East Zhejiang Islands

China's largest archipelago, with Mount Putuo (the Guanyin sacred site), the Shengsi Islands, Dongji Island and Xiangshan's Shipu fishing port.

The Zhoushan Archipelago lies east of Hangzhou Bay and is made up of about 1,400 islands, making it China's largest archipelago; together with the Xiangshan Peninsula in Ningbo, it forms the East Zhejiang island tourism region. Mount Putuo is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and the sacred site of Guanyin Bodhisattva, with the South Sea Guanyin statue, Puji Temple and Thousand Step Beach at its heart. Zhujiajian has Nansha Beach and a sand sculpture festival. In the Shengsi Islands, the Huaniao Island lighthouse, Gouqi Island's “Potala Palace on the Sea” and the abandoned village at Houtouwan on Shengshan are extremely photogenic. Dongji Island is where the “first rays of sunlight in China” fall. Daishan has Lulan Qingsha and its marine culture. Shipu fishing port's ancient town, China Fishing Village and the fishing season opening festival in Xiangshan, Ningbo, are often visited as well. Common itineraries: Mount Putuo for 2 days plus Zhujiajian for 1 day, or a 3-day trip to Shengsi from Shanghai. Zhoushan is connected by expressways and sea-crossing bridges, but the outer islands require a boat; ferries often stop during typhoon season and foggy days, so be sure to check sailing schedules. Zhoushan's seafood is abundant, and hairtail, swimming crab, yellow croaker and mussels can be sampled at the Shenjiamen night food stalls; many outer islands have fishermen's homestays where you can try going out to sea to fish or beachcombing, which suits family trips.

Destinations

Itineraries