Zhoushan, China

Cruises to Zhoushan

Zhoushan - China's only city built entirely on an archipelago, and the gateway to the sacred Mount Putuo. This port city on China's eastern coast is scattered across 1,390 islands of the East China Sea, near the mouth of the Yangtze River and the southern edge of Hangzhou Bay. Fishing villages and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern container terminals here, and a small cruise pier on Zhujiajian Island welcomes liners bound for Japan, South Korea, and along China's own coastline every year. 
For a cruise traveler, Zhoushan is above all a gateway to Mount Putuo, one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism and a place of pilgrimage dedicated to the bodhisattva Guanyin. The port sits just a few kilometers from this sacred island, so even a single call can offer a genuine taste of China's spiritual heritage. The Zhoushan International Cruise Port officially opened on October 13, 2014, becoming mainland China's fifth dedicated cruise port after Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen, and Sanya. 🚢

📋 Before you set out on a cruise to Zhoushan or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
🇨🇳 Country: People's Republic of China
📍 Region: Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Archipelago
👥 Population: around 1.18 million (whole municipal area)
📐 Area: 1,440 km² (556 sq mi) of land (the municipality's total area including waters exceeds 22,000 km² / 8,494 sq mi, spread across 1,390 islands)
🗣️ Languages: Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) is official; locals speak the Zhoushan dialect of Wu Chinese; English is spoken sparingly, even in tourist areas
💴 Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY)
🕐 Time zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8) — 5–6 hours ahead of Kyiv depending on the season
☀️ Climate: subtropical monsoon, with mild, humid winters (41–50°F / +5…+10°C) and hot, humid summers (81–90°F / +27…+32°C); August–September is typhoon season
✈️ Nearest airport: Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (LHZ) — located on Zhujiajian Island itself, just a few kilometers from the cruise pier; international travelers more often use Ningbo Lishe International Airport (about 50 mi / 80 km away)
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: 舟山国际邮轮港 (Zhoushan International Cruise Port)
🗺️ Port location: Xi'ao, Zhujiajian Island, Putuo District

🏛️ Zhoushan's history — from Neolithic fishing communities to a modern cruise hub
⏳ Over 5,000 years of maritime history
The history of Zhoushan is the history of people who learned to live with the sea long before it became a tourist attraction. Archaeological finds on the archipelago's islands date back to the Hemudu culture, a Neolithic civilization more than 5,000 years old whose people already relied on fishing and gathering seafood. Ancient Chinese chronicles referred to the islands with the poetic name “Haizhong Zhou” — “islands amid the sea.”
Throughout the Tang and Song dynasties, the archipelago grew into an important hub of maritime trade and fishing, while during the Ming era it repeatedly faced raids by Wokou pirates — this region is where General Qi Jiguang, who organized the coastal defense, earned his fame. In the 19th century, Dinghai Island became the site of one of the key battles of the First Opium War (1840–1841): the British fleet captured the town twice, permanently writing Zhoushan into the history of China's confrontation with colonial powers.
⚓ From a fishing region to a “New Area”
In 2011, China's State Council approved the Development Plan for the Zhoushan Archipelago New Area, designating the archipelago as “an important maritime gateway of openness for eastern China.” That decision accelerated the development of port and tourism infrastructure, and on October 13, 2014, the Zhoushan International Cruise Port opened on Zhujiajian Island — its very first ship, Star Cruises' SuperStar Aquarius, arrived on a direct sailing from Keelung, Taiwan, carrying more than a thousand passengers. ⛴️ Since then the port has developed as part of the wider Ningbo-Zhoushan Port complex — the world's largest port by cargo throughput.

⚓ Zhoushan International Cruise Port — the gateway to the archipelago
📊 Scale and location of the port
The cruise terminal sits in Xi'ao Bay on the southwestern coast of Zhujiajian Island — a scenic, open-sea location well away from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port's main cargo terminals. Water depth at the berth exceeds 36 ft (11 m), and the main shipping channel runs deeper than 59 ft (18 m), letting liners arrive and depart without waiting for the tide. The pilot boarding point on the international sea lane is only about 9 nautical miles away, and the nearest overseas destinations — Jeju Island in Korea, Okinawa in Japan, Taiwan — lie within roughly 300 nautical miles, reachable in a single overnight sailing.
The port combines several functions in one complex: serving international cruise liners, direct sailings to Taiwan, domestic passenger routes to Shanghai, Ningbo, and other cities in the province, and inter-island ferry services. That's why its infrastructure is built for regular passenger traffic as much as for cruise calls.

