Zhejiang – Zhoushan & Shengsi Islands Dive Sites – China

About Zhejiang – Zhoushan & Shengsi Islands

Zhoushan and the Shengsi Islands form China’s largest archipelago with over 1,300 islands scattered across the East China Sea, creating a temperate diving destination with unique kelp forest ecosystems, rocky reef habitats, and extraordinary biodiversity at the convergence of cold and warm ocean currents. The underwater landscape is dominated by rocky reefs covered in extensive kelp forests that provide habitat for sea bass, rockfish, octopus, and numerous invertebrate species. The Shengsi Islands, the outermost group, benefit from clearer oceanic water with visibility reaching 10-18 meters during optimal conditions. Putuoshan Island, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, adds a profound cultural dimension with ancient temples and pilgrimage sites. The region’s temperate waters support a distinctly different marine ecosystem from tropical southern China, with cold-water species like abalone, sea cucumber, and spider crab alongside warm-water visitors during summer months. Zhoushan is China’s largest fishing port, and the fresh seafood culture is exceptional. Diving is seasonal with the best conditions from May through October when water temperatures are comfortable and marine life activity peaks. The combination of kelp forest diving, Buddhist cultural heritage, and outstanding seafood makes Zhoushan a compelling temperate diving destination.

Highlights

• ✓China largest archipelago with over 1300 islands and diverse dive sites
• ✓Kelp forest ecosystems with sea bass, rockfish, and octopus
• ✓Putuoshan sacred Buddhist mountain island with ancient temple complexes
• ✓Convergence zone mixing cold and warm current species for high biodiversity

Getting There

Fly into Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (HSN) or Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB). Zhoushan is also connected by the impressive Zhoushan Trans-Oceanic Bridge from Ningbo (2 hours). Ferries connect the major islands.