A man fishing in the sea near Zhujiajian island in Zhejiang province. (Photo Provided to China Daily)

Zhejiang province's Baisha and Zhujiajian are islands not only geographically but also psychologically.

They're sanctuaries of tranquility and tradition in China's sometimes-tempestuous waves of gale-speed urbanization and modernization.

The peaceful and picturesque isles off Zhejiang's northeastern tip are a 25-minute ferry ride apart.

Baisha's quaint cottages have white walls and blue doors.

Boardwalks that cling to cliffs offer sweeping vistas of the East China Sea.

The Yongjiang and Changjiang rivers' sediment has painted the waves that lap the strand yellow. But the elevated walkways offer clear views of the crisp delineation between cloudy waters and the brilliantly blue beyond.

The quiet island is mostly home to elderly people and fishermen.

Fishing has been the community's lifeblood for generations.