🚢 How many liners the port can accommodate
Unlike Shanghai or Tianjin, Zhoushan's cruise port is a compact facility with a limited number of berths, built mainly to handle one or two large liners at a time. Industry data shows that in 2017 — before the pandemic pause — the port recorded 12 calls as a home port and 3 calls as a port of call, serving roughly 30,600 cruise passengers in total. That's substantially below the figures posted by China's major hubs, so Zhoushan is best thought of as a niche destination rather than a mass-market cruise port.

🏢 Which cruise lines call at Zhoushan
Historically, the port opened for Star Cruises liners running direct sailings from Keelung, Taiwan. Today, the major international brands — MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Costa Cruises — concentrate their China operations at the three main mainland hubs of Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hong Kong, so Zhoushan currently sees mostly individual calls as part of coastal itineraries along China's eastern seaboard (for example, ships such as the Zhaoshang Ideal, which run a Shenzhen–Xiamen–Wenzhou–Zhoushan–Shanghai route), rather than full turnaround sailings. ❗ Cruise travelers should confirm the port's current status (embarkation or call) directly in their cruise voucher, since Zhoushan's call schedule changes more frequently than at larger ports.

💡 Interesting facts about Zhoushan and its port
A few lesser-known details can round out your picture of the archipelago:
🏝️ Zhoushan is China's only city built entirely on an archipelago. Of its more than 1,390 islands, only about a hundred are inhabited, and the municipality itself officially holds “island city” status.
🙏 Mount Putuo, just a few kilometers from the cruise pier, is considered one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism and the principal place of worship for Guanyin, the bodhisattva of mercy. Millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year.
🐟 The Zhoushan Archipelago is one of China's largest fishing grounds: yellow and white croaker, hairtail, and swimming crab have been caught here for centuries, and the nearby port of Shenjiamen is one of the country's largest fishing harbors.
🌊 The region sees 3–4 typhoons a year on average, so spring and autumn — when the sea is calmer and humidity lower — are the best times to visit.
⚔️ Dinghai Island, the core of modern Zhoushan, was captured twice by the British fleet during the First Opium War (in 1840 and 1841) — these events are still commemorated in local museums and memorials today.
🚢 The port sits just 9 nautical miles from the pilot boarding point on the international sea lane — one of the shortest routes to open water among mainland China's cruise ports, giving it a positional logic comparable to Miami's in the United States.
🏛️ Right next door sits the world's largest port by cargo throughput, Ningbo-Zhoushan, so cruise passengers often spot dozens of container ships at anchor from the deck.

📍 Zhoushan's top sights — must-sees for cruise travelers
A cruise call in Zhoushan is typically shorter than in major European ports, so it pays to set your priorities in advance. You'll find a detailed list with photos, addresses, and opening hours in the “Landmarks and Places of Interest” section; below is a brief overview of the region's signature sights.
🙏 Mount Putuo (普陀山) — a sacred temple island and the region's main attraction. Home to three principal monasteries — Puji, Fayu, and Huiji — as well as the 108 ft (33 m) Nanhai Guanyin statue, facing out to sea.
🏝️ Zhujiajian Island (朱家尖) — the island where the cruise port itself sits: sandy beaches, the rocky Nansha headland, and a resort promenade just minutes from the pier.
🎣 Shenjiamen Fishing Port (沈家门) — one of China's largest fishing harbors, with an atmospheric seafood market and a steady stream of boats returning from the catch.
🌸 Peach Blossom Island, Taohuadao (桃花岛) — a scenic island celebrated in the classic novel “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” known for its rocky coves and lighthouses.
🏯 Old Town Dinghai (定海古城) — a historic quarter with buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and a place of remembrance for the Opium War battles.
🗼 Lighthouses of the East China Sea coast — several historic lighthouses on the archipelago are listed as part of Zhejiang's maritime heritage.

