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The Shengsi Islands, known as the "Fairy Mountains of the Sea," are renowned for their stunning island scenery, including turquoise seas, unique reefs, and golden sands and fishing boats. The main scenic area, Sijiao Island, boasts Jihu Lake, a premier bathing beach in my country's Yangtze River Delta, Nanchangtu Beach, Liujingtan, the island's best sunrise viewing spot, and Dabei Mountain, a sacred Buddhist site.
Other scenic spots such as Shengshan "Lover's Stone", Yangshan "Spiritual Reef", the largest lighthouse in the Far East, Shengshan Fishing Port, etc. are also accompanied by the lightness, brightness, softness and wild dance of the Dadonghai Sea, and together exude the strong marine cultural atmosphere of Shengsi.
Besides Shengsi's main island, Sijiao Island, smaller islands like Shengshan Island and Gouqi Island offer even more tranquility. Bixia Island, a purely fishing island, relies on fishing and seafood processing for its livelihoods. Shengsi is also known as the East China Sea Fishing Depot. Local seafood night stalls and barbecues add a touch of excitement to a Shengsi trip.
Shengsi Islands has neither scorching summer nor severe winter, making it a suitable place for vacation all year round. Spring, summer and autumn are the best times to visit Shengsi, with summer being the best.
From May to October, the sea water around Huaniao Island is azure green, which is very beautiful, instead of the "mud" color that Shanghai people usually see.
From July to September , Shengsi's islands are breathtakingly beautiful, with azure waters, making it the most beautiful time of year. However, the waters aren't always azure; only during low tides can they achieve a breathtaking azure. Typhoons are common during this period, so it's best to monitor the weather forecast before visiting the islands. July and August are fishing seasons, so seafood is more scarce and expensive than usual. Even on scorching summer nights, cool breezes can be felt here, and the beach barbecues are delicious and diverse.
At the end of July , the Shengsi Mussel Culture Festival is held grandly on Sidu Island, adding another beautiful landscape to the archipelago at this time.
From December to April , the seafood is plump and it is the best season to enjoy seafood. In autumn and winter, we mainly eat swimming crabs, and in spring, we mainly eat fat little squids.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Entry to the island is free, but some attractions require tickets
Dabeishan Lingyin Temple: 10 yuan
Jihu Beach: Off-season: 40 yuan during the day / 20 yuan at night; Peak season: 60 yuan
Shengsi Original Ecological Blue Coast Leisure Tourism Resort Scenic Area: 100 yuan
Nanchangtu Beach: 40 yuan in peak season; 20 yuan in off-season
All day
The Shengsi Islands, part of the Zhoushan Archipelago, have a long maritime history. They have traditionally been important fishing grounds, and today they are a popular eco-tourism destination. The islands' natural beauty and ecological significance, along with their traditional fishing villages, attract visitors seeking a blend of nature and culture.
The Shengsi Islands are located in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province. They are accessible by ferry from the mainland Zhoushan city. From Shanghai, you can take a high-speed ferry or bus to the islands, which typically takes about 3-4 hours in total.
The islands are open year-round. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and not too hot or rainy. Summer can be crowded, while winter is less ideal due to the cold and potential rough seas.
Entrance to the islands is typically free, but ferry rides to the islands and specific attractions may have separate fees. Tickets for the ferry can be purchased at the ferry terminal or online through travel agencies and official ferry websites.
It is recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like holidays or weekends. Booking a few days in advance is typically sufficient, but during high-demand periods, booking a week in advance might be necessary.
To explore the main attractions of the Shengsi Islands, 1-2 days is sufficient. This allows time for sightseeing, beach activities, and a boat tour. However, if you want to explore the smaller islands or engage in water sports, you may need 3 days.
Guided tours are available for the islands, often in Mandarin. It’s advisable to arrange a tour with a local guide or a travel agency. Some tour operators may offer services in English, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Start by visiting Shengsi Old Street for some local history, then take a boat tour to explore the surrounding smaller islands like Xishan. Hike up to the viewpoints on Shengsi and Dazhi Islands for panoramic views. End your visit with some time at the beaches for relaxation and water activities.
Night visits are not typically available, and light shows are rare. However, the islands are great for star-gazing due to their relatively low light pollution. Special night tours or events might occur during festivals or high tourist seasons, so it’s worth checking in advance.
The islands can get crowded during weekends, public holidays, and summer months. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays or in the off-season, such as spring or autumn, when the weather is still pleasant.
Facilities on the Shengsi Islands are basic but adequate. There are public toilets, small rest areas, local seafood restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs and necessities. More developed amenities can be found in the larger villages or towns on the islands.
The islands have some accessibility features, though certain areas with steep terrain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It’s advisable to consult with local services for special needs assistance, particularly for tours and hiking areas.
Cash is still commonly used on the Shengsi Islands, though mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and ferry terminals. It’s recommended to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller establishments.
There are several local seafood restaurants offering fresh catches, such as fish, crabs, and shellfish. Cafes and small eateries are also available, offering a variety of Chinese snacks and drinks. For more diverse dining options, head to Zhoushan city.
Vegetarian options are available, though they may be limited. Halal food options are harder to find, but some restaurants in Zhoushan city may cater to specific dietary preferences. It’s advisable to ask in advance at restaurants.
There are several guesthouses and hotels on Shengsi Island, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For a more luxurious stay, you can opt for accommodations in Zhoushan city, which is a short ferry ride away.
Souvenir shops on Shengsi Islands sell traditional crafts, local snacks, sea salt products, and seafood-themed souvenirs. You can also find handmade items such as pottery and jewelry in some local shops.
After visiting, you can take a ferry back to Zhoushan city, where you can catch a bus or ferry to other nearby destinations such as Putuo Mountain or back to Shanghai. Renting a car is a good option for exploring other parts of Zhoushan.
