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Zhoushan Islands: A Hidden Gem near Shanghai

China's Best-Kept Secret Islands 2 Hours from Shanghai! #chinatravelvlog

Destination:ChinaProvince:ZhejiangCity:Ningbo
China's Best-Kept Secret Islands 2 Hours from Shanghai! #chinatravelvlog
Expat Natt20 min

China's Best-Kept Secret Islands 2 Hours. This was filmed by Expat Natt. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Zhejiang's Best-Kept Secret: The Islands of Zhoushan

Just 1hr from Shanghai lies the hidden archipelago of Zhoushan. Made up of over 400 islands, Zhoushan is as real hidden gems found east of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. Famous for it's Putuo Mountain temples this destination is often referred to as the "Buddhist Paradise of the Sea".

Join us on a captivating road trip vlog to the enchanting islands of Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China. Discover the best spots, scenic drives, and hidden beaches as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of these hidden gems. Indulge in fresh seafood delights and embrace the laid-back island life in this picturesque destination. Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in our exploration of Zhoushan's captivating landscapes and vibrant culture.

The first of the islands can be accessed by driving an hour from the southern tip of Shanghai, across the ocean, to Xiao Lata Dao, or, through Ningbo to Zhoushan, which is surprisingly closer to our home in Shanghai than going the Shanghai route.

--- Expat Natt
July 7, 2024, Summer in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Expat Natt and Mew take a road trip from Shanghai to the Zhoushan archipelago, exploring islands that they find surprisingly accessible from the city. They visit Daishan Island, including its northern tip and a pebble beach with sea glass, then stop at a large sandy beach where they charge their Tesla and walk along the coast. Their route includes a rocky camping area, a scenic park with flowers, and a seaside resort reminiscent of Santorini. They take a ferry between islands, which they find faster and more economical than driving during busy periods, and eat lunch while waiting. On Zhujiajian Island, they see Buddhist temples, busy roads, and a sandy beach they consider worth the entrance fee. The trip includes fresh seafood, a coastal drive with panoramic views, and a final apartment stay before returning to Shanghai.

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China's Best-Kept Secret Islands 2 Hours from Shanghai! #chinatravelvlog

Driving from Shanghai to the islands

Expat Natt and Mew set out from Shanghai for the Zhoushan archipelago, a group of islands they describe as surprisingly accessible despite feeling remote. Their first stop is Daishan Island, where they explore the northern end and find a small pebble beach with sea glass. They later reach a large sandy beach, a scenic place to relax and charge their Tesla while taking a walk along the coast.

The road trip includes several different landscapes. The couple visit a rocky area popular for camping, a scenic park with flowers, and a seaside resort with architecture that reminds them of Santorini. Along the way they stop in a small town for noodles, enjoying a quick local meal as a break from driving. Their route shows how the islands can offer quiet coastal places as well as developed visitor areas.

Ferry crossings and island visits

The travelers use a ferry to move between islands. They find this option quicker and more economical than driving, particularly during peak travel periods and holidays, when traffic and tolls can make a road route less convenient. While waiting for the ferry, they have lunch and adjust their plan around the crossing. The video also shows flower fields and a hotel tour as the journey continues.

On Zhujiajian Island, the couple encounter a busier area with Buddhist temples and cultural sites. Narrow streets and busy roads make navigation more difficult than on the quieter islands. They nevertheless find a sandy beach that they consider worth the admission price, in contrast with some beaches they did not enjoy as much. The experience shows the difference between less-visited islands and more popular destinations within the archipelago.

Seafood, coast roads, and a place to stay

Fresh seafood is a major part of the visit. Zhoushan is known for seafood, and Natt and Mew describe their meal as a highlight. They also drive along a coastal road with wide views over the islands. The scenery gives them time to appreciate the landscape and the trip's slower pace.

The journey concludes in a Zhoushan apartment, where the travelers enjoy a quiet stay before returning to Shanghai. Their video combines practical choices, including ferries and charging stops, with beaches, food, and coastal scenery. They are struck by how close the islands are to Shanghai and how much variety the route offers, from small towns and pebble beaches to busy tourist areas and ocean drives. The apartment tour gives them a quiet place to unwind after days of driving and exploring. Stops for charging and meals are woven into the route instead of being separate from the sightseeing. Their impressions shift between peaceful coastal views and the practical work of crossing islands, finding beaches, and handling busier roads.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the best part of the Zhoushan trip?
A: Expat Natt says the scenic coastal road was a favorite, with beautiful views and a peaceful, quiet drive.
Q: What was the food like?
A: The travelers enjoyed fresh seafood in Zhoushan and described it as delicious. Seafood became one of the trip’s highlights.
Q: How did they travel between islands?
A: They took ferries, which they found quick, economical, and convenient, especially for island-to-island travel in peak seasons or holidays.
Q: What surprised them about Zhoushan?
A: They were surprised by how close the islands are to Shanghai, and by finding appealing beaches and coastal scenery nearby.
Q: Would they recommend the trip?
A: They describe the coast as a beautiful escape from the city and recommend the experience, while noting that roads on Zhujiajian Island can be busy.

Previous travel video:

Zhoushan Islands: A Hidden Gem near Shanghai

Explore Zhoushan's stunning islands, a hidden gem near Shanghai! Discover breathtaking scenery, delicious seafood, and serene beaches. An unforgettable Chinese adventure.

Zhoushan Islands Road Trip: Exploring China's Hidden Coastal Gems

Embark on a captivating road trip with an English-Chinese couple as they explore Zhoushan, a hidden archipelago of over 400 islands, just an hour from Shanghai. This "Buddhist Paradise of the Sea," famed for its Putuo Mountain temples, offers stunning scenery, scenic drives, and hidden beaches. Their journey takes them across islands, from Daishan to Xiushan, indulging in fresh seafood and experiencing the relaxed island life. They showcase breathtaking ocean drives, charming hotels, and vibrant local culture, painting a vivid picture of Zhoushan's beauty and tranquility. A must-watch for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure!

Attractions in this video: Putuo Mountain Temples, Nansha Beach