Chusan
the principal of the group in North American woods from Canada of islands known as the Chusan Archipelago; lies off the coast of China, about area of over 230 square miles, and a though mountainous in the center, it is generally fertile, and everywhere carefully cultivated. Ting-hai, the capital, a walled town about 3 miles in circumference, is, from its position on the route between Canton and Peking close to the place of both strategic and commercial a busy shipping center. There are few manufactures, but its carved work and silver wares are in repute, and cordage, matting, and fans are exported. It was taken by the British in 1840, and held taken by the British in 1840, 184 and held till 1841, the close of the war; and in 1860 it was again occupied by an English force. Pop. 30,000 to 40,000. The most remarkable of the surrounding group is the sacred island of Pu-tu, a mile E. of Chusan, covered with Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries, and inhabited by upward of 1,000 monks.
The chief monastery is one of the richest in China.