Zhoushan City Travel

Zhoushan, Zhejiang — China's only prefecture-level city established on an archipelago, home to Putuo Mountain, Zhujiajian, Dongji Island and other famous attractions, a tourist destination integrating Buddhist culture, island scenery and seafood cuisine.

1390
Islands
4
National Scenic Areas
1000+
Years of Maritime Culture History
1.17M+
Permanent Population

Zhoushan City District & County Travel

Zhoushan City Four-Day Three-Night Island & Buddhist Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage to Guanyin Bodhimanda, swim in golden beaches, taste seafood feast

Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Putuo Mountain, Zhujiajian, Dongji Island, Shenjiamen Fishing Port
Suitable For
Buddhist devotees, island enthusiasts, food lovers, photography enthusiasts
Budget per Person
¥1500-¥3000
01
Sea & Sky Buddhist Kingdom
Putuo Mountain Pilgrimage
Highlights

Arrive at Putuo Mountain in the morning, visit Puji Zen Temple; pay homage to the Nanhai Guanyin Giant Statue in the afternoon, climb Foding Mountain; stay overnight at a Putuo Mountain B&B.

Attractions
Puji Zen Temple
The largest temple on Putuo Mountain, the main shrine dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, first built in the Northern Song Dynasty, serving as the center of Buddhist activities on Putuo Mountain.
Nanhai Guanyin Giant Statue
A 33-meter high open-air bronze statue of Guanyin, facing the sea with solemn compassion, the landmark of Putuo Mountain.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Putuo Mountain Leidisen Manor
  • Putuo Mountain Jushilin (Lay Buddhist Lodge)
  • Seaside B&Bs
Food Recommendations
  • Putuo Mountain Vegetarian Meal
  • Seafood Vegetarian Feast
  • Guanyin Cake
Travel Tips
  • Dress appropriately and respect Buddhist etiquette
  • Bring cash; some smaller temples accept cash only
  • Temperature varies on the mountain; bring a light jacket
02
Golden Sands & Blue Sea
Zhujiajian Excursion
Highlights

Visit Zhujiajian Nansha Beach in the morning; explore Wushi Tang Scenic Area in the afternoon; experience the beach night market in the evening.

Attractions
Zhujiajian Nansha
One of the most famous beaches in the Zhoushan Archipelago, with fine sand and clear seawater, the main venue for the International Sand Sculpture Festival.
Wushi Tang (Black Stone Beach)
Famous for its black pebble beach stretching 500 meters. Waves striking the dark stones create a unique sound, full of charm.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Ferries run from Putuo Mountain to Zhujiajian
  • Tourist buses operate within Zhujiajian Island
  • Renting an electric scooter for island tours is recommended
Ticket Info
  • Nansha Beach: 75 yuan
  • Wushi Tang: 30 yuan
  • Combo ticket: 100 yuan
Experiences
  • Beach ATV riding
  • Sailing at sea
  • Sand sculpture creation
  • Beach barbecue
03
Extreme East of the East China Sea
Dongji Island Exploration
Highlights

Take a ferry to Dongji Island in the morning; visit Miaozihu Island and Dongfushan Island in the afternoon; stay at an island B&B at night, stargazing and listening to the sea.

Attractions
Dongji Island
The easternmost inhabited island group in China, consisting of Miaozihu, Dongfushan, Qingbang and other islands, famous for "the first ray of dawn of the new century".
Miaozihu Island
The seat of Dongji Town government, with relatively complete facilities on the island, the main filming location of the movie "The Continent".
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Board at Banshengdong Pier, Shenjiamen
  • Boat ride takes about 2 hours
  • Limited daily sailings; purchase tickets in advance
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Dongji Island Seaview B&B
  • Miaozihu Fisherman's Inn
  • Dongfushan Stone House B&B
Travel Tips
  • Rough sea conditions; prepare seasickness medication
  • Limited supplies on the island; bring some snacks
  • Protect against sun and mosquitoes
04
Fishing Port Charm
Seafood Feast
Highlights

Visit Shenjiamen Fishing Port in the morning; buy seafood specialties in the afternoon; return in the evening.

Attractions
Shenjiamen Fishing Port
One of the world's three major fishing ports, lined with fishing boats and brimming with seafood. Its night food stalls are a world-renowned gourmet paradise.
Zhoushan International Aquatic Products Market
China's largest origin aquatic product wholesale market, with a dazzling array of seafood, the top choice for buying Zhoushan specialties.
Practical Info
Return Suggestions
  • Shenjiamen to Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport: about 30 minutes
  • To Zhoushan Passenger Transport Center: about 20 minutes
  • Arrive at airport/station 2 hours ahead of time
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Zhoushan dried seafood products
  • Guanyin Cake
  • Dried laver and dried shrimp
  • Dried fish fillet and shredded squid
Travel Tips
  • Seafood can be vacuum-packed for easy carrying
  • Prices at night food stalls can be negotiated
  • Pay attention to seafood freshness preservation time

Must-Try Foods in Zhoushan City

Zhoushan Seafood

Zhoushan fishing grounds produce large yellow croaker, small yellow croaker, ribbonfish, cuttlefish and other seafood, known for being fresh, plump and diverse.

Shenjiamen Night Food Stalls

The number one brand of Chinese seafood food stalls, set along the harbor. Pick and cook on the spot, an excellent place to experience Zhoushan seafood culture.

Seafood Noodles

A Zhoushan specialty noodle dish, with fresh seafood as ingredients. The broth is delicious and the noodles are chewy, a daily favorite among locals.

Guanyin Cake

A Putuo Mountain specialty vegetarian pastry, made with vegetable oil, black sesame, peanuts and other ingredients. Crispy texture, sweet and delicious.

Zhoushan City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Apr-Jun: Late spring to early summer, seafood is plump, pleasant climate
  • Jul-Sep: Peak summer season, suitable for seaside holidays, but avoid typhoons
  • Oct-Nov: Clear autumn weather, seafood harvest, affordable prices
  • Dec-Mar: Low season with fewer tourists, experience quiet island life
Must-Do Experiences
  • Pilgrimage to Guanyin on Putuo Mountain
  • Play in the waves at Zhujiajian Beach
  • Watch China's first ray of dawn on Dongji Island
  • Taste seafood at Shenjiamen night food stalls
  • Go sailing and fishing at sea
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 200-350 yuan
  • Accommodation: 300-800 yuan/night
  • Meals: 100-200 yuan/day
  • Transport: 200-400 yuan
  • Total: 1500-3000 yuan
FAQ
  • Will I get seasick going to Dongji Island? → Sea conditions can be rough; take seasickness medication in advance
  • Is Putuo Mountain suitable for children? → Yes, but some mountain paths require physical effort
  • Which season is seafood at its best? → Spring and autumn are the most plump seasons
  • What must-buy specialties does Zhoushan have? → Dried seafood, Guanyin Cake, Zhoushan sailboat models