When the wind of Dongji Island brushes past my hair, I understand the romance of the sea

🌊 Zhoushan Travel Guide I. Itinerary Planning: N Ways to Unlock the Secrets of the Thousand Islands 🌟 3-Day Highlights Tour - Day 1: Seeking Zen in the Buddhist Paradise Take a ferry to Putuo Mountain in the morning, pay homage to the 33-meter-tall Nanhai Guanyin Statue, and experience the incense-filled atmosphere of Puji Temple. Stroll along Qianbu Sand Beach in the afternoon, watching the waves gently kiss the shore. Head to Fayu Temple in the evening to listen to the evening drum and morning bell. Stay overnight at a Zen-inspired hotel on Putuo Mountain, such as "Haitian Buddhist Paradise Zen Hotel," and participate in calming activities like scripture copying and meditation. - Day 2: Island Fun and Fishing Port Vibes Drive to Daqing Mountain in Zhujiajian in the morning and cruise along the coastal highway, with lush green mountains on one side and endless blue sea on the other. Enjoy a panoramic view of the "Ten-Mile Golden Sand" from the mountaintop. Play in the sand and waves at Nansha Beach in the afternoon and check out the International Sand Sculpture Art Exhibition. Head to Shenjiamen Fishing Port in the evening and order steamed blue crab and seafood noodles at stalls 39-40 in the night market, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the illuminated fishing port. - Day 3: Poetry and Wanderlust on Dongji Island Take an early morning ferry from Shenjiamen Banshengdong Pier to Dongji Island (about 2 hours). Upon arriving at Miaozihu Island, rent an electric bike to explore the island and visit filming locations from the movie "The Continent." Transfer to Dongfushan Island in the afternoon and hike the island trail to greet China's first sunrise at Elephant Trunk Peak. Stay overnight at "C'est La Vie Milai Homestay" on Dongfushan Island, where you can open the window to a view of the starry sea. 🌟 5-Day In-Depth Tour - Day 1-2: Putuo Mountain + Zhujiajian In addition to the above itinerary, add a day trip to Luojia Mountain on Putuo Mountain (boat ticket 26 CNY, original price 52 CNY) to visit the Five Hundred Arhat Pagoda. Also explore Wushitang Scenic Area in Zhujiajian to listen to the unique rhythm of waves hitting black pebbles. - Day 3-5: The Hidden Gems of Shengsi Islands Take a ferry from Zhoushan Main Island to Shengsi and visit the Rainbow Road and Shanhai Qiguan on Gouqi Island, as well as the abandoned "Fairy Tale" village on Shengshan Island. Stay at a sea-view homestay in Dawang Village on Gouqi Island, go fishing in the morning, and camp on the beach to stargaze in the evening. II. Transportation Guide: Convenient Routes Across Mountains and Seas 🚢 Inter-Island Transport - Putuo Mountain: Take a 15-minute ferry from Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier (regular ticket 15 CNY, original price 30 CNY). - Dongji Island: 1-2 daily ferries depart from Shenjiamen Banshengdong Pier (lower deck 100 CNY, middle deck 130 CNY, upper deck 150 CNY). Book tickets 3 days in advance via the "Zhoushan Haixing Ferry" WeChat account during peak season. - Shengsi Islands: Purchase a combined bus and ferry ticket from Shanghai Nanpu Bridge or take a ferry from Zhoushan Sanjiang Pier (about 2 hours). 🚌 Main Island Transport - Airport/High-Speed Rail Connections: 6 daily airport shuttles from Ningbo Lishe Airport to Zhoushan Airport (1.5 hours). Buses from Ningbo Station to Zhoushan Putuo Bus Station take 2 hours. - Island Transport: Rent an electric bike in Zhujiajian (50 CNY/day) for free exploration. Take scenic buses on Putuo Mountain (5-10 CNY/ride). Speedboats from Shenjiamen to Taohua Island take 25 minutes (30 CNY). III. Accommodation Picks: Poetic Stays by the Sea 🏨 Luxury Resorts - Zhoushan Zhoulv Nanyuan Maritime Silk Road Hotel: Located on Dongsha Beach in Zhoushan, starting at 698 CNY during promotions, featuring four themed courtyards and a seawater hot spring, ideal for family vacations. - Putuo Mountain Xiangsheng Hotel: Offers direct views of the Nanhai Guanyin Statue, with sea-view rooms featuring balconies and complimentary shuttle service and Zen experiences. 