✨ Why choose a cruise that calls at Zhoushan
Zhoushan offers a rare chance to combine the flavor of a traditional fishing region with the spiritual atmosphere of a Buddhist sanctuary in a single port call.
First, there's the unmatched access to a sacred mountain: Mount Putuo is just minutes from the cruise pier, whereas China's other major Buddhist sites lie far from the coast. 🙏
Second, there's the authentic island character: unlike a metropolis such as Shanghai, Zhoushan keeps the feel of a traditional fishing region, with bustling seafood markets and small temples. 🐟
Third, the port sits in an exceptionally convenient spot in the East China Sea — from here, liners can reach Korea, Japan, or other Chinese coastal ports after only a short sailing. 🌊

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group can help you choose the ideal Asian itinerary that calls at Zhoushan, advise on how to plan your time ashore around a visit to Mount Putuo, and offer favorable rates from the leading cruise brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Zhoushan

Zhoushan — is not a single city but an archipelago of more than a thousand islands at the mouth of the Yangtze River, and this geography is exactly what makes the journey to the cruise terminal distinctive. The cruise port sits on Zhujiajian Island, in a scenic bay near the sacred Mount Putuo — one of China's four Buddhist «paradise islands». Unlike European ports, there are no direct international flights from Ukraine here: most travellers arrive via major transport hubs — Shanghai or Ningbo — and continue from there by car, bus, or local flight across the bridges and causeways that link the archipelago's islands to the mainland. Below is a tested, step-by-step guide covering every transfer option, current pricing, and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯

📍 Where exactly the Zhoushan cruise port is located
Zhoushan International Cruise Port is located on Zhujiajian Island — the same island as the local airport. It is one of China's 13 official cruise gateways and the only international passenger port for the entire Zhoushan Archipelago.
📌 GPS address: Zhoushan International Cruise Port, 66 Qingshan Road, Xi'ao, Zhujiajian Island, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China (舟山市普陀区朱家尖岛西岙青山路66号)
⚓ The berth is built to accommodate ships of up to 100,000–150,000 tonnes, with a quay length of 356 metres (1,168 ft) and a berth depth of 12 metres (39 ft).
🗺️ Nearby attractions: within a 15 km (9 mi) radius of the terminal are the region's main sights — Mount Putuo (a Buddhist sanctuary), the beaches of Zhujiajian Island itself, the fishing town of Shenjiamen, and Taohua Island.
❗ Important: the port functions both as a port of call (a stop along the itinerary) and as an embarkation/disembarkation port for certain cruises, so check your specific status (call or start/end of cruise) on your cruise voucher carefully.

✈️ From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to the cruise terminal
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is the main international gateway for most Ukrainian travellers heading to Zhoushan, since there are no direct flights from Ukraine to Zhejiang Province. The distance from the airport to the cruise terminal is about 250 km (155 mi), so this leg is covered by land transport across the Hangzhou Bay Bridge and the Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge.

🚐 Private transfer — the recommended option
• Travel time: 3–3.5 hours (depending on traffic on the bridges)
• Cost: from 900 to 1,400 CNY for a car (1–3 people), from 1,500 CNY for a minivan (4–8 people)
• Benefits: the driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign, a fixed price, no transfers, and no risk of missing boarding
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers from Shanghai to Zhoushan for our clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.

🚆 High-speed train + car — the budget option
1️⃣ From Hongqiao (Shanghai Hongqiao) or Shanghai (Shanghai Railway Station), take a high-speed train to Ningbo — 1.5–2 hours, 80–140 CNY
2️⃣ From Ningbo Railway Station, take a taxi, bus, or pre-booked transfer to the Zhoushan cruise terminal (details in the next section)
Total time: 3.5–4.5 hours

✈️ Connecting domestic flight to Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (HSN)
Daily direct flights connect Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong with Zhoushan's local airport. Flight time is about 1 hour, and from HSN itself to the cruise terminal it is just a few minutes' drive (see below). This option is convenient if you land in Shanghai in the morning and have a few hours to spare before boarding.
⚠️ Tip: since connecting flights within China require a separate pass through passport control in Shanghai, allow at least 3–4 hours between your international and domestic flights.

✈️ From Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (HSN) to the cruise terminal
Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (HSN) is a small regional airport conveniently located on the same island, Zhujiajian, as the cruise terminal, and it receives domestic flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Nanjing, Wuhan, and other major Chinese cities.

