Zhoushan, China’s shimmering island archipelago in the East China Sea, is the perfect setting for an indulgent retreat where Buddhist serenity meets barefoot luxury. Begin on Mount Putuo, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, arriving by private yacht or business-class ferry, then checking into an ocean-view suite at the Putuo Mountain Hotel or the luxe Hilton Zhoushan. Wake to the sound of temple bells drifting over the sea before wandering to the grand Puji Temple, incense curling around golden statues, and on to the cliffside Huiji Temple for sunset over rippling jade water. Spend a hedonistic afternoon on Zhujiajian Island’s Nansha Beach, its fine sand framed by sculpted rocks and exclusive beach clubs serving chilled local yellow wine and fresh sashimi. Charter a car to Dongji Island, a remote cluster of stone villages where boutique guesthouses overlook fishing boats and star-drenched skies. In Dinghai Old Street, restored Qing-era facades hide chic cafés and refined seafood restaurants; order steamed abalone, grilled scallops, and pepper crab with sea views. Close your journey with a sunrise cruise around Taohua Island, famed for dramatic cliffs and translucent coves, then unwind at a spa with sea-salt therapies and hot-stone massages, leaving Zhoushan with salt in your hair and a sense of luminous calm.