Road Trip with Kids from Shanghai to Dongji Island｜Ultimate Family Travel Guide

Calling all moms! Just completed a road trip from Shanghai to Dongji Island with my little one, and here’s my "stress-free mom" guide covering everything from transport to accommodation. Save this now👇

🚗 Shanghai to Zhoushan by Car
▪️ Recommended Route: G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway → G15 Shenhai Expressway → Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Ningbo Expressway → Yongzhou Expressway (approx. 3.5 hours, toll fee ¥234)
▪️ Tips for Kids: Download cartoons/nursery rhymes in advance, bring a portable toilet seat + car fridge (for fruits/yogurt)
▪️ Parking in Zhoushan: P1 Lot at Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier is closest (¥5/hour, max ¥8 for 8 hours), elevator direct to pier

⛴️ Ferry Tickets + Kid-Friendly Hacks
▪️ Booking Tips: Grab tickets 7 days in advance at 12:00 PM via "Zhoushan Haixing Shipping" for Zhujiajian→Miaozihu (recommend 8:10 AM ferry, 2-hour ride)
▪️ Cabin Choice: Opt for mid-deck (¥130) with kids—smoother ride + deck access for views; pack motion sickness patches (kids’ version) + sealable bags (for nausea)
▪️ Island Hopping: Pay cash onboard to add Qingbang Island (¥30/person). Prioritize Qingbang (kid-friendly)!

🏝️ 3-Day Itinerary
📍Day 1: Zhujiajian → Qingbang Island
- Morning: Drive to pier, take 8:10 ferry
- Noon: Check into "Yuqi Homestay" (sea-view room with kids’ tent, 5-min walk to beach)
- Afternoon:
✅ Tide-pooling at Xifeng Bay Beach (crabs + seashells; check tide tables)
✅ Photo ops at "Sea B&W Palace" stone houses (best light at 4 PM—dress kids in light colors)
- Evening: BBQ at homestay rooftop + bioluminescent bay hunt (June-August; Xifeng Bay reefs ideal)

📍Day 2: Qingbang → Dongfushan → Miaozihu
- Morning: Ferry to Dongfushan, easy hike to Tree Bay stone houses (1km flat path—kids can walk!)
- Noon: Try tigerfish tofu soup at local stalls (mild flavor, kids love it)
- Afternoon: Take 14:00 ferry to Miaozihu, hop on sightseeing bus (¥88/adult, kids free; stops: Caibogong Statue, Original Stone Beach)
- Evening: Backup bioluminescent bay plan—head to Dongxiang Pavilion or switch to cartoons at a bar

📍Day 3: Miaozihu → Return
- Morning: Visit "The Continent" lighthouse, rent e-bikes for coastal ride (¥88/3 hours—kids adore front seats!)
- Noon: Steamed grouper + mussels at seafood spots (request less salt)
- Afternoon: 15:00 ferry back to Zhujiajian; buy dried seafood before leaving (recommend mussels for porridge)

🏠 Top Stays
▪️ Qingbang’s "Yuqi Homestay": Family rooms with slides, free sand toys + kiddie tubs
▪️ Miaozihu’s "Xiluo Bay Homestay": French-style design, smart home features, kids’ slippers/toothbrushes included

🍽️ Food Hits & Misses
✅ Must-Eat:
- Qingbang’s "Qingbang Memory" seafood noodles (DIY toppings, sweet broth)
- Miaozihu’s "Haishan Lou" steamed pomfret (tender—kids eat with hands!)
⚠️ Skip:
- Spicy clams at Miaozihu stalls (too salty—order steamed)
- Dongfushan grilled squid (too chewy for toddlers)

🎒 Packing List
1. Sun protection: Bucket hat + SPF50+ kids’ sunscreen + cooling sleeves
2. Gear: Foldable stroller (wide wheels for Qingbang’s cobblestones), silicone bib
3. Emergency kit: Fever patches, Smecta, band-aids, mosquito-repellent bracelets
4. Fun: Bubble blower (beach photo prop!), travel easel

💡 Pro Tips
1. Bioluminescent bay: Check weather—south wind + moonless nights ideal; wear long sleeves
2. Backup ferry tickets: Ask homestay hosts for help if sold out
3. Avoid weekends: Mon-Thurs mean fewer crowds + 30% cheaper stays

✨ Final Notes
Dongji’s magic? Kids giggling at crabs, gasps at glowing waves, and sunrise cuddles. Slow down—let the sea and sun recharge your family!