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.

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## **📅 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.

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## **🚗 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.

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## **🏝️ 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.

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## **🍽️ 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).

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## **🏨 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!).

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## **📌 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.

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## **🗺️ 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

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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! 🌊✨