Transportation guide for Xiazhi Island in Zhoushan. How to find food and accommodation when traveling to Xiazhi Island?
Preface
Many people yearn for life on a fishing island, which offers the tranquility and simplicity of the sea. No matter how noisy the city gets, it maintains its own quiet, isolated, and undisturbed place.
The TV series "See You Tomorrow" catapulted Dongji Island to fame, making it a popular destination for people eager to escape the city and seek a secluded paradise. Consequently, during peak season, tickets and rooms at Dongji Island are extremely hard to come by.
But now, I want to tell you that there are actually many small islands in Zhoushan with scenery that is no less beautiful than Dongji Island! For example, Xiazhi Island - the last virgin land in Zhoushan that has not yet been cultivated.
Learn more about Xiazhi Island
The East China Sea is home to the most islands in my country, with the Zhoushan Archipelago as its largest archipelago. It serves as the main maritime gateway to the world for the eastern coast and the Yangtze River basin. Among the Zhoushan archipelago lies a small island shaped like a shrimp, named Xiazhi Island.
Xiazhi is an island town located in the southern Zhoushan Archipelago, approximately 21.5 kilometers north of Shenjiamen. It borders Taohua Island to the northeast across the Xiazhimen International Waterway, and faces Liuheng Island to the west across Xiaobei Port and the Tiaozhumen Waterway. It is only 13 kilometers west of the Chuanshan Peninsula in Ningbo Bay.
The town consists of 83 islands and is also known as the "Hundred Islands Fishing Town". It has a land area of 22.9 square kilometers and has 6 communities, 6 villages and 17 shareholding economic cooperatives under its jurisdiction.
The northern part consists of East Bailian Island, West Bailian Island and Huni Island, and is mainly used for oil storage and transportation and port-side industries.
The central part is mainly Linghe Community where the Xiazhi Town Government is located. It is also the living area where local islanders gather. Because there is a certain population, supplies are not scarce on the island, and all kinds of daily necessities can be bought in the town.
The southern Dongxiao Ecological Leisure and Tourism Area, which is the destination of this island trip - Henicao, has a natural inner harbor, beautiful natural environment, and retains the original ecological scenery of the fishing village. Therefore, it is a real pleasure to enjoy a seaside vacation, summer recuperation, and leisure sea fishing in Henicao.
(Photo source: Xiazhi Town)
How to get to Xiazhi Island
There are two docks to Xiazhi Island, namely Ningbo Beilun Guoju Dock and Zhoushan Shenjiamen Duntou Dock. The dock for landing on Xiazhi Island is Xiazhi Zhapeng Dock.
Beilun Guoju - Xiazhi Fence Shed
Guoju Wharf - Xiazhi Zhapeng: Departs at 15:00
Xiazhi Zhapeng - Guoju Wharf: Departs at 06:50
Boat ticket: 25 yuan for the upper deck, 20 yuan for the middle and lower decks. Journey time: 60 minutes.
Children's ticket information: Children under 1.2M are free of charge (no seats available); children between 1.2-1.5M are half price and must pay a supplementary ticket on board (no seats available); children over 1.5M are full price (with seats available).
Tips: Because Xiazhi Island is not a tourist island, the only ferry service to the island is from Guoju Pier. The ferry service to Xiazhi Island is scheduled to accommodate the islanders' early departures and late returns, with only one service per day. For inquiries, call 0574-86021744.
Shenjiamenduntou——Xiazhizhaipeng
Regular ferry service: 7:00 AM, 12:40 PM, 4:00 PM. Ticket: 23 yuan for upper deck, 18 yuan for middle and lower deck. Journey time: 60 minutes.
Shenlu Speedboat: 8:30 and 14:00. Ticket: 32 yuan.
Xiazhi Ferry: 9:50. Ticket: Upper deck 23 yuan, middle and lower deck 18 yuan. Journey time: 70 minutes.
Xiazhi Zhapeng Wharf → Shenjiamen Duntou Wharf:
Regular ferry: 7:00, 12:30, 16:00.
Shenlu No. 1 Speedboat: 9:20, 14:50.
