Here's a travel guide to the Zhoushan Islands:
Best Time to Travel
• June-August: The waters are azure, perfect for swimming, water activities, and enjoying the beach. However, typhoons are possible, so check the weather forecast in advance.
• September-November: The weather is crisp and clear, seafood is delicious, and there are relatively few tourists, allowing for quiet island scenery.
• December-February: This is off-season, allowing you to experience authentic island customs, such as fishermen's New Year customs. However, the sea breeze can be strong, so be sure to dress warmly.
Recommended Attractions
• Putuo Mountain: One of China's four famous Buddhist mountains, it boasts renowned attractions such as Puji Temple and the Guanyin of the South China Sea, offering a rich experience of Buddhist culture. The beaches and ocean views of Baibusha are also captivating.
• Zhujiajian: Known as the "hometown of sand sculptures and a vacation paradise," Nansha is renowned for its sand sculptures. The Daqingshan Ring Road is a scenic drive ideal for sightseeing, and you can also catch some seafood at Dongsha Beach.
• Dongji Island: The filming location for the TV series "See You Tomorrow." The "See You Tomorrow" lighthouse on Miaozi Lake, the Potala Palace on Qingbang Island, and the sunrise and sea of clouds at Dongfu Mountain are all captivating attractions, allowing visitors to experience the vastness and tranquility of the ocean.
• Huaniao Island: Known as China's "Santorini," it boasts a patchwork of blue and white houses and a century-old lighthouse. In summer, you might even encounter a fluorescent blue teardrop sea.
• Goji Island: Known as the "Little Greece of the East," Dawang Beach boasts clear water and soft sand. The spectacular mountain and sea view overlooks the entire island, while the uninhabited village offers a sense of exploration.
• Daishan Island: Known as the "Penglai of the Sea," Lulan Qingsha boasts a long coastline with fine sand, and Dongsha Ancient Town is imbued with ancient charm.
Recommended Dining
• Seafood Noodles: A must-try dish. The delicious broth blends the essence of shrimp, shellfish, crab, and other ingredients. Recommended restaurants include Little Bee Noodle House and Zhao Lu Seafood Noodle House.
• Swimming crab in scallion oil: Tender and fragrant with scallion flavor, it perfectly captures the delicious flavor of Zhoushan seafood.
• Zhoushan crab paste: A local favorite, a delicious and rich dish to go with rice.
• Steamed grouper: Tender, authentic, and nutritious.
• Zhoushan grilled fish: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique sauce, it's a great late-night snack.
• Magnolia jelly: A refreshing local dessert with a smooth, sweet, and delicious taste.
Accommodation Options
• Putuoshan: Choose a Zen-themed hotel, such as Xilei Village, where you can experience tranquility amidst the sounds of morning bells and evening drums.
• Zhujiajian: With many sea-view B&Bs and resort hotels, such as "That Summer," it's perfect for families, offering stunning views of the azure sea and golden sands.
• Dongji Island: Mainly homestays, such as "Dongfushan No. 1," boast unparalleled sea views from its balcony, making it a popular check-in spot.
• Gouqi Island: Enjoy stunning ocean views from unique accommodations such as villas with sea views and pools.
Transportation Guide
• External Transportation
◦ Airplane: Arrive at Ningbo Lishe International Airport, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Zhoushan.
◦ High-speed Rail: Take the train to Ningbo Station or Ningbo South Station, then take a bus from Ningbo South Bus Station to Zhoushan Putuo Passenger Transport Center.
◦ Self-Driving: Driving from Shanghai, Ningbo, or other cities to Zhoushan, please pay attention to road conditions on the cross-sea bridge.
• Inter-Island Transportation
◦ Ferry: The main means of transportation between the islands of Zhoushan is by ferry. Tickets to Dongji Island must be purchased seven days in advance through the "Smart Travel Starfish" official account, and return tickets can be purchased one day in advance through the "Dongji Shipping" official account. Advance booking is also required for trips to Huaniao Island, Gouqi Island, and other islands.
◦ Helicopter: Travelers pressed for time can try the "Island Express" helicopter service, which provides quick access to some islands.
Notes
• Ferry tickets are very limited during peak season and holidays, so be sure to book in advance through official channels.
• Ultraviolet rays are strong on islands, so be sure to take sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.
• If you feel seasick, prepare seasickness medicine in advance and bring extra jackets for protection from the wind on the boat.
• When consuming food at night stalls in Shenjiamen, choose stalls with clearly marked prices to avoid disputes.
• Some small islands have poor signal reception, so download an offline map in advance and prepare some cash.