Shengsi Archipelago, here I come!

### **📌 Quick Navigation** 📍 **Location**: Zhoushan, Zhejiang, the nearest archipelago to Shanghai/Hangzhou ⏰ **Best time to visit**: May-October (July-August is peak season for bioluminescence) ⏱ **Recommended duration**: 3 days and 2 nights (compact trip) / 5 days and 4 nights (in-depth trip) --- ### **🚢 Transportation Guide** 1. **Getting to the islands**: - **From Shanghai/Hangzhou**: Shenjiawan Wharf → Sijiao Island (Lizhushan Wharf), 1-1.5 hours by boat. - **From Zhoushan**: Sanjiang Wharf → Sijiao Island, 2 hours by boat. ✅ Ticket purchase: Book tickets 2 days in advance on the "Shengsi Passenger Transport" official WeChat account! Be quick during peak season! 2. **Island hopping**: - Sijiao Island → Gouqi Island (40 minutes by speedboat) - Gouqi Island → Huaniao Island (1 hour by boat) --- ### **📸 Must-See Spots** 1. **Sijiao Island**: ✅ Left Bank Highway: Ride a scooter to chase the sunset along the picturesque coastline. ✅ Liujingtan: Cliff lighthouse + sunrise spot (entrance fee: 90 yuan). ✅ Jihu Beach: Stroll on the sand at night and listen to the waves; music festivals are held in summer. 2. **Gouqi Island**: ✅ Uninhabited Village (Green Wild Fairy Tale): Houses covered with creepers, entrance fee: 60 yuan, wear a light-colored dress for photos! ✅ East Cliff: Reminiscent of the ends of the earth, entrance fee: 50 yuan. ✅ Sea Ranch: Vast mussel farms under the sunset, perfect for aerial photography. 3. **Huaniao Island**: ✅ Huaniao Lighthouse: A century-old lighthouse + orange sunset. ✅ Bioluminescent Bay: Summer-limited blue tears, high chance of spotting them at the South Wharf! ✅ Lighthouse Trail: Hike or take a sightseeing bus, enjoy the white walls and blue windows along the way. --- ### **🦞 Must-Try Food** 🔹 Seafood noodles (30 yuan/bowl) 🔹 Shengsi grilled razor clams, razor clams with scallions and soy sauce 🔹 "Zhuhai Changxian" restaurant on Gouqi Island: Braised hairtail fish, mussel fried rice! 🔹 "Daizhe" cafe on Huaniao Island: Ocean view afternoon tea + cat petting. --- ### **🏠 Accommodation Tips** - **Sijiao Island**: B&Bs near Jihu/Nanchangtu Beach, 200-500 yuan. - **Gouqi Island**: Qianmo Seaside Inn/Musha B&B, 500-1200 yuan. - **Huaniao Island**: Wuma Inn/Luli B&B, book in advance for popular options! --- ### **💡 Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps** 1. Avoid holidays! It's crowded on summer weekends, and room rates triple! 2. Taxis are expensive on the islands; rent an electric scooter for 60-80 yuan/day (bargain!). 3. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sea breeze + UV rays will burn you in minutes. 4. Bioluminescence often appears on days with southerly winds, and the probability is higher after rain. --- ✅ **Perfect trip formula** = Left Bank Highway scooter ride + photos at the Uninhabited Village + chasing blue tears + all-you-can-eat seafood! Pack your bags and let's go! 🌊✨