An aerial view of Shengshan Island in Zhoushan. [Photo/VCG]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province has reported an average annual GDP growth of 7.4 percent during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, with its total GDP expected to rise from 151 billion yuan ($21.2 billion) in 2020 to 235 billion yuan in 2025, ranking among the fastest-growing regions in the province.

The city's per capita GDP is projected to reach 200,000 yuan, placing it near the top among prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta region. The marine economy now accounts for 70 percent of local GDP, supported by an advanced industrial system.

The Zhoushan area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone has developed into the nation's largest petrochemical and energy base, handling one-fifth of China's oil reserves and one-tenth of its liquefied natural gas capacity. Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has maintained its global lead in cargo throughput for 16 consecutive years.

Innovation has become a major growth driver. The added value of high-tech industries is expected to account for more than 80 percent of the added value of industries above designated size by 2025 — the highest proportion among all prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang.

Living standards have also improved. Per capita disposable income has risen by an annual average of 6.3 percent, and income disparity has narrowed. The city has built 38 new education and healthcare facilities, achieving integrated public services across its islands. With urbanization now at 74.9 percent, Zhoushan's island clusters are becoming greener and more livable.