Shengsi County

Introducing Shengsi County

Shengsi County, also known as the Shengsi Islands, is part of Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. Located east of Hangzhou Bay and southeast of the Yangtze River Estuary, it is the easternmost island county in Zhejiang Province and the northernmost of the Zhoushan Archipelago. It comprises 404 islands, 16 of which are inhabited, covering a total area of ​​8,824 square kilometers, including 86 square kilometers of land and 8,738 square kilometers of sea. As of 2018, Shengsi County governed three towns and four townships, with the county government located in Caiyuan Town. As of the end of 2022, Shengsi County had a permanent population of 66,000.

Climate and best time to travel

April to October;

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

1. Goji Island
Goji Island is the easternmost inhabited island in China. It has vast blue sea pastures and endless ocean. When the weather is good, the sea water is azure blue and relatively clear, not a muddy and yellow sea at all.

2. Flower Fish Reef
is a great spot to watch the sunset. No entrance fee is required.
You can walk up to the reef to watch, or climb over the fence to watch the sunset on the beach below.

3. Beiaoshan
Pier on Huaniao Island: a popular photography pier;
Buddha's Hand Rock: a great spot to watch the sunrise on the island, with flowers blooming on the roadside, the sea and the sky connected by a line, and the scenery is magnificent.

4. Huanglong Island

It has a unique coral reef landscape, and you can also experience diving and explore the underwater world yourself.

Recommended travel time: 2-5 days;

Tickets

Flower and Bird Island Ticket: 85 yuan/person, buy boat tickets in advance;

Tickets for Jihu Beach and Nanchangtu Ice Beach: around 40 yuan;

The Wizard of Oz: 50 yuan per person;

Jihu Beach: 60 yuan/person;

South Long Distance Beach: 50 yuan/person;

Dabei Mountain Observation Deck: 20 yuan/person;

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Shengsi County

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Shengsi County, part of Zhoushan City in Zhejiang Province, consists of hundreds of islands and islets in the East China Sea. Historically, it was an important fishing and maritime trading hub. Today, it is celebrated as China’s first National Scenic Area composed entirely of islands, combining fishing culture, maritime heritage, and coastal landscapes.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Location: Shengsi County is part of the Zhoushan Archipelago in northeastern Zhejiang Province.
• From Shanghai: Take a bus or self-drive to Shenjiawan Wharf or Baoshan Wusong Wharf, then board a ferry to Sijiao Island (2–3 hours).
• From Ningbo or Zhoushan: Drive or bus to Liuheng or Banshengdong Wharf, then take a local ferry.
• Once on the islands, taxis, electric bikes, and local minibuses are common modes of transport.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Open all year, but ferry services may be weather-dependent.
• Best time: May to October, when the weather is warm, the sea is calm, and seafood is abundant.
• Peak tourist season is summer, so early booking is advised during holidays.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Most beaches and island areas are free, but some scenic spots (like Houtouwan Village) charge around ¥50.
• Ferry tickets: ¥80–¥120 each way depending on departure point and ferry class.
• Tickets can be purchased online (official ferry apps or Ctrip/Trip.com) or at wharf ticket counters.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

• Yes, ferry tickets and accommodations should be booked at least 2–3 days in advance, especially during summer or holidays.
• Attractions themselves generally don’t require advance booking.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Spend at least 2–3 days to explore the main islands (Sijiao, Shengshan, Houtouwan) and enjoy beaches, seafood, and ferry rides. Day trips from Shanghai are possible but rushed.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Houtouwan Abandoned Village — overgrown ruins with ivy, a top photography spot.
• Jihu and Nanchangtu Beaches — golden sand and clear waters.
• Liuheng Lighthouse and Island viewpoints — excellent for sea views.
• Local fishing villages and seafood markets.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available through local travel agencies or online platforms, mainly in Chinese. English-speaking private guides may be arranged from Shanghai or Zhoushan upon request.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Houtouwan Village viewpoint for panoramic shots of the ivy-covered houses.
• Hilltop near Nanchangtu Beach at sunset.
• Lighthouses and coastal trails on Shengshan Island.
• The ferry deck when approaching or leaving the islands.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Day 1: Arrive by ferry → Check-in → Visit Jihu or Nanchangtu Beach → Enjoy seafood dinner.
• Day 2: Morning ferry or bus to Shengshan → Explore Houtouwan Village → Climb to the viewing platform → Return by evening.
• Day 3: Visit fishing harbors or smaller islands → Depart for the mainland.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No major light shows, but visitors can enjoy the peaceful night sky, beach walks, or fishing village nightlife. Some hostels organize stargazing or bonfire events.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Moderately crowded in July–August and national holidays.
• Least crowded during weekdays in spring and autumn.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• All main beaches and scenic spots have restrooms, food stalls, and souvenir shops.
• Convenience stores and seafood restaurants are found near ferry ports and village centers.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

• Suitable for families and elderly with moderate mobility.
• Some sites (like Houtouwan) have steep paths, not wheelchair-friendly.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

• Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted.
• Cash recommended for small vendors, ferry snacks, or rural guesthouses.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Seafood restaurants around Sijiao Port and Houtouwan offer fresh local catches like crab, shellfish, and yellow croaker.
• Small cafes and snack shops near Jihu Beach and Nanchangtu Beach.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

• Vegetarian options available upon request at seafood restaurants (tofu, seaweed, vegetables).
• Vegan and halal options are limited; bring your own food if needed.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Shengsi Hilton Garden Inn — comfortable option near ferry terminal.
• Local homestays (民宿) around Nanchangtu and Shengshan with sea views.
• Budget hostels available for backpackers near beaches.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Gouqi Island — connected by bridge to Shengshan, great for hiking and photography.
• Zhoushan Archipelago National Park — accessible by ferry, rich marine scenery.
• Putuo Mountain (Zhoushan) — major Buddhist site, reachable by boat.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Dried seafood (fish, shrimp, seaweed).
• Shell crafts and marine-themed souvenirs.
• Local specialty snacks like squid strips and fish cakes.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Take a return ferry to Shanghai, Ningbo, or Zhoushan for onward travel.
• From Zhoushan, buses connect to Ningbo and Hangzhou.
• Some travelers continue island-hopping to Gouqi or Shengshan before returning.