🏡 Unique Homestays - Dongji Island Milai Homestay: Centrally located on Miaozihu Island, a 5-minute walk to the pier, with sea-view rooms featuring terraces and projectors. The owner provides itinerary planning. - Shengsi Island Zuo'an Road Homestay: Offers first-row sea views in Dawang Village on Gouqi Island, with Instagram-worthy white walls and blue windows, and a rooftop terrace for barbecues and stargazing. 💰 Budget-Friendly Options - Putuo Mountain Luyuange Boutique Hotel: Near Puji Temple, featuring a popular "Buddha Heart Wall" photo spot, with breakfast included at 200 CNY per person. - Zhujiajian Haitian Hotel: Located within Nansha Scenic Area, a 3-minute walk to the beach, with summer specials at 300 CNY/night. IV. Culinary Delights: Savoring the Bounty of the Sea 🦀 Must-Try Seafood - Steamed Blue Crab: Best from September to October. Recommended at "Gaojiazhuang Seafood Supermarket Restaurant" in Shenjiamen, where crabs are selected live and steamed fresh. - Zhoushan Hairtail: Delicate flesh, best steamed or braised. Try the hair-tail noodle soup at "Lao Guoqiang Seafood Noodles" (120 CNY per person). - Mussels: A Dongji Island specialty. Try the scallion-oil mussels at "Xian Duoduo Seafood Stall," paired with local yellow wine. 🍜 Local Snacks - Seafood Noodles: At "Lao Xiangzi Seafood Noodles" in Shenjiamen, customize your bowl with mantis shrimp, razor clams, and crab sticks. The broth, made from fish bones, is incredibly flavorful. - Zhoushan Smoked Fish: Crispy outside and tender inside, with a sweet-salty balance. Buy it at "A San Smoked Fish" in Dinghai Ancient Town as a souvenir. 🍴 Food Map - Shenjiamen Night Market: Stalls line Gangxi Road. Recommended stalls 39-40 (80 CNY per person). Avoid tapping bowls with chopsticks or placing them horizontally (local taboo). - Zhoushan Seafood Stalls: "Hai Zhi Wei" near Nansha Scenic Area offers great value (60 CNY per person). Request less salt and oil if preferred. V. Practical Tips: Keys to Enjoying Zhoushan 🎫 Ticket Discounts - Putuo Mountain entrance fee: 160 CNY. Round-trip cable car: 65 CNY. Book 1 day in advance via the "Putuo Mountain" WeChat account during peak season (June-October). - Daqing Mountain in Zhoushan: 100 CNY. Luotang Line is free and rivals paid attractions. - Zhoushan locals and residents of Songyuan/Dazhou enjoy free entry to Putuo Mountain and Zhujiajian (pre-registration required). 🌡️ Seasonal Guide - June-October: Best for swimming and fishing, but watch for typhoons (July-September). Check the "Zhoushan Weather" WeChat account. - November-March: Off-season with fewer tourists and cheaper seafood. Ideal for quiet temple visits. 🚫 Pitfalls to Avoid - Book Dongji Island ferry tickets only via the "Zhoushan Haixing Ferry" WeChat account. Avoid scalpers. Upper deck may cause seasickness; middle deck is recommended. - Confirm seafood prices and cooking fees at Shenjiamen night market to avoid overcharging. - Bring your own water and snacks to Putuo Mountain, as prices are high on the island. 👜 Packing List - Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen), comfortable walking shoes (8-10 km walks on Putuo Mountain), motion sickness pills (optional). - Camera, power bank, waterproof phone case (essential for Dongji Island hikes). VI. Hidden Gems: Unlocking Zhoushan's Lesser-Known Romance 🌅 Sunrise & Sunset - Dongsha Sunrise: Arrive before 5:30 AM at Dongsha Beach in Zhoushan for pink dawn photos on the seaside swing. - Dongfushan Island Sunset: Watch the sea turn gold-red from Elephant Trunk Peak as fishing boats return in silhouette. 🎨 Cultural Experiences - Zhoushan Fisherman Paintings: Try your hand at painting vibrant fishing scenes at the "Fisherman Painting Art Center" in Dinghai Ancient Town. - Putuo Mountain Zen Retreat: Huiji Temple offers short-term Zen courses, including meals, scripture copying, and meditation. 🚤 Sea Activities - Zhoushan Fishing Trip: Charter a boat at Nansha Pier (300 CNY/boat, max 4 people) to experience net fishing. Cook your catch on-site. - Dongji Island Fishing: Rent gear on Miaozihu Island (50 CNY/set) to catch grouper and tiger fish. Zhoushan, this thousand-island city beloved by the sea, blends the solemnity of Buddhist sanctuaries with the warmth of fishing villages. Whether listening to the tides on Putuo Mountain or chasing the first sunrise on Dongji Island, every breath carries the salt and freedom of the ocean breeze. Pack your bags and let’s embark on this cross-mountain-and-sea adventure! 🌊