Zhoushan Travel Guide

1. Putuo Mountain: One of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, known as the "Buddhist Kingdom of Sea and Sky." As the spiritual home of Guanyin, it captivates with stunning mountain-sea scenery and deep Buddhist culture. Ancient temples like Puji Temple and Fayu Temple thrive with incense, while the grand South Sea Guanyin statue stands majestically. Stroll along Qianbu Beach, listen to chants and waves, and feel your soul cleansed. Huiji Temple on Foding Mountain is a pilgrimage must, offering breathtaking views of mountains and sea.

2. Zhujiajian: Famous for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine activities. Nansha Beach, host of the International Sand Sculpture Festival, boasts long golden sands perfect for summer water fun. The Daqingshan coastal road winds through mountains and seas, offering stunning views of rugged reefs—a paradise for driving enthusiasts.

3. Dongji Island: Gained fame from the film *The Continent*, this is China’s easternmost inhabited island with crystal-clear, azure waters. Highlights include Miaozihu Lighthouse, Dongfushan’s "First Ray of Sunshine" viewpoint, and Qingbang Island’s layered fishing village architecture, making it a photographer’s dream.

4. Shengsi Islands: Dubbed the "Little Greece of the East," these islands enchant with unique charm. Gouqi Island’s abandoned village, covered in lush ivy, feels like a fairy-tale "Wizard of Oz." Shengshan Island’s East Cliff offers dramatic sunset views. Each island beckons exploration.

5. Shenjiamen Fishing Port: One of the world’s top three fishing ports, it’s the best place to dive into Zhoushan’s fishing culture and savor fresh seafood. At night, bustling food stalls serve up just-caught delicacies cooked in local styles—a true feast for the senses.

6. Taohua Island: Steeped in martial arts lore from Jin Yong’s *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, this island echoes the legend of Huang Yaoshi. The Condor Heroes Tourism City recreates novel scenes, immersing visitors in a martial arts world. Taohuayu’s bizarre rocks, Anqi Peak’s misty aura, and Tawan’s soft sands and clear waters make it unforgettable.

7. Daishan Island: Known as the "Penglai Immortal Island," it boasts East China’s longest beach, Lulan Qingsha, a 3.6-km golden stretch glowing under the sun. Dongsha Ancient Town’s Ming-Qing architecture, Shuanghe Stone Wall’s unique sea-erosion formations, and Xiushan Island’s quirky mud theme park add allure. Salt field culture and lighthouses lend an artistic vibe.

8. Baisha Island: A hidden gem for sea fishing enthusiasts, with waters clear up to 10 meters deep. Blue-and-white fishing village homes dot the hills, resembling Santorini. Wangfu Cliff’s lookout offers panoramic island views, scenic hiking trails, and nighttime squid fishing adventures.

9. Liuheng Island: Blending industry with untouched nature, this island retains raw coastal charm. Longshan Ancient Village preserves Ming-Qing residences, showcasing traditional fishing culture. Taimen Port exudes fishing village vibes, while Xuanshan Island is perfect for camping and stargazing under brilliant night skies.

10. Dinghai Ancient City: Zhoushan’s historical and cultural heart, witnessing the rise and fall of this maritime hub. Zhongda Street’s creative district blends tradition with modernity, Zuyin Temple buzzes with incense, and the Zhoushan Museum showcases marine heritage. Wander Ming-Qing streets, touch weathered walls, and hear echoes of history.

1. Zhoushan Hairtail: A star seafood from Zhoushan fishing grounds, with tender and rich flesh. The classic "steamed hairtail" preserves its original sweet freshness, with melt-in-the-mouth texture, a daily delicacy in local households.

2. Red Cream Drunken Crab: Made from plump winter swimming crabs, marinated with salt and white liquor. The crab roe is vibrant red and rich, the meat crystal-clear, with a salty-fresh taste and a hint of liquor aroma, perfect with porridge or as a cold appetizer.

3. Yellow Croaker Noodles: A traditional Zhoushan fisherman's dish, featuring a milky-white broth made from wild large yellow croaker, paired with hand-rolled noodles. The fish is tender and boneless, the broth rich and savory, a signature breakfast at Shenjiamen fishing port.

4. Shengsi Mussels (Dried Mussels): Wild mussels from the Shengsi Islands, with plump, sand-free flesh. Common dishes include "scallion oil mussels" or "mussels stir-fried with rice cakes," full of umami and budget-friendly.

5. Seafood Claypot Noodle Knots: A Zhoushan specialty snack, using fish bone broth as the base, with noodle knots (tofu skin-wrapped meat), shrimp, razor clams, and other seafood. The broth is clear and sweet, a top choice for warming up in autumn and winter.

6. Wind-Dried Eel: A winter-exclusive delicacy, made by splitting and air-drying sea eels. Steamed, the fish becomes silky and chewy with a salty aroma, popular as a snack or paired with drinks.

7. Fish and Rice Homeland Fried Rice Noodles: Zhoushan’s version of "seafood fried noodles," using locally made rice noodles, stir-fried with shrimp, clams, and vegetables. The texture is smooth with a wok-charred flavor, brimming with fisherman’s charm.

8. Snail Sauce: A traditional condiment made from pickled spicy snails or sesame snails, salty, spicy, and fragrant. It can be eaten directly with rice or used to stir-fry greens, a nostalgic staple for Zhoushan locals.

