Visit the Yangshan Deepwater Port to witness one of the largest and most advanced deepwater ports in the world. Take a boat tour to explore the dockyards and enjoy the view of massive container ships. The nearby Yangshan Island offers scenic coastal views perfect for photography and relaxation.

The Yangshan Deepwater Port, located in the Qiqu Islands archipelago of Shengsi, Zhejiang Province, off the mouth of Hangzhou Bay, comprises dozens of islands, including Dayangshan and Xiaoyangshan. It is China's first port built on a tiny island and serves as a cornerstone for China's development of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone and its commitment to building a strong maritime nation. On December 10, 2005, the Yangshan Deepwater Port (Phase I) successfully opened, becoming China's largest deepwater container port. Peter Struys, President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, has visited Yangshan Port three times and exclaimed, "I have visited all the world's major ports, including some built on islands, but a modern port of this scale, built so far from the mainland on an isolated island like Yangshan, is exceptionally rare." Thanks to the addition of Yangshan Deepwater Port, Shanghai Port achieved a container throughput of 29.07 million TEUs in 2010, surpassing Singapore for the first time to become the world's busiest container port. On December 23, 2014, construction officially began on the fourth phase of the Yangshan Deepwater Port project at the Shanghai International Shipping Center. This project, China's first fully automated container terminal, boasts a total investment of approximately 13.9 billion yuan and is expected to be completed in 2017. By then, Shanghai Port's annual throughput will exceed 40 million TEUs, a figure equal to the combined throughput of all US ports and one-tenth of the current global annual throughput.
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Yangshan Deepwater Port is a major international shipping hub that has significantly contributed to Shanghai’s status as a global trade center. It is located on Yangshan Island, connected to the mainland by the Donghai Bridge, and serves as a key facility for container shipping in China.
Yangshan Deepwater Port is located in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, on Yangshan Island. It can be accessed via the Donghai Bridge, which connects the port to the mainland. Taxis and private transport are the most convenient ways to get there, as there are limited public transportation options.
The port itself is not typically open for casual visits, but boat tours may be available during the day, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekdays, especially mornings, are less crowded for those interested in taking a boat tour.
Visiting the port area is free, but boat tours may charge a fee. Tickets for boat tours can usually be purchased at the ticket booth near the port or through local tour operators online.
It’s recommended to book boat tour tickets in advance, especially during weekends or holidays, to secure a spot. A few days in advance is usually sufficient.
Most visitors will spend 1-2 hours exploring the port area, including a boat tour. A visit to nearby Yangshan Island and its scenic spots can add another hour to your trip.
The must-see highlights include the Donghai Bridge, one of the longest sea bridges in the world, and the expansive container terminal operations. For photography, the massive container ships and cranes are iconic features of the port.
Guided boat tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English guides. Audio guides for self-guided tours are available in Mandarin and English.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the Donghai Bridge, where you can capture sweeping views of the port and the island. Also, photography of the large container ships and cranes from the waterfront provides iconic shots of the port's operations.
Start with a scenic drive over the Donghai Bridge, then take a boat tour of the port to see the shipping terminals. End the trip with a visit to the nearby Yangshan Island for a relaxing stroll and panoramic views of the coast.
The port area is not open for night visits, and no light shows are available. However, the views of the container ships lit up at night can be quite spectacular from nearby vantage points.
The port area itself is not usually crowded, but boat tours can get busy during weekends or public holidays. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
There are basic facilities available near the boat tour stations, including restrooms and small shops selling snacks and drinks. There are no large restaurants or food courts directly at the port.
The port area and the boat tours may not be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. It’s advisable to check with tour operators regarding accessibility options before visiting.
Mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards are accepted for boat tour tickets and purchases at nearby shops.
There are no major restaurants inside the port, but several seafood restaurants are available nearby, especially around the Yangshan Island area. Fresh seafood is a specialty in this region.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the nearby seafood restaurants. Halal food options are limited, but there are a few restaurants offering halal Chinese cuisine in the area.
Accommodations near Yangshan Deepwater Port include hotels around the Pudong area, such as the Ramada Plaza Shanghai Pudong and Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong. There are also budget-friendly options in nearby districts.
Other nearby attractions include the Lingang New City, a rapidly developing area with parks and shopping centers. The Nanhui New City also offers scenic spots and cultural sites to explore.
Souvenir shops near the port typically sell maritime-themed items, including model ships, keychains, and postcards featuring views of the port and Yangshan Island.
The best transportation options are taxis or private vehicles, as the port is not well-connected to public transport. Metro stations in nearby Pudong can be reached by taxi for further exploration of Shanghai.