Xiazhi Lun: 8:20.
Children's ticket information: Children under 1.2M are free of charge (no seats available); children between 1.2-1.5M are half price and must pay a supplementary ticket on board (no seats available); children over 1.5M are full price (with seats available).
{tips}
1. Shenjiamen Wharf, also known as Duntou Wharf or Duntou Passenger Terminal, is the main wharf for passengers heading towards Taohua Island and Liuheng. Don't go to the Shenjiamen Banshengdong Wharf by mistake.
2. The boat leaves on time, but sometimes it may not arrive on time due to the influence of waves and wind direction, with an error of four to five minutes.
3. You need to bring your ID card to purchase tickets.
4. After boarding the ship, the member crew will check their tickets for the second time. Please remember to keep your tickets.
5. Round-trip ferry tickets to Shenjiamen can be booked online in advance. Follow the official account "Ziyoubao" (Zhoushan City Water Passenger Transport Online Ticket Booking Platform) to purchase tickets in advance. Or visit the Zhoushan Ferry Ticket Network to book tickets at http://chuan.114huoche.com/M_LiuHeng/
6. Shenjiamen Duntou Wharf Inquiry Hotline: 0580-3669000
However, the most worry-free way is to follow China-TravelNote, which is all-inclusive and you don’t have to buy tickets yourself.
Accommodation and Dining on Xiazhi Island
Accommodation recommendations
Stay in a seaside B&B and stroll along the shore in the evening breeze. The image of the sea and sky blending into one is imprinted on your feet. Stepping barefoot on the soft sand, a few imperious crabs might occasionally scurry across your soles, making you giggle. Looking up, it's a full moon, a large moon resting casually on the horizon, emitting a pale yellow glow. I wonder if Li Bai, were there, would have sung the timeless verse, "I raise my cup to the bright moon, and my shadow and I become three." Here are three hotels and B&Bs I recommend.
Haibei Yixin Bay (the first characteristic B&B on Xiazhi Island)
Haibei Yixin Bay is located at No. 3, District 1, Henicao (the easternmost edge of the village). Built on the seashore, nestled against lush green hills and facing the ocean, it offers direct access to transportation. The Crocodile Island Trail is in front of the property, a small beach lies to the south, and the Xiazhimen International Waterway lies to the east. The location is exceptional. Spanning over 500 square meters, the B&B offers a variety of functions, including dining, accommodation, and a teahouse. The B&B boasts 10 guest rooms with 20 beds, offering a variety of standard rooms, suites, and studios. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television, 24-hour hot water, and toiletries. The B&B also offers leisure fishing boats, beach barbecues, and bonfire parties.
(Photographer: Liu Zuye)
Fusheng Island Residence (boutique homestay)
Fusheng Island Residence is located above the Henicao Haibei B&B, atop the Beilun Harbor Hilltop in Henicao Village! It's the perfect spot for sunrise viewing. The owner, a young woman from Northeast China, quit her job, headed to an island, and opened a B&B. For many, the thought is something she dares not do. But for Fusheng, she not only thought it, but also did it.
The hotel boasts six guest rooms with nine beds, each specially designed to accommodate sunset, sunrise, family, and girlfriends. It also features a dining area and two outdoor terraces for barbecues, dancing, and outdoor movies. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, 24-hour hot water, and toiletries. Fusheng enjoys an ideal location, overlooking the giant ships of the international waterway to the east, the entire bay to the south (clear water 250 days a year), Henicao Village to the west, and mountains to the north, with seasonal vegetation.
Blue Sea and Blue Sky (Boutique Resort Hotel)
The "Blue Sea and Blue Sky" boutique resort hotel is located at No. 3-19, District 2, Henicao (near the village entrance on the side of the main road of the village), covering an area of more than 1,700 square meters. There are 3 buildings with 20 rooms and 29 beds in the guest rooms. Each building and each room has its own characteristics to meet the needs of different customers. All rooms face the sea. The Blue Sea and Blue Sky has 2 restaurants, 1 conference room, 1 swimming pool, 2 leisure halls and an open-air viewing platform. The Blue Sea and Blue Sky exudes the personality of "Blue Sea and Blue Sky" everywhere from the accommodation, balcony, garden, conference room, swimming pool, children's area and public areas, and subtly reveals a sense of low-key luxury.
(Photographer: Zheng Baosen)
Food recommendations
In Xiazhi, fishery is one of its important economic supporting industries. It once had the reputation of "Look to Zhoushan for Zhejiang fishery, look to Putuo for Zhoushan fishery, and look to Xiazhi for Putuo fishery".
Living close to the mountains and the sea, the people cannot live without the sea, relying on it for their livelihood. Seafood has become a common staple for the locals. The honest fishermen of Xiazhi, casting and reeling in their nets, provide the freshest seafood day after day. They then use the freshest local ingredients to create authentic, home-style dishes that leave a lasting impression.
In Xiazhi, you'll find a wealth of delicious home-cooked dishes, including shrimp, clams, hairtail, hairtail, mud snails, and various other snails. Besides ordering seafood feasts at your hotel or B&B, you can also purchase and prepare your own seafood at the morning market. The prices are not only affordable, but also incredibly fresh.
(Homemade seafood hot pot dinner, isn’t it awesome!)
The "Little White Dragon of the East China Sea"—the Xia Chan—is a small to medium-sized marine fish. It has a long, laterally flattened body, typically 15 to 26 cm long and weighing 75 to 150 grams. Its eyes are small, set forward, and its mouth is quite large, with the premaxilla forming the upper edge. Its jaws are densely packed with fine, pointed teeth that can fall backward. Its body is soft, mostly smooth and scaleless. It tastes like tofu and is incredibly delicious, suitable for both young and old. It is particularly delicious when braised with salt and pepper or in a red sauce.
The East China Sea's most delicious delicacy is wild yellow croaker. Island fishermen head out to sea early every morning to catch the freshest yellow croaker. Preserving the freshest yellow croaker requires meticulous attention to detail, ideally cooked whole. Whether braised in brown sauce or served in pickled mustard greens and yellow croaker soup, the dish is a mouth-watering delicacy.
The most authentic local hemp cake, full of fragrance.
Travel Guide to Xiazhi Island
Sunrise over the East China Sea
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the East China Sea amid the sound of waves. Xiazhi's most beautiful moment is when the sun slowly rises from the horizon. Stand by the coast and watch the fiery red sun slowly climb over the ocean. Stand at the Xiazhimen International Navigation Station and watch giant international ships slowly sail by every five minutes. The entire bay is awakened by the gentle golden glow of the sun. Watch the sea, listen to the waves, admire the vibrant morning glow, and experience the leisurely life of a slow-paced fishing island.
International Waterway Observation Deck
The International Waterway Observation Deck is located at the easternmost point, overlooking Taohua Island across Xiazhi Gate. Like the Tiaozhumen Channel, the water is deep, waves are low, and it's unsilted and unfrozen. Locals call it Beilun Port, and it's the only way to get to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. On average, a 10,000-ton ship can be seen passing here every eight minutes. It's also a perfect spot for watching the sunrise over the mountains and the sea, and the magnificent ships sailing across the azure ocean.
Fishing experience
Accompanied by the rumbling sound of the motor, a fishing boat sails away from Henicao Fishing Village. In the distance, the sea and sky are crystal clear, and small waves surge beneath the side of the boat. Now, under the guidance of a veteran fisherman, cast a net yourself, awaiting the joy of a bountiful catch, and experiencing the lifestyle of island fishermen.
After your fishing trip, you can enjoy an authentic seafood feast. The taste of your own catch, upon tasting it, reaches your heart, embodying the joy of labor and the joy of harvest. Return to your homestay with your bountiful catch, where the owner will prepare it into a delicious, "fresh to the bone" dish, showcasing the vibrant flavors of the East China Sea.