🚕 Taxi — the fastest option
• Travel time: approximately 20–25 minutes
• Estimated cost: 45–65 CNY on the meter
• Taxi rank: right outside the arrivals hall
• Apps: Didi (滴滴) — China's main equivalent of Uber; for foreign tourists it is easier to book a ride through the hotel reception or a guide, since the app is geared toward local phone numbers

🚐 Private transfer
• Cost: from 60 CNY for a car, from 150 CNY for a minivan
• Benefits: the driver meets you with a name sign and helps with luggage, no need to speak Chinese

🚌 Airport bus
A regular bus runs from the airport to the nearby Wugongzhi pier (where boats depart for Mount Putuo) and on to the Nansha area, close to the cruise terminal.
• Cost: 10 CNY
• Frequency: every 30 minutes
• Travel time: about 25–30 minutes to the terminal area
⚠️ Note: the bus does not always stop directly at the terminal gate — a short taxi ride from the final stop may be needed.

🚆 From Ningbo Railway Station to the cruise terminal
Zhoushan is an island city with no railway station of its own, so the nearest major rail hub is Ningbo, which is connected to China's high-speed rail network (with links to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing). Ningbo Railway Station is located roughly 90 km (56 mi) from the cruise terminal, and the route crosses the scenic Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge — a system of five bridges (Jintang, Xihoumen, Taoyaomen, Xianjiaomen, and Cengang) linking the mainland with the archipelago's islands.

🚕 Taxi / private transfer: 1.5–2 hours, approximately 250–350 CNY
🚌 Intercity bus: regular services from Ningbo South Bus Station to Putuo Bus Station in Zhoushan, travel time about 2 hours, cost 45–60 CNY per person. From there, take a taxi or local bus to the terminal (15–20 minutes)
💡 Tip: the bridge crossing is tolled (the fee is charged when leaving the island area), so if arranging a private car transfer, budget an extra 100–120 CNY for road tolls.

🏙️ From central Zhoushan (Dinghai District) to the cruise terminal
If your cruise begins or ends in Zhoushan and you spend the night in a hotel in the city's administrative centre — Dinghai District on the archipelago's main island — keep in mind that Dinghai and Zhujiajian Island, where the cruise terminal is located, are separated by sea and linked by several bridges.

🚕 Taxi from your hotel — the simplest option: 45–60 minutes travel time, approximately 150–200 CNY.

🚌 City bus — a budget but slower option: change buses in the Shenjiamen area, total travel time 1–1.5 hours, cost 8–12 CNY.

🚶 There is no metro in Zhoushan — unlike major Chinese port cities, the island archipelago has no urban rail network, so travel relies entirely on road transport and inter-island boats.

🚗 By private car — parking near the port (and car rental)
If you are travelling by your own or a rented car, the port can only be reached by land, via the bridge system — there is no longer a ferry crossing on this route.

🅿️ Parking at the cruise terminal:
• Location: directly within the port grounds, a 2–3-minute walk from the terminal entrance
• Cost: approximately 20–30 CNY per day
• Features: security, 24-hour access

🅿️ Parking at Wugongzhi Pier (if you need to transfer to a boat for Mount Putuo):
• Cost: 30–50 CNY per day in high season, 10–20 CNY off-season

🛣️ GPS route: regardless of your direction of travel (from Shanghai or Ningbo), the most convenient route is the G9211 (Yongzhou) expressway, which continues onto the Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge and then the local G329 road across the bridge to Zhujiajian Island.
💡 Car rental: self-drive car rental in China is complicated for foreign tourists by the requirement for a local driving licence, so a driver with a car booked through a licensed tour operator is the more practical option.
❗ Important: the sea-crossing bridge is tolled, with the fee charged on entering or leaving the island area (approximately 100–120 CNY one way; the crossing may be free on national public holidays).

🛂 Customs and immigration formalities
Zhoushan is one of 13 official maritime ports of entry in China where a visa-free policy applies to foreign cruise tour groups. This means that organised groups (of 2 or more people) travelling by cruise ship and accompanied by a licensed Chinese tour operator may enter without a visa and stay within China's coastal provinces and Beijing for up to 15 days — provided they return to the same ship.
⚠️ Important: this benefit applies only to organised group shore excursions accompanied by a licensed guide. Independent trips outside a group may require a standard Chinese visa — check the conditions for your specific itinerary with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist well in advance of your trip.
🪪 Documents ashore: always carry your passport (or a copy, per your specific cruise line's rules) and your ship's Ship Card.

♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The Zhoushan cruise terminal is a modern facility built to receive large international liners:
✅ The terminal is equipped with lifts and ramps for moving between levels
✅ Gangways and telescopic passenger bridges are generally adapted for wheelchair users (depending on the ship type and berth)
✅ Terminal staff assist with luggage carts
✅ Notify your cruise line in advance if you need assistance boarding or disembarking — this is especially important at China's island terminals, given the longer transfer distances
⚠️ Please note: public transport (buses) across the archipelago is not always wheelchair-accessible — a door-to-door private transfer is recommended for passengers with reduced mobility.

⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
🔵 Scenario 1 — Zhoushan as a port of call (a stop during the cruise):
If your ship only calls at Zhoushan for a few hours, follow the «all aboard» time listed in the ship's schedule. Return to the ship at least 60 minutes before the stated departure time — given possible delays on the bridges and boats, it is wise to allow an extra 30 minutes of buffer in Zhoushan compared with ports in mainland Europe or the Americas.

🟢 Scenario 2 — Zhoushan as an embarkation or disembarkation port (start or end of cruise):
• Online check-in: most cruise lines open online check-in 1–2 days before departure — complete it in advance to shorten the time needed for border control at the port
• Terminal arrival time: 3–4 hours before the ship's departure, since passport and customs control at Chinese ports generally takes longer than in Europe
• Luggage handling: hand your suitcases to porters at the terminal entrance — they are delivered directly to your cabin within a few hours
• Boarding deadline: usually 90 minutes before departure. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.

💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Asian itineraries, our cruise specialists have gathered a set of tips that will save you time, money, and stress in Zhoushan:

🌅 Fly into Shanghai at least a day before your cruise. The overland transfer to Zhoushan takes several hours, and a delayed international flight could cost you the whole cruise.

💼 Book your ground transfer in advance. Arranging a ride with a Chinese driver on your own without speaking the language is difficult — a transfer pre-booked through your cruise specialist guarantees a driver with a name sign who will take you straight to the terminal.

💴 Carry cash in Chinese yuan (CNY). Although payment in China is dominated by the mobile apps Alipay and WeChat Pay, which are difficult to set up without a local bank account, cash remains the most reliable option for a foreign tourist.

📱 Download offline maps in advance. Google Maps is unreliable in mainland China — use an offline map or an app recommended by your guide before you land.

🀄 Keep the terminal's name in Chinese characters on hand. Show your driver the Chinese name «舟山国际邮轮港» (Zhoushan International Cruise Port) — this speeds up communication considerably, even if you don't speak Chinese.

🕐 Allow more time for transfers than you would in Europe. The bridge system between the archipelago's islands can slow down due to strong winds or heavy traffic on weekends and public holidays.

🏨 Plan to stay overnight in Shanghai or Ningbo rather than in Zhoushan itself if your flight lands late in the evening — the choice of hotels in these cities is much wider, and in the morning you will have more buffer time for the transfer.

📞 Zhoushan cruise terminal contacts
Wugongzhi Pier (information line for boats to Mount Putuo):+86 580 663 9345
Mount Putuo Pier (information service):+86 580 609 1121
China National Tourism Hotline (24/7, English/Chinese):12301
China emergency services: police — 110, ambulance — 120, fire brigade — 119
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53

The logistics of a cruise from Zhoushan look more complex than an average European port only at first glance — the island geography, the bridges, and the lack of direct flights from Ukraine do add a few nuances, but with a well-tested plan, the journey goes smoothly. Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients at every stage: from choosing the best route via Shanghai or Ningbo, to arranging a private ground transfer with a name sign waiting for you at arrivals. Contact our manager, and your cruise to Zhoushan will begin without a single moment of stress. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm up-to-date details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Landmarks and Attractions of Zhoushan: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers

Zhoushan is China's largest archipelago, made up of 1,390 islands scattered at the mouth of Hangzhou Bay south of Shanghai. The cruise terminal sits right on Zