Just got back from Gouqi Island, really don’t recommend going from June to August

🌊Gouqi Island is known for its "blue sea and sky, and fishing village secrets." Whether you're chasing the first ray of sunlight in the easternmost part of China, exploring the deserted villages like a fairyland, or indulging in a seafood feast, it can satisfy all your island fantasies. But if you don’t plan well, there are many pitfalls, and it’s very hot. Not recommended to visit from June to August‼️

A comprehensive 2-3 day in-depth travel guide to Gouqi Island (June 2025 edition)
— Unlock the "Little Greece of the East" with its blue sea, sky, and fishing village secrets

🌈Best travel time
June to August: The sea is crystal clear, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but beware of typhoons (July to September).
September fishing season: Seafood is at its best, and you can avoid the summer peak crowds.

🚄🚗Transportation guide
📍From Shanghai:
Combined bus and boat ticket: Nanpu Bridge Bus Station (tickets sold from 06:30) → Shenjiawan Pier → Gouqi Island (Ganxie Pier), 3.5-4 hours sailing, ticket price about 140 RMB.
Self-driving + boat ticket: Navigate to Shenjiawan Pier, parking fee 50 RMB/day, then take the boat to Gouqi Island.

📍From Zhoushan: Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier → Shengshan/Gouqi Island, fewer boat schedules, check in advance.
Ticket purchase: WeChat public account "Shengsi Passenger Terminal" to grab tickets 5 days in advance; during peak season, it’s recommended to ask the homestay owner to book for you.

🚢Island transportation
Taxi: Charged by segments, starting fare 30 RMB, carpooling available.
Walking/Cycling: The island is small, walking between attractions is more flexible, but renting motorcycles is not allowed.

🏨Accommodation recommendations: Sea view and fishing village style
✅Gouqi Island area
High-end: Qianmo Seaview Inn (270° sea view terrace), Musa Dream Inn (artistic Instagram style).
Cost-effective: Homestays near Dawang Village (like Qiju), within walking distance to the beach, about 300 RMB/night.

✅Shengshan Island area
Shancheng Villa: Santorini style, close to deserted villages, suitable for photography lovers.

🗺️🔥2-day compact itinerary
🟢Day 1: Island first experience · Sunset and fishing village fireworks
🔹Morning
09:25 Take the boat from Shenjiawan Pier, arrive at Gouqi Island at 13:00
13:30 Check into homestay, store luggage
14:00 Dawang Beach (25 RMB/person entrance fee): Play in the sand and water, water activities open in summer.

🔹Evening
17:30 Mountain and sea wonder (free): Overlook the sea ranch, stunning at sunset.

🔹Night
19:00 Seafood feast (recommended "Yu Dang Jia" restaurant, about 100 RMB per person).

🟢Day 2: Explore deserted village · Chase sunrise at Dongya Cliff
🔸Early morning
04:30 Charter a car to Dongya Cliff (50 RMB/person entrance fee): The easternmost sunrise viewing point in China, cliff walkway facing the Pacific Ocean.

🔸Morning
08:00 Deserted village (60 RMB/person entrance fee): A real-life "Wizard of Oz," an abandoned fishing village overgrown with ivy.

🔸Afternoon
12:00 Seafood lunch (recommended "Sanmao Restaurant," salt and pepper mantis shrimp a must-try).
14:00 Western Bay (free): Red boardwalk winding into the sea, perfect for sunset silhouette photos.

🔸Evening
17:00 Return boat trip (Ganxie Pier → Shenjiawan Pier).

🌊3-day in-depth itinerary recommendation
🟢Day 3: Sea ranch · Sea fishing and slow life
🔹Morning
08:00 Sea ranch (free): Viewing platform overlooking the green mussel farming base, best light in early morning or dusk.

🔹Afternoon
13:00 Sea fishing experience (150 RMB/person): Rent a boat to fish for stonefish and snapper, catch can be processed.
16:00 Longquan Beach (free): A less crowded beach, you can gather shellfish and catch sea snails at low tide.

🔹Night
18:00 Seafood processing (homestay owner can process for 20 RMB/dish).

🔥Must-visit spots and activities
✅Dongya Cliff
Highlight: The easternmost sunrise in China, cliff walkway, 50 RMB/person entrance fee.
Tip: Arrive before 4:30 for sunrise, charter car costs about 100 RMB/car.

✅Deserted village
Highlight: Abandoned fishing village covered with greenery, 60 RMB/person entrance fee (land access).
Tip: Wear long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquitoes, best lighting for photos in the morning.

✅Mountain and sea wonder
Highlight: Highest point on Gouqi Island, overlooking the sea ranch, stunning sunset.
Tip: There is a "Mountain and Sea Wonder" stone tablet on the summit, inscribed during the Ming Wanli period.

✅Dawang Beach
Highlight: The largest beach on Gouqi Island, fine sand, 25 RMB/person entrance fee.
Tip: Water activities open in summer, water floats available for rent.

🗺️Food map
Seafood feast
Must-eat: Scallion oil swimming crab, steamed green mussels, salt and pepper mantis shrimp, seafood noodle dumplings.
Recommended restaurants: Yu Dang Jia (Gouqi Island), Sanmao Restaurant (Shengshan Island).

🔥Snack recommendations
Seaweed jelly: Refreshing and cooling, 5 RMB/cup, available at roadside stalls.
Green mussel fried rice: Local specialty, can be ordered at homestays.

‼️‼️Pitfall avoidance guide
1⃣️Tickets are tight: During peak season, grab tickets 5 days in advance on "Shengsi Passenger Terminal," choose upper cabin to reduce seasickness.
2⃣️Sun and mosquito protection: Strong UV on the island, wear hats and sunglasses; dense vegetation in deserted village, use mosquito repellent.
3⃣️Cash backup: Some snack stalls and taxis only accept cash.
4⃣️Environmental rules: Do not collect coral or shells, carry your trash with you.

👭Luggage storage: Shenjiawan Pier parking lot, Gouqi Island homestays.
Bring this guide and start your "Little Greece of the East" journey!