Coastline hike
A newly paved asphalt road winds along the Henicao Coastal Highway all the way to Zaituo Mountain, a flower-filled roadside landscape from April to August. Standing atop Waituo Mountain, you're greeted by vast, bare rocks with distinct patterns. Whether you're admiring the view or simply sitting quietly, facing the ocean and backed by the green mountains, you'll feel a sense of insignificance. You can also climb to the Crocodile Island Sunrise Pavilion near Jinsha Bay, offering panoramic views of Henicao to the west. Small stone houses with black tiles and gray walls cling to the hillside, nestled amidst the lush greenery. To the east, you'll find the sea, where the sky and sea merge into one.
Playing on the beach
Henicao boasts a beach, a tranquil and natural sandy shoreline stumbling upon in this quaint fishing village. The golden sand gleams in the sunlight, and the azure sea in the distance complements the beach beautifully. Seeing such a natural bathing spot is simply irresistible, inviting you to play there. The moment you step onto the sand, your feet touch the soft sand, and it touches the softest part of my heart. We play on the beach, swim, build castles, collect shells and catch crabs, the salty water rising to our knees. Where the waves and sand meet, we run unrestrained. This is summer, the summer you get a pitch-black tan and never tire of.
Xiazhi Customs Pavilion
The Xiazhi Fishing Customs Museum consists of four parts: the Cultural Auditorium, the Fishing Culture Exhibition Hall, and the Cultural Stage. Wax figures, exhibitions, and entertainment showcase the island's customs from different perspectives and historical events, allowing you to experience the history of fishing culture firsthand.
Weaving nets and tying fishing ropes
Different types of fishing knots can be used for lifting, carrying, carrying, pulling, tying, and binding objects. Knots tell the beautiful stories of fishermen's lives and work. Zhoushan boasts hundreds of different fishing knots. Learn how to weave nets and tie fishing knots from the fishermen, and let the ancient rope-making skills take on new forms.
More travel recommendations
Huangshi Village is located north of Xiazhi Island, abutting Qingkeng Mountain to the south and bordering the Xiazhimen waterway to the north. Fishing is a local occupation. Shideng Harbor, located in front of Huangshi Village, is rich in fish and shrimp. During the fishing season, people could catch fish just by standing on the beach.
There are not many eye-catching wonders here, only the endless sea and uneven reefs, only simple fishing houses and peaceful life, and the sea breeze that can blow away all worries. This place lacks the hustle and bustle of famous islands.
Lianghu Village is like Xiazhi's most treasured secret, hidden away even by travelers. The tranquil village sits on a sandy beach, offering stunning views of the vast blue sea – a true paradise.
(Re-creation by Mr. Jiang)
In iron painting, the drawing paper is plywood, and the brush is an electric soldering pen. Iron serves as the brush, and fire as the color. High temperatures create darker lines, while low temperatures create lighter ones. This style deviates from the freehand style of ink painting, teetering on the edge of realistic form. Thanks to Jiang Yuguo's innovation, Xiazhi's iron paintings incorporate traditional Chinese painting pigments, resulting in fade-resistant colors and a unique Xiazhi style.
Huangshi Village is a major fishing village, with fishermen and workers bustling about the docks. The historic ice-making factory's ice tracks are a novelty and a source of surprise for young people. As the saying goes: For fishing in Zhoushan, look to Putuo; for fishing in Putuo, look to Xiazhi; and for fishing in Xiazhi, look to Huangshi!
Things to note when going to the island
1. Cash (mainly for taking the bus. Alipay and WeChat online payment are not as popular as in first- and second-tier cities in Zhoushan, so you need to carry some cash)
2. Backpack/small suitcase + flip-flops + sunglasses + colorful long skirt + thin jacket + spare underwear + tissues + small electric fan with USB port
2. ID card (pay attention)
3. Mobile phone + power bank + charger, camera + memory card + charger + selfie stick
5. Toiletries (optional) + skincare products + sunscreen + umbrella
7. Seasickness medicine + heatstroke prevention and fever reduction medicine + mosquito repellent
Conclusion
Unlike Taohua and Putuo, which are currently popular tourist destinations, Xiazhi hasn't received large-scale development like Liuheng and Jintang. It's simply an island, home to fishermen and a haven for outsiders. It has always preserved the authentic flavor and unique charm of a fishing village. If you're looking for some space to yourself, make sure to come here.
