paintball. It is where the movie Haixia was filmed. It is definitely a must-go for fans of the most popular motion picture in China in 1970s.

2. Memorial hall of women militia

In the same village as the park is the memorial hall of women militia in Dongtou. Founded in 1950s, the women militia group in Dongtou fought and worked for the islands' freedom and prosperity. The memorial hall was first built in 1976, and rebuilt in 2010. Now it is a patriotic education base.

3. Zhongputuo Temple

Zhongputuo, or middle Putuo Temple, gets its name from its location between the north Putuo Temple in Zhejiang's Zhoushan and south Putuo Temple in Fujian's Xiamen. As a holy land to reflect on and practice Buddhism, the temple is divided into three parts for preaching, practice and tourism services. Its architectural style is practical and stately and is influenced by temples built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In the main hall, there's a nine-meter tall statue of Avalokitesvara made of 13 tons of copper. It is the biggest Buddha of all the three Putuo temples.

4. Yongfu Temple

Yongfu temple was built 300 years ago to worship the Sakyamuni. In its solemn halls and pavilions, there are 352 statues of wooden and stone Buddha. In the main hall, the statues of Sakyamuni and 18 disciples of the Buddha are essences of arts and Buddhism culture.