National Day Zhoushan Short Trip | 4 Hidden Gems + a Must-Try Food List for a Relaxing Island Getaway 🌊
Escape the crowds and head for the ocean this National Day? These four hidden gems in Zhoushan, Zhejiang, offer soothing sea breezes and authentic local flavors. Budget-friendly and no-hassle planning, they'll help you unleash a spontaneous, relaxing getaway and live like a poem!
Dongji Island · Qingbang Island | A Quiet Fishing Village Reminiscent of the "Potala Palace on the Sea" 🏠
Key Highlight: Less crowded than Dongfushan, and quieter than Miaozi Lake! Nestled against the mountainside, the blue and white houses stacked one on top of the other resemble building blocks scattered on the beach. Climb to the summit in the morning to watch the sunrise, the crimson glow suffusing the sea as fishing boats emerge from the fog, creating captivating photos. At night, relaxing on the rocks while gazing at the stars and listening to the waves crashing against the shore is truly relaxing 🌌. - Must-try recommendations:
1. Steamed tiger fish: A local seafood dish, the meat is so tender it melts in your mouth, and it's so fresh that it doesn't need much seasoning.
2. Seafood noodles: The bowl is piled high with shrimp, clams, and razor clams, and the broth is made from fish bones simmered for hours, making it incredibly fresh.
- Address: Qingbang Island, Dongji Town, Putuo District
- Admission: Free 🆓 (ferry tickets are required to reach the island)
- Tip: Purchase your ferry ticket three days in advance from the "Zhoushan Haixing Ferry" official account; most of the island's B&Bs are self-built by fishermen, so you can ask the owners to help you prepare the seafood.
Goji Island · Houtouwan Village | An uninhabited fishing village inspired by "The Wizard of Oz" 🌿
- Key Highlights: The abandoned fishing village, covered in creeping ivy and vines clad around stone houses, feels like stepping into a fairytale wonderland. From the observation deck, gaze down at the green houses nestled against the azure sea, creating a breathtaking forest scene. In the evening, head to Dawang Beach for a relaxing sea breeze while strolling on the soft sand.
- Must-try Recommendations:
1. Shengshan Seafood Fried Rice: Made with freshly caught shrimp, crab meat, and diced squid, the rice is distinct and fragrant, making it a popular island staple.
2. Sea Agar Jelly: Made with sea agar, honey, and fruit syrup, it has a chewy, icy texture that's both refreshing and refreshing. - Address: Houtouwan Village, Gouqi Township, Shengsi County
- Admission: Free 🆓
- Tips: Wear light-colored clothing for better photos; the village paths are narrow and full of steps, so comfortable sneakers are recommended.
Zhujiajian · Wushitang | A Secret Seaside Hideaway of "Black Gems" 🖤
- Key Highlights: Unlike ordinary beaches, this one is filled with shiny black pebbles that rustle under your feet, and in the sunlight, look like a strewn of black gems. Take a fishing boat out to sea, catch shrimp and crabs by hand, and experience the joys of a fisherman's home. In the evening, watch the fishing boats return to the harbor from the shore, and the vibrant atmosphere of life is breathtaking 🚢.
- Must-try Recommendations:
1. Wushitang Seafood Hot Pot: Freshly caught shrimp, crab, and shellfish are simmered in an iron pot without excessive seasoning, resulting in a truly authentic seafood flavor that's so delicious you'll want to lick the plate. 2. Zhujiajian Meat Buns: A local, time-honored meat bun with soft wrapper, generous filling, and rich gravy, it's a hearty snack for a stroll.
- Address: Wushitang Scenic Area, Zhujiajian Street, Putuo District
- Admission: 40 yuan/person
- Tips: Fishing trips require advance reservations with the scenic area's fishing boats; the pebbles are slippery, so be careful when walking.
Liuheng Island · Xuanshan Island | A Pristine Island Paradise
- Key Highlights: This pristine island, almost entirely uninhabited by commercial activities, is inhabited by only a few fishermen. The beach is so clean you can see tiny shells on the seabed. Climb the Xuanshan Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the uninhabited bay, where the water is as blue as jelly. You can also join the fishermen as they dig for clams and conchs, experiencing the "gifts of the sea" 🦀.
- Must-try Recommendations:
1. Liuheng Island Braised Yellow Croaker: Made with local yellow croaker, steamed with ginger and cooking wine, the fish is tender and the broth is rich and mellow. It's the island's signature dish. 2. Fisherman's Rice Cake: Handmade rice cakes made by fishermen, steamed until soft and then dipped in brown sugar. They're soft, sweet, and fragrant with the aroma of rice, an authentic home-cooked flavor.
- Address: Xuanshan Island, Liuheng Town, Putuo District
- Admission: Free 🆓 (ferry required to reach the island)
- Tips: To reach the island, take the ferry from Liuheng Island's Taimen Wharf. Ferry departures are infrequent, so check schedules in advance. There are few restaurants on the island, so bring some snacks. #ZhejiangTravel #ZhoushanTravelStrategy #TheseDomesticIslandsAmazing #NationalDayTravelDiary #Mid-AutumnFestivalNationalDayTravelCheck-In