9. Seafood Wontons: Thin-skinned and generously filled with shrimp, fish, or clam meat. The broth is made from shrimp shells, garnished with seaweed and egg threads, offering layers of fresh flavors.

10. Fermented Rice Soup with Sticky Rice Balls: A Zhoushan dessert, using fermented rice as the base, combined with small glutinous rice balls, goji berries, and osmanthus flowers. Sweet, tangy, and warm, it’s the perfect finale after a seafood feast.

1. Shenjiamen Seafood Dry Goods Market
The largest seafood distribution hub in Zhoushan, offering over a hundred types of dried seafood like sun-dried fish, shrimp skin, and dried mussels, with on-site tasting available. Recommended vacuum-packed yellow croaker jerky and mini shrimp skin, easy to carry and stay fresh.

• Address: Bingang Road, Putuo District, Zhoushan City

2. Putuo Mountain Vegetarian Snack Shop

A time-honored shop specializing in Buddhist vegetarian snacks. The signature “Guanyin Cake” is made from lotus seeds and yam, and the Buddhist scripture-printed tea crisps come in elegant, Zen-inspired packaging.

• Address: No. 12 Xianghua Street, Putuo Mountain

3. Zhoushan Fisherman Painting Art Gallery

An official store for intangible cultural heritage fisherman paintings, transforming vibrant ocean-themed artworks into silk scarves, ceramic cups, and other cultural souvenirs, distinctly Zhoushan.

• Address: No. 16 Culture Square, Dinghai District

4. Dongji Island Seafood Shop

A specialty store exclusive to Dongji Island, featuring the “Dongji Trio”: spicy snail sauce, seaweed crisps, and fish bone snacks. Small bottle packaging makes them ideal souvenirs.

• Address: Next to Miaozhu Lake Island Pier, Dongji Town

5. Daishan Salt Language Workshop

A cultural experience shop tied to traditional salt fields, offering creative products like sea salt chocolate and salted lemon slices, with DIY salt carving activities.

• Address: Inside the Salt Industry Museum, Dongsha Ancient Town, Daishan County

6. Zhoushan International Aquatic Products City

A wholesale-level seafood market offering ready-to-eat packaged fresh items like red cream drunken crab and marinated mud snails, with complimentary insulated bags.

• Address: No. 155 Xingpu Avenue, Putuo District

7. Dinghai Time-Honored Pastry Shop

Known for the century-old “Wojingtan Hard Cake,” made using traditional wooden mallet pounding. Osmanthus and sesame flavors are the most popular.

• Address: No. 34 Zhongda Street, Dinghai District

8. Zhujiajian Seafood Gift Box Center

Specializing in high-end seafood gift boxes, perfect for gifting.

• Address: 2nd Floor, Zhujiajian Tourism Commodity Market

9. Shengsi Islands Specialty Store

Exclusive Shengsi dried mussels, seaweed knots, and handicrafts made from seashells, with trendy, artsy packaging that stands out.

• Address: Jinghai Road, Caiyuan Town, Shengsi County

10. Putuo Mountain Buddhist Tea Store

An official store for authentic Putuo Buddhist tea, offering “Foding Cloud Mist Tea” at the pre-rain Longjing grade, with a complimentary blessed tea canister.

• Address: Near Puji Temple, Putuo Mountain

Spring (March to May):

Zhoushan brims with the aura of awakening. In early March, temperatures hover between 8-15°C, and the sea is often shrouded in light mist, casting a mysterious veil over the islands. By April, temperatures rise to 12-20°C, with cherry and peach blossoms blooming vibrantly across the islands. The ancient temples of Putuo Mountain appear even more majestic amidst the floral backdrop.

• Suggestions: Stroll along Zhujiajian’s coastal trail or visit Taohua Island to admire the blossoms. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so bring a windproof jacket and a foldable umbrella.

Summer (June to August):
Zhoushan pulses with vibrant energy. June marks the start of the rainy season, with continuous drizzle and temperatures of 25-30°C, embodying the typical humid heat of江南 (Jiangnan). In July and August, peak summer brings temperatures often exceeding 35°C.

• Suggestions: The azure sea and clear skies are at their most enchanting. The International Sand Sculpture Festival at Nansha Beach is in full swing, and the red cream drunken crab at Shenjiamen’s night food stalls is irresistibly tempting.

Autumn (September to November):

Undoubtedly the most comfortable season for visiting Zhoushan. In September, the summer heat fades, with average temperatures dropping to around 25°C. October and November bring crisp, clear skies, with temperatures ranging from 18-22°C. Not only is the weather stable with little rain, but it’s also the peak season for plump seafood like swimming crabs and large yellow croaker.

• Suggestions: Visit the Shengsi Islands to enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage, capture fairytale-like scenes at Gouqi Island’s abandoned villages, or bask in the warm autumn sun at Daishan Island’s Lulan Qingsha Beach.

Winter (December to February):

The Zhoushan archipelago returns to tranquility. Average temperatures range from 5-10°C, and while snow is rare, the biting sea breeze can make it feel colder. This season is ideal for experiencing the serene Buddhist culture of Putuo Mountain or savoring a pot of Putuo Buddhist tea with Wojingtan hard cake at a traditional teahouse in Dinghai Ancient City.

• Suggestions: Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss winter specialties like dried eel and marinated mud snails. Shenjiamen’s dry goods market is also at its prime for shopping.