I gave up going to Xiamen; this is the true summer coastal slow city

I gave up going to Xiamen; this is the true summer coastal slow city

I originally planned to go to Xiamen during the summer vacation to enjoy the sea breeze, but was deterred by the crowds on Gulangyu Island and the high-priced homestays. Instead, I went to Gouqi Island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang, and discovered this hidden blue sea paradise! With 26℃ sea breeze, quiet deserted beaches, seafood meals averaging 50 yuan per person, and costs half of Xiamen’s, this is what summer should really feel like~

🚗 Transportation Guide

- Main transport: Take a bus plus ferry combo ticket from Shanghai Nanpu Bridge Bus Station to Gouqi Island, about 1.5 hours by bus plus 4 hours by ferry, round trip 260 yuan; you can also take a ferry from Zhoushan Shenjiamen Port, one way 80 yuan, slightly more expensive than the 35 yuan ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu but with fewer people.
- Island transport: Rent an electric scooter for 50 yuan/day, freely stop and take photos along the island road, more cost-effective than taxis in Xiamen (starting fare 10 yuan); there are minibuses between main attractions, 5 yuan per ride, last bus before 6 pm.
- Ferry ticket tips: During peak season, book tickets 3 days in advance via the “Zhoushan Haixing Ferry” WeChat official account, avoid scalpers who charge 50 yuan or more extra—it’s a scam.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations

- Cost-effective option: Fisherman’s homestays in the main village of Gouqi Island, 150-200 yuan/night, 5-minute walk to the beach, owners can help buy and prepare seafood, over 100 yuan cheaper than homestays in Xiamen’s Zengcuoan.
- Sea view option: Sea view rooms near Dongya Cliff, 300-400 yuan/night, balconies facing the blue sea, you can watch the sunrise lying down in the morning, half the price of sea view hotels on Xiamen’s Huandao Road, book 2 weeks in advance for July-August.

🍜 Must-try List

- Seafood stalls: Recommended “Old Captain Seafood,” freshly caught and cooked, steamed swimming crab 60 yuan/jin, salt and pepper mantis shrimp 40 yuan/portion, eat to your fill for about 50 yuan per person, watch the scale carefully to avoid short weight.
- Specialty snacks: Seafood noodles are a must-try, deluxe version with squid + clams + shrimp for 25 yuan/bowl, cheaper and more generous than Xiamen’s satay noodles.
- Island breakfast: Seafood porridge made by local fisherwomen, 10 yuan/bowl, served with freshly fried fish balls, incredibly fresh, much better than waiting an hour in line at Xiamen’s popular breakfast shops.

🌟 Core Attractions

- Dawang Beach: Free entry, fine soft sand, even in peak season you can find empty spots, 80% fewer people than Xiamen’s Baicheng Beach, you can collect shells at low tide in the evening.
- Dongya Cliff: Excellent spot for sunrise, entrance fee 50 yuan, the 5 am sea sunrise is more stunning than Xiamen’s Huangcuo Beach, you might spot seabirds along the way.
- Abandoned Village: An abandoned fishing village covered in greenery, entrance fee 80 yuan, like a fairy tale secret place, more photogenic than the popular walls on Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island.
- Mountain and Sea Wonder: Free mountaintop viewing platform overlooking the entire island’s blue sea and fishing village, the sunset light and shadow are amazing, avoid the crowded Sunlight Rock in Xiamen.

❌ Pitfall Avoidance Guide

1. Don’t buy “deep sea fish oil” or “shell crafts” on the island; most are sourced from outside and overpriced by 3 times.
2. Don’t trust “seafood touts”; follow local fishermen to their usual stalls and ask the “market price” in advance.
3. Don’t buy “ready-to-eat seafood” at the dock; shelf life is unclear, better to eat freshly made.

💰 Budget Reference

Transport: Round-trip ferry + bus 260 yuan + island transport 150 yuan
Accommodation: 3 nights 600 yuan (fisherman’s homestay)
Meals: 100 yuan/day × 4 days = 400 yuan
Tickets and experiences: 200 yuan (including attraction tickets)
Total budget: about 1610 yuan, saving over 1500 yuan compared to going to Xiamen!

Summer on Gouqi Island is about leisurely picking shells in the waves and healing by watching sunsets on the rocks. This niche island guide is perfect for those wanting to avoid crowds and slow down to enjoy the sea. Save it now and go for it~