China's Santorini? The blue tears of Hua Niao Island are unreal!

### **Zhoushan, Zhejiang Travel Guide: Explore the Pearl of the East China Sea and Experience the Charm of the Island** Zhoushan is the only prefecture-level city in China built on an archipelago, consisting of more than 1,390 islands, with magnificent sea views, rich fishing port culture, and a long Buddhist history. Whether you are looking for the Zen of Mount Putuo, the "Sea and Sky Buddhist Kingdom," or exploring the pure blue sea of ​​Dongji Island, Zhoushan can satisfy all your imaginations about island travel. --- ## **📅 Best Time to Travel** - **June–August**: Summer is the golden period for Zhoushan tourism. The sea is bluer, which is suitable for swimming and beach activities, but pay attention to the impact of typhoons. - **September–October**: The autumn is crisp and refreshing, and the seafood is delicious, which is suitable for photography and in-depth tours. - **Avoid winter**: It is windy and cold, and some island ferry services are reduced, resulting in a poor experience. --- ## **🚗 Transportation Guide** ### **How to get to Zhoushan?** - **Plane**: Putuoshan Airport (located in Zhujiajian) can fly directly to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and other places. The airport is only a 5-min drive from Wugongzhi Pier. - **High-speed train + bus**: Arrive in Ningbo first, and then transfer to a bus to Zhoushan (approx. 1 hr). - **Self-driving**: Enter Zhoushan Island via Yongzhou Expressway (cross-sea bridge), and you can enjoy the sea view along the way. ### **Intra-island transportation** - **Bus**: The bus system on Zhoushan Island is well-developed, but some islands require a boat ride. - **Ferry**: You need to book tickets in advance to go to Dongji Island, Shengsi Islands, etc. (recommended to purchase tickets on the "Zhoushan Xinghai Ferry" official account). - **Car rental**: Suitable for island tours. You can drive yourself on Zhujiajian and Daishan Island. --- ## **🏝️ Must-Visit Attractions** ### **1. Mount Putuo—Sea and Sky Buddhist Kingdom, Guanyin Dojo** - **Highlights**: Puji Temple, Nanhai Guanyin Statue, Baibusha Beach - **Things to do**: Worship Buddha in the morning, stroll on the beach in the afternoon, and listen to the sound of the waves in Chaoyin Cave in the evening. - **Tips**: It is recommended to stay for one night to feel the tranquility and Zen in the morning. ### **2. Zhujiajian—Beaches and Mountain and Sea Wonders** - **Highlights**: Nansha Beach (International Sand Sculpture Festival), Daqingshan Island Ring Road, Wushitang - **Things to do**: Play in the water on the beach, drive around Daqingshan to overlook the mountains and seas, and visit the seafood stalls at night. ### **3. Dongji Island—China's Easternmost Secret Realm** - **Highlights**: Miaozi Lake Island (location of "The Continent"), Dongfushan Island (first ray of sunshine), Qingbang Island (Potala Palace on the Sea) - **Things to do**: Hike around the island, watch the fluorescent sea (summer), and stay in a fisherman's B&B. ### **4. Shengsi Islands—Offshore Slow Life** - **Highlights**: Gouqi Island (Marine Ranch), Hua Niao Island (blue tears), Shengshan Island (Unmanned Village) - **Things to do**: Cycling, sea fishing, photography, and experience the original ecological fishing village. ### **5. Shenjiamen Fishing Port—Seafood Feast** - **Highlights**: Night stalls, International Aquatic City - **Things to do**: Choose fresh seafood in the evening, recommended swimming crab, hairtail, and mussels. --- ## **🍽️ Food Recommendations** - **Must-try seafood**: Zhoushan hairtail, swimming crab, yellow croaker, razor clams - **Special snacks**: Seafood noodles, fried rice cake, Zhoushan dumplings - **Recommended restaurants**: - Shenjiamen Night Stalls (freshly caught and cooked) - "Original Taste" chain store (high cost performance). --- ## **🏨 Accommodation Suggestions** - **Mount Putuo**: Choose a B&B near Puji Temple for easy access to Buddhist worship. - **Zhujiajian**: Seaside hotels near Nansha are suitable for family trips. - **Dongji Island/Shengsi**: Fisherman’s B&B to experience island life (book in advance!). --- ## **📌 Useful Tips** 1. **Tight ferry tickets**: Book tickets 3 days in advance during peak season, especially for Dongji Island and Shengsi. 2. **Sun and wind protection**: The ultraviolet rays on the island are strong, so prepare sunscreen, hats, and windproof jackets. 3. **Respect customs**: Fishermen avoid saying words such as "overturn" and "down". Do not knock on the bowl with chopsticks when eating. 4. **Anti-fraud guide**: Ask for the price before buying seafood to avoid being ripped off. --- ## **🗺️ Classic Itinerary Recommendations** ### **3-Day and 2-Night Essential Tour** - **Day 1**: Mount Putuo (Puji Temple + Nanhai Guanyin + Baibusha) - **Day 2**: Zhujiajian (Nansha + Daqingshan Island Ring) → Shenjiamen Fishing Port Night Stalls - **Day 3**: Dongji Island (Miaozi Lake Island Half-Day Tour) ### **5-Day and 4-Night In-Depth Tour** - **Day 1-2**: Mount Putuo + Zhujiajian - **Day 3**: Dongji Island (stay in Miaozi Lake) - **Day 4**: Shengsi Gouqi Island (Marine Ranch) - **Day 5**: Shenjiamen Fishing Port + Return Journey --- Zhoushan is an island city worth exploring slowly. Whether it is Zen, sea views, or the fireworks of a fishing village, it can bring you a different travel experience. Plan your trip, bring a good mood, and set off! 🌊✨