Your First Time in Zhujiajian? Just Follow This Itinerary!

I just got back from Zhujiajian, and I finally understand why it's called the "last glass sea of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai"! Three days and two nights, all-inclusive for just 600+ RMB per person. Save this tried-and-true guide now~ 🚗Must-See for Road Trippers Mountain road lovers rejoice! I recommend starting your drive on the Daqingshan Island Ring Road around 4 p.m., when the sun perfectly divides the sea into two shades of blue 🌤️. Remember to roll down your windows and let the salty sea breeze hit your face. Be sure to stop at the Niutoushan observation deck halfway up the mountain, where you can see five beaches strung along the coastline like a pearl necklace. (Road trip tip: Go easy on the gas. 30 km is enough for a lap around the island. Remember to honk your horn on the winding mountain roads.) 🦐Morning Market Class Early birds get the worm (or the freshest seafood)! Shenjiamen Donghe Market opens at 5:30 a.m. You can find live mantis shrimp still jumping for 25 RMB/jin, and watch grannies shuck oysters for pearls right next door. You can have your seafood cooked at the nearby food stalls for 10 RMB/serving for steaming and 15 RMB for salt and pepper. I recommend trying the local favorite "Sanbao Shad," a salty and savory dish perfect for mixing with rice. You'll want three bowls! 🧳Pack Light, Pack Right 1️⃣ Sun Sleeves: More effective than sunscreen! The sea breeze keeps them from feeling sticky. 2️⃣ Crocs: The pebbles at Wushitang will make you regret wearing anything else. 3️⃣ Foldable Picnic Blanket: Beach chairs at Nansha Beach are 50 RMB/hour. Ouch. 4️⃣ Waterproof Phone Case: Essential for capturing those waves. Don't waste 25 RMB at the beach shops. 5️⃣ Resealable Snack Bags: Grilled squid at the scenic spot is 25 RMB/skewer. Don't ask me how I know. 📸Picture-Perfect Spots ▪️ Nansha Rainbow Road: Lounge in a beach chair, pretend you're in California, and take stunning silhouette photos in the afternoon backlight. ▪️ Wushitang Glowing Sea: April exclusive! After 8 p.m., the waves come with their own fluorescent special effects. ▪️ Guanyin Fajie Steps: Wear a long, solid-colored dress and take a photo of your back. Everyone on your WeChat Moments will think you're in Greece. 🚢Two-Day Itinerary Day 1: Hangzhou - Zhujiajian ▪️ 8:00 a.m.: Depart by car and cross the sea bridge to see the sea of clouds. ▪️ 12:00 p.m.: Fuel up with seafood noodles at Shenjiamen (I recommend Feizhu Noodle Shop). ▪️ 2:00 p.m.: Ride a jet ski at Nansha (haggle down to 70 RMB/ride). ▪️ 6:00 p.m.: Listen to the tide and enjoy a beer at Wushitang. Day 2: Island Hopping ▪️ 6:00 a.m.: Catch the sunrise and the "orange sea" at Dongsha Beach (bring a light jacket). ▪️ 9:00 a.m.: Scenic drive around Daqingshan Island + aerial photography at Niutoushan. ▪️ 3:00 p.m.: Go sea foraging at Shaojijiwan (you'll find tons of small crabs). ▪️ 7:00 p.m.: Buy some Zhoushan late-season bayberries on your way back. ⚠️Things to Avoid ▪️ Don't choose accommodations too close to the beach! They can be damp and buggy. ▪️ Buy pearls from reputable shops. 99% of the ones sold on the street are dyed. ▪️ Don't go to Baishan Mountain on rainy days! The stone steps are incredibly slippery. ▪️ If driving on the weekend, arrive at the scenic spot before 9 a.m. The parking lot fills up fast. As my car crossed the sea bridge and I watched the wind turbines spinning in the mist, I suddenly understood what the Zhoushan people mean by "good weather is a gift from the sea god." The sea here isn't just one shade of blue. It's mint green in the morning, emerald at noon, and cobalt blue like an oil painting in the evening. The best surprise? You can find delicious, fresh seafood at any random food stall 🐟.