Zhoushan 3-Day City Walk Guide
Schwarz
Article
Zhoushan 3-Day City Walk Guide
Zhoushan 3-Day City Walk Guide
Zhoushan — China's only archipelago city, where 1,390 islands scatter across the East China Sea. TravelChinaGuide describes it: "Floating on the East China Sea, Zhoushan is listed among the world's four largest fishing grounds. Blue sky, clear sea, beautiful islands, sun-kissed beaches and fresh seafood are the essential themes." Mount Putuo, alongside Emei, Jiuhua and Wutai, is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains — the bodhimanda of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Sea breeze, fishing harbors, temple bells — this city breathes to the rhythm of the ocean.
📅 Itinerary Overview
| Day | Theme | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea | Putuoshan (Puji Temple → Fayu Temple → Huiji Temple → South Sea Guanyin) |
| Day 2 | Island Scenery | Zhujiajian (Ten-Li Golden Sand / Daqing Mountain) → Shenjiamen Seafood Night Market |
| Day 3 | Fishing Island Charm | Shengsi Archipelago or Taohua Island → Dinghai Ancient Town |
🙏 Day 1: Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea
Full Day: Mount Putuo
Mount Putuo (Putuoshan) — LP: "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains":
- Bodhimanda of Guanyin Bodhisattva — "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea"
- Three core temples:
- Puji Temple — largest temple on Putuoshan
- Fayu Temple — Ming dynasty temple with nine-dragon caisson ceiling
- Huiji Temple — mountain-top temple with panoramic views
- South Sea Guanyin Bronze Statue — 33 meters tall, landmark of Putuoshan
- Baibu Sha / Qianbu Sha — beach strolling
- Admission: ¥160 (ferry ticket approximately ¥30 extra)
- 15-minute boat from Shenjiamen Banshengdong Pier
- Allow a full day
Putuoshan Tips:
- Start early at Puji Temple (fewer crowds, more serene)
- Vegetarian lunch at Fayu Temple
- Afternoon: Huiji Temple + South Sea Guanyin
- Evening: sunset at Qianbu Sha beach
🏖️ Day 2: Island Scenery
Morning: Zhujiajian
Zhujiajian — TravelChinaGuide: "Beach paradise with ten li of golden sand":
- Daqing Mountain National Park — mountains meeting the sea
- Nine beaches stretching 5 km — sand sculpture art | Wushitang — black cobblestone beach
- Connected to Zhoushan main island by cross-sea bridge
- Free entry (Daqing Mountain ¥30)
- Only 10-minute drive from Putuoshan pier
Evening: Shenjiamen Seafood Night Market
Shenjiamen Seafood Night Stalls — LP: "China's largest seafood night market":
- Over 100 stalls lining the harbor | Fresh-to-order, ultimate freshness | Yellow croaker, swimming crab, hairtail, cuttlefish | Approximately ¥80–150 per person
- Liveliest at sunset
🎣 Day 3: Fishing Island Charm
Option A: Shengsi Archipelago
Shengsi Archipelago — LP: "The vibrant life of the East China Sea fishing grounds":
- Jihu Beach — "Southern Beidaihe"
- Liujingtan — sunrise over the sea
- Fisherman's experience (go out fishing)
- Huaniao Island — blue tears (summer phenomenon)
- Approximately 2 hours by boat from Zhoushan main island
- Best with an overnight stay
Option B: Taohua Island + Dinghai Ancient Town
Taohua (Peach Blossom) Island — TravelChinaGuide recommended:
- Setting of Jin Yong's "Legend of the Condor Heroes" | Anqi Peak — highest point in Zhoushan archipelago
- Tawan Golden Sand — premium beach
Dinghai Ancient Town:
- Zhoushan city center | Ancient battlefield ruins, Ming-Qing architecture cluster
- Old town stroll
🚗 Transportation Guide
How to Get There
- By air: Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (on Zhujiajian)
- By bus: From Ningbo / Hangzhou via cross-sea bridge
- By car: Ningbo → Zhoushan via cross-sea bridge (approximately 2 hours)
- By ferry: Direct ferries from Shanghai / Ningbo
Inter-Island Transport
- Bus: Covers main island attractions
- Taxi: Starting fare ¥10
- Inter-island ferries: Shenjiamen → Putuoshan / Shengsi
🦀 Food Checklist
| Dish | Recommended Place | Price (¥) |
|---|---|---|
| Braised Yellow Croaker | Shenjiamen stalls | 60–100 |
| Steamed Swimming Crab | Shenjiamen stalls | 50–80 |
| Scallion Oil Hairtail | Seafood stalls | 30–50 |
| Grilled Cuttlefish | Seafood restaurants | 30–45 |
| Yellow Croaker Soup with Pickled Greens | Local restaurants | 25–40 |
| Seafood Noodles | Noodle shops | 15–25 |
| Wind-Dried Eel | Specialty shops | 20–35 |
| Guanyin Cake | Putuoshan | 5–10 |
| Temple Vegetarian Meal | Puji / Fayu Temple | 10–20 |
| Zhoushan Fish Balls | Restaurants | 10–15 |
💡 Practical Tips
- Best season: Jun–Oct — peak island season, bluest waters
- Putuoshan is the core — sacred Buddhist site, allow a full day
- Shenjiamen seafood stalls are a must — China's freshest seafood experience
- Watch for typhoons — July–September occasional typhoons, check weather ahead
- Book ferry tickets early — Putuoshan tickets sell out during peak season
- Moderate costs — seafood-focused, ¥100–200 per person per day
- Sun protection essential — strong UV on islands
This guide references TravelChinaGuide's Zhoushan guide, LP's China Buddhist sites recommendations, and multiple travel information sources.