Huaniao Island in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, has transformed from a remote fishing village into a widely recognized "Island of Love", driven by cultural tourism innovation and rising demand for romantic travel experiences.

An aerial view of Huaniao Island in Zhoushan. [Photo/Tide News]

The island recently gained significant attention. Over the past three years, Huaniao has also been ranked among China's top 10 mountain-and-sea destinations by National Geographic.

In response to the growing wedding and romance market, Huaniao adopted a distinctive romance-themed positioning in 2022. Natural and cultural landmarks were reimagined as romantic symbols, while new attractions such as scenic footpaths, pocket parks, and an outdoor marriage registration base created immersive experiences. Social media campaigns have generated strong national visibility, contributing to a 48.2 percent increase in visits since 2022.

Nine couples take part in a collective wedding ceremony on Huaniao Island. [Photo/Tide News]

A full romantic-economy chain is now taking shape, covering dating, wedding photography, ceremonies, and honeymoons. Twenty-two new romance-themed businesses and a high concentration of boutique guesthouses have strengthened tourism offerings. Young entrepreneurs are returning to open homestays, restaurants, and creative spaces, contributing to a 97.6 percent increase in tourism revenue as of this year's National Day holiday.

Houses on Huaniao Island are painted white, adding to the island's romantic atmosphere. [Photo/Tide News]

Ongoing improvements in infrastructure and transportation, together with community-benefit initiatives, have enhanced the quality of life for the island's roughly 700 residents as Huaniao continues to develop into one of China's signature coastal romance destinations.