Eastern Zhejiang

Eastern Zhejiang includes Ningbo, Shaoxing and Zhoushan, with Mount Putuo's Buddhist island, the Shengsi Islands, Shaoxing's Lu Xun's Former Residence and Orchid Pavilion, Ningbo's Tianyi Pavilion and the Xiangshan fishing port.

Eastern Zhejiang follows Zhejiang's common directional division, the Ning–Shao–Zhou area, covering three cities: Ningbo, Shaoxing and Zhoushan. Note that Taizhou is sometimes also called "eastern Zhejiang," but this plan places Taizhou with Wenzhou and Lishui in Southern Zhejiang, that is, the southeast coast; Xiangshan and Ninghai belong to Ningbo. Highlights: the Zhoushan Archipelago is China's largest island group; Mount Putuo is a renowned sacred site of Guanyin, Zhujiajian has beaches and seafood, the fishing villages and beaches of the Shengsi Islands suit island holidays, and Dongji Island is famous for its sunrises. Ningbo is a port city; Tianyi Pavilion is one of China's oldest surviving private libraries, and Old Bund, Dongqian Lake, and Xikou and Xuedou Mountain in Fenghua each have their own character; the ancient fishing port town of Shipu in Xiangshan and its Fishing Festival showcase rich fishing-family culture. Shaoxing is a water-town ancient city, represented by Lu Xun's Former Residence, Shen Garden, Orchid Pavilion and East Lake; Anchang Ancient Town in Keqiao and the yellow wine culture are worth experiencing, and Xinchang has Mount Tianmu. Classic itineraries: Shaoxing's old town, 1–2 days; Ningbo city plus Xikou, 2 days; Zhoushan's Mount Putuo plus Zhujiajian, 2 days, or the Shengsi Islands, 2–3 days; Xiangshan and Shipu by the sea, 1–2 days. Linking all of Eastern Zhejiang takes 5–7 days. Getting around: Ningbo Lishe International Airport and Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport have commercial flights; the Hangzhou–Ningbo high-speed line connects Hangzhou, Shaoxing and Ningbo; the Zhoushan Cross-Sea Bridge links Ningbo to Zhoushan's main island, and reaching Mount Putuo and Shengsi requires a boat, with Shengsi also reachable from Shanghai's Shenjiawan Pier. Practical notes: during typhoon season, island flights and ferries may be suspended, so leave flexible time; Mount Putuo is crowded on holidays, so avoid peak days; ask about prices before ordering seafood.

Destinations

Itineraries