Where to Travel in Summer? This Low-Key Island Is Quieter Than Sanya!

🌅【Dongji Islands】
Witness the earliest sunrise here—these are the easternmost islands of mainland China. Comprising three islets—Miaozihu, Dongfushan, and Qingbang—Dongji Islands gained fame from the movie *The Continent* with the line, "Dongji Islands, where nature nurtures brilliance."

For photos? Head to the red-and-white lighthouse.
For serenity? Visit Dongfushan at dawn to watch the sun rise from the sea, illuminating the entire horizon.
Tip: Summer accommodations fill fast—book homestays early. Bring a jacket for sunrise views.

🏯【Mount Putuo】
Find peace amid Buddhist chants at one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. Temples, incense, and ocean breezes await. Beyond statues, the air itself calms the soul.
Must-visits: Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, and Huiji Temple.
Tip: Visit on the 19th day of the 2nd, 6th, or 9th lunar month (Guanyin’s birthday) for vibrant crowds and spiritual energy.

📸【Huaniao Island】
A dreamscape of bioluminescent seas and lighthouses. The black-and-white lighthouse against the horizon makes for instant social media gold. Lucky visitors spot "blue tears" (glowing plankton) at night—waves shimmering like dreams.
Tip: July–August offers the best chance to see bioluminescence. Try the shallow shores after dark.

🌿【Shengsi Islands】
Hidden "Greek blues" await. Gouqi Island’s vine-covered abandoned fishing villages and Baisha Island’s serene coastal trails feel worlds away.
Highlights: Wangfu Cliff on Gouqi, Baisha’s sunset, and Huaniao’s lighthouse.

🌴【Zhujiajian & Zhufa Islands】
Beaches, sand sculptures, and fishing. Sunbathe at Nansha Beach or admire the annual International Sand Sculpture Festival.
Ideal itinerary: Beachcombing by day, camping at dusk, and night fishing.

🐟【Shenjiamen Fishing Port】
The liveliest spot after dark, with rows of seafood stalls under twinkling lights, fragrant with garlic and sea air.

Top 5 Must-Eats:
1. Scallions-steamed razor clams
2. Salted yellow croaker with chicken
3. Salt-baked shrimp
4. Smoked pomfret
5. Shengsi snail sauce

📜【Millennia of Culture】
Zhoushan’s story isn’t just scenery. For 6,000 years, since the Hemudu era, it’s been a hub for fishing, Zheng He’s voyages, the Opium War, and the Maritime Silk Road.
• Cultural stops: Dinghai Ancient Town, Taixing Road, Shuangyu Port.
• Local vibe: Stroll fishing village alleys, watch fish drying on racks, and listen to old sea shanties.

📌【Practical Guide】
🚗 Getting there:
• Flight: Zhoushan Putuo Airport (direct routes).
• Train + bus: Ningbo high-speed rail → direct bus.
• Ferries: Depart from Shenjiamen or Wugongzhi piers.

🏨 Where to stay:
• Luxury: Mount Putuo hotels or Zhujiajian sea-view rooms.
• Unique: Huaniao or Dongji homestays (sleep by the ocean).
• Budget: Hostels or fisherfolk homestays.

✅ Packing list: Sunscreen, sandals, mosquito repellent, light jacket.
✅ Photo gear: Wide-angle lens, power bank, tripod.

🗓️ Island-hopping routes:
✅ Route 1: Zen Escape
Day 1: Zhujiajian → Mount Putuo (stay at a Zen hotel).
Day 2: Sunrise at Guanyin statue → Nansha sand sculptures → Wushitang tidal views.
Day 3: Drive Daqing Mountain → Shenjiamen night snacks.

✅ Route 2: Light & Sea
Day 1: Shenjiamen → Miaozihu → Red-white lighthouse (overnight).
Day 2: Dongfushan sunrise → hiking → Qingbang sunset.
Day 3: Return to Zhoushan → feast on fresh seafood.

🌇 Final note:
Zhoushan isn’t a place to rush. It’s for slowing down, daydreaming, and feeling the wind. The waves whisper stories at your feet. Come not for photos or checklists, but to rediscover yourself.
This summer, choose Zhoushan. Sleep by the sea, dine on just-caught seafood, and watch unfiltered sunsets.