The "Santorini of China": If you can't go to Sanya, come here!
A complete guide to Huaniao Island | Encounter the "Santorini of China"
🌍In the northernmost part of the Zhoushan Shengsi Islands in Zhejiang, there is a romantic blue and white island—Huaniao Island, also known as the "Santorini of China".
🌅Recommended attractions
1. Huaniao Lighthouse: The second largest lighthouse in Asia, built during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, is a landmark building on Huaniao Island. Every night, the top of the tower emits a bright white light, with a range of 24 nautical miles, guiding passing ships. During the day, you can learn about its history in the exhibition hall next to the lighthouse. At sunset, the lighthouse is dyed warm orange, which is a great time to take photos, and you can also enjoy band performances, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
2. Buddha Hand Stone: Located at the northeastern end of the island, it is shaped like a palm and is also called Five Finger Stone. This is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise. Around 5:00 a.m., the sky glows, and the sun slowly rises from the sea level, dyeing the sea golden. The Mazu Temple next to it carries the villagers' prayers for safe journeys at sea.
3. Nanwan Beach: Composed of a U-shaped bay and a natural beach, the sand is fine. Here, you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze, watch the distant islands scattered on the sea like chess pieces, and enjoy a pleasant island time.
4. Zhi Ai Bookstore: Located by the sea, it is a romantic landmark on the island. There are mailboxes bearing vows of love, and you can also send postcards here, leaving beautiful memories. At the same time, it is also a good place to shoot the sunrise.
🚗Transportation Guide
1. Departing from Shanghai:
- Direct: You can take a bus from Nanhpu Bridge Long-Distance Passenger Transport Station to Shenjiawan Wharf, and then take a boat directly to Huaniao Island. Direct ferry tickets are difficult to buy and are not sold to the public. It is recommended to find a travel agency or ask the owner of your accommodation to help book them.
- Transfer: First take a bus from Nanhpu Bridge to Shenjiawan Wharf, take a boat to Shengsi Island, then transfer to Xia Caiyuan Wharf, and finally take a boat to Huaniao Island. Note that when transferring to the wharf on Shengsi Island, it is recommended to take a taxi to avoid delaying your journey.
2. Departing from Zhoushan: First go to Sanjiang Wharf, take a boat to Shengsi Lizhushan Wharf, and then follow the same transfer and boat trip process as the Shanghai transfer route.
🏠Accommodation Recommendations
1. Yunxi: About 20 meters from the sea, it has invincible sea-view rooms, where you can enjoy a 180-degree panoramic view of the sea. The hotel is in Syrian cement style and has an outdoor double-layer infinity pool bar, a private restaurant, etc.
2. Sansu: Composed of three houses, it is equipped with a botanical restaurant, an island bookstore, and a cinema, and each room has a projector. Here you can enjoy a seafood dinner facing the sea, read in the bookstore, and have the opportunity to watch the fluorescent sea on summer nights.
3. Daily Life · Sea View Homestay: The blue and white appearance is full of Santorini style. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the service is attentive. Not only do they help book ferry tickets, but they may also upgrade you to a sea-view room for free, and provide tea and welcome fruit.
🍱Food Recommendations
1. Seafood Noodles: A must-try delicacy, a bowl full of fresh ingredients, including prawns, clams, etc., and the soup is delicious.
2. Seafood Dinner: The island is rich in seafood. Grouper, braised hairtail, and swimming crab fried with rice cakes are all worth trying. The seafood dinner made by the homestay owner is often authentic and can be booked in advance.
3. Miss Wu's Cafe & Brunch: A popular cafe and homestay, the first floor is a restaurant, mainly serving Western food and desserts, and the second floor is for rooms. Here you can enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea, and you may also encounter a film crew filming.
4. Dai Zhe Restaurant: It has a sunny terrace and is full of literary atmosphere. Here you can taste small seafood while watching people on vacation on the street, and feel the slow life of the island.
📅Travel Route Planning
1. Day 1: Arrive at Huaniao Island in the morning, check in to the homestay, take a short rest, and then stroll along Mata Line, enjoying the sea view along the way; go to Huaniao Lighthouse in the afternoon, visit the exhibition hall, and wait for the sunset; enjoy seafood in the slow life block in the evening, and experience the island night.
2. Day 2: Get up early to watch the sunrise at Buddha Hand Stone, then go to Zhi Ai Bookstore to send postcards; enjoy the sunshine and beach at Nanwan Beach in the morning; go to the seaside cafe in the afternoon, listen to the sea breeze; participate in street activities in the evening, and enjoy the island nightlife.
3. Day 3: Choose cultural and creative gifts from Huaniao Island to bring island blessings to relatives and friends, and then return, ending the romantic Huaniao Island trip.