Travel guide to Xiazhi Island, a small fishing village in Zhoushan, and recommended accommodation and activities on Xiazhi Island
Preface
Zhoushan has 1,339 islands of various sizes, of which about 100 are inhabited. Although I studied here in college, I have never visited more than half of them, including the authentic fishing village of Xiazhi.
Xiazhi Island, named for its shrimp-like shape and numerous aoes forming a horn-like formation, is not a large island, nor as popular as Taohua Island or Huaniao Island (ferry tickets are difficult to obtain and prices are high), nor is it as extensively developed as Jintang and Liuheng. Many people may see it as a small place nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, and some may even be unaware of its existence. Yet, it is free from the hustle and bustle of crowds and traffic; it is peaceful and natural, just like the daily tranquility of its residents.
The northern part of Xiazhi is mainly used for oil storage and transportation and port-side industries. The central part is mainly a living area where local islanders gather. The southern part is an ecological leisure and tourism area with a natural inner harbor and a beautiful environment. It retains the original ecological scenery of the fishing village. Vacationing, summer recuperation, and leisure sea fishing here are rare enjoyments in life.
There is no obvious commercialization here, which is perfect for those who like humanistic photography.
How to get to the island
All over the country——Shenjiamen Duntou Wharf
You can buy the corresponding boat ticket on the Ziyoubao app, which costs 18-38 yuan per person and arrives at the Zhapeng Pier on Xiazhi Island in 40-60 minutes.
There are rural buses at the pier, which go to various villages. There is a bus every half an hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. The frequency will be increased during holidays. The above scenic spot is Henicao Village, which is about a 15-minute drive away.
Island accommodation
There is only one concept hotel and three or four B&Bs on the island.
Blue Sea and Blue Sky Hotel
The hotel, called the Blue Sea and Blue Sky Hotel, sits high above the beach and boasts exquisite decor and an infinity pool. The owner says, "I love gazing at the sky because its vastness encompasses all the dark clouds. In the summer, the Blue Sea and Blue Sky offer not only the scorching heat but also the vast expanse of blue sky." Be sure to book the super deluxe ocean view rooms in advance.
The hotel also offers mountain bike rentals for 30 yuan per hour. You can follow the winding Henicao Coastal Road all the way to Zaituo Mountain, where you'll see brown boulders piled on the shore. Alternatively, you can climb to the Crocodile Island Sunrise Pavilion for panoramic views. Across from Crocodile Island is a village. Like most islands, the houses here are mostly built of wind-resistant stone, creating a large-scale ancient stone village.
There is a small shop just below the hotel, where you can get instant noodles and snacks. If you don't mind seafood, then be bold and try the taste impact of seafood. You can also have a bowl of seafood noodles for more than 100-150 yuan per person.
Fusheng Island Residence on the Hillside
Fusheng Island Residence, which goes up along the winding stone path, is the homestay at the highest point of the entire island.
The owner, Juanzi, a post-90s Northeastern girl, fell in love with Xiazhi Island the first time she visited and decided to make her home here. She personally handles everything about the B&B, from design and decoration to hospitality and catering, a truly impressive feat.
Sitting in front of the old ship-wood tea table in the B&B, looking out from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows through the spaces between pots of green plants and succulents, you can see the mountains surrounding the bay in front of you, and the huge ships shuttling through the Xiazhi International Waterway on the left. Lying on the rocking chair in the courtyard and letting go of everything is an unforgettable experience.
Yixinwan
Yixin Bay is the island's first B&B, located at No. 3, Henicao District 1, just downstairs from Fusheng B&B. Covering over 500 square meters, the B&B offers not only dining and accommodation, but also fully equipped rooms, fishing boats, beach barbecues, and bonfire parties.
How to plan a day on the island
Sunrise at sea
Get up at 04:30 and walk along the coastline for about 15 minutes to reach the best viewing point for the sunrise.
From time to time, huge ships can be seen shuttling back and forth on the international waterways on the sea, and Peach Blossom Island is not far to the northeast.
Go fishing
When you come to Xiazhi Island, you can't miss the experience of fishing with the fishermen. With the sound of the motor, the fishing boat slowly leaves the harbor (round trip takes about 2 hours). The blue sea unfolds before your eyes. Seagulls fly low in the sea breeze. At this time, I don't care about seasickness at all. I just take pictures and pose for pictures.
If you are lucky, you will have a good harvest. The seafood you catch can be eaten directly after being steamed and cooked in the most primitive way, and the meat is very tender.
Relaxing on the beach
After a hearty lunch, you can lie back and relax in the B&B to enjoy the rare tranquility, or go to the shallow beach to pick up shells, dig crabs, and step into the sea water with the children.
Cycling around the island
In the afternoon, rent a mountain bike and ride the winding road around the island, heading west along the coastline. Gazing at the rocks covered with wildflowers, listening to the waves crashing against the reefs, you can relax and wait for the sunset.
Precautions
1. Remember to bring some cash when you go to the island, because WeChat and Alipay are not yet widely used in small villages, such as on buses, so you should prepare some change.
2. Make sure to do a good job of sun protection, otherwise you will get darker for no reason.
3. Bring a long-sleeved shirt. The temperature difference between morning and evening on the island is quite large. When the sea breeze blows at night, you must wear a thick coat to prevent catching a cold.
4. It is best to bring mosquito repellent and mosquito repellent patches, as the mosquitoes on the island are still very poisonous.
5. If you are prone to motion sickness or seasickness, please prepare some medicine in advance. They are not sold on the island. You can use it if you feel unwell while fishing.
Conclusion
Why do I recommend Xiazhi Island? Is it because it's quiet and uncrowded? Is it because of the beautiful scenery? Is it a haven for wellness? It's probably a little bit of all of these. I just love the feeling of freedom and freedom there.
