Zhoushan 72-Hour Whirlwind Trip: The Honest Truth

Just got back from Zhoushan, and my WeChat Moments are blowing up! For just 800+ RMB per person, you can have the entire blue sea to yourself. Save this ultimate guide now~ 🦀Must-Try Seafood ▪️ Zhoushan Hairtail: Steamed and dipped in soy sauce is the best! The fish is so tender that chopsticks can barely hold it, and the skin has a gelatinous texture. ▪️ Spicy Stir-fried Clams: A must-have for late-night snacks. I could easily devour three plates with a cold beer. ▪️ Stir-fried Swimming Crab with Rice Cakes: Made with a local granny's secret sauce, the rice cakes are coated in crab roe, so delicious you'll lick the plate clean. ▪️ Seafood Casserole Noodles: The most authentic ones are found at the mobile stalls by the pier. A half-pot overflowing with mantis shrimp for only 15 yuan. (Psst... Don't go to the internet-famous restaurants at Shenjiamen Night Market. Walk further in, and the third one, "Wang Jie Restaurant," is where the locals eat.) 🚢Three-Day Island Hopping Itinerary Day 1: Shenjiamen → Dongji Island ▪️ 8:00 am: Take a boat and watch the waves turn into blue tears. ▪️ 11:00 am: Check in at the "The End of the World" lighthouse. Wearing a white dress makes for amazing photos. ▪️ 3:00 pm: Explore the "Maritime Potala Palace" on Qingbang Island. The stone houses seem frozen in time. Day 2: Dongfushan Island Tour → Miaozihu Island ▪️ 5:00 am: Catch the earliest sunrise in China 🌅 (Waking up at 4 am is tough, but worth it!) ▪️ 10:00 am: Hike to the Dashuwan stone houses. You can find pink shells in the crevices of the reefs. ▪️ 4:00 pm: Take a speedboat to chase the pink sunset. The boatman will take you to see hidden sea caves. Day 3: Zhujiajian → Return Trip ▪️ Ride a jet ski at Nansha Beach. Remember to bargain down to 80 yuan/ride. ▪️ Take Instagram-worthy photos at the Guanyin Fajie. The pure white buildings resemble Santorini on the sea. 🎒Light Travel Guide 1️⃣ Waterproof Phone Pouch: Essential for taking photos of waves from the boat or snorkeling with fish. 2️⃣ Foldable Slippers: Easily switch to beach walking mode. 3️⃣ Sunscreen Ice Sleeves: Don't be like my friend who forgot sunscreen and came back two shades darker. 4️⃣ Sealed Snack Bags: Prices on the islands are 1.5 times higher than on the mainland. 5️⃣ Motion Sickness Patches: A lifesaver on bumpy speedboat rides. 📍Hidden Gems ▪️ Dongfushan Bioluminescent Bay: Limited to April-May! Go to the pier after 9 pm, and the waves transform into a blue galaxy. ▪️ Miaozihu Graffiti Wall: A graffiti wall made from abandoned fishing boats, perfect for retro film-style photos. ▪️ Zhujiajian Wushitang: A beach of black pebbles. The sound of the stones colliding is incredibly soothing. ⚠️Tips from Experience ▪️ Book ferry tickets 3 days in advance on "Zhoushan Star Ferry." Lower cabins can be prone to seasickness, so the middle cabin is recommended. ▪️ Choose accommodation near the pier. You'll regret dragging your suitcase up stone steps. ▪️ Go to Donghe Market for seafood. Prices automatically drop after 3 pm. ▪️ Want fewer crowds and more beautiful scenery? Avoid weekends! We went on a Wednesday and had the entire lighthouse to ourselves. As the speedboat sliced through the glassy sea, and the setting sun painted the stone houses in honeyed hues, I suddenly understood why Zhoushan is called the "last island paradise of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai." Even the sea breeze carries a salty aroma, and you can encounter grandpas carrying fishing nets around every corner. Every photo you take looks like a screenshot from a heartwarming movie ✨