Putuoshan Reef

Shengsi Island Wall

Zhoushan Deep Pinnacle

Zhoushan Reef

Zhoushan Shore Reef

Zhoushan is China’s premier seafood destination, home to the country’s largest fishing port where thousands of boats bring in daily catches of extraordinary variety. The local cuisine reflects this abundance with specialties including Zhoushan hairy crab, fresh-caught yellow croaker, razor clams, sea cucumber, and dozens of shellfish species. The cooking style is predominantly Zhejiang cuisine, characterized by fresh flavors, minimal oil, and skillful use of Shaoxing wine and vinegar. Seafood is often simply steamed to preserve natural flavors, or prepared as cold dishes with dipping sauces. The autumn hairy crab season from September through November is a culinary pilgrimage event that draws food lovers from across China.

Zhoushan Hilton

Putuoshan Grand Hotel

Shengsi Island Guesthouse

Zhoushan Seaview Inn

Comfortable water temperatures and excellent visibility.

Cold water requiring thick wetsuits or drysuits.

Good conditions with variable temperatures.

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.

Zhejiang – Zhoushan & Shengsi Islands

Visit the sacred Buddhist mountain with ancient temples, pagodas, and ocean views

Putuoshan Buddhist temple pilgrimage

Ferry to the outer islands for pristine coastal scenery and seafood

Shengsi Islands day trip by ferry

Tour China largest fishing port market with extraordinary seafood variety

Zhoushan seafood market experience

Hike scenic coastal paths with dramatic cliff views and lighthouse visits

Zhoushan Island coastal hiking trail

Enjoy the clean outer island beaches with clear water and minimal crowds

Shengsi Beach swimming and kayaking

Visit remote fishing communities on China easternmost inhabited island

Dongji Island fishing village cultural tour

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.

Dive Sites in Zhejiang – Zhoushan & Shengsi Islands

Putuoshan Reef

Shengsi Island Wall

Zhoushan Deep Pinnacle

Zhoushan Reef

Zhoushan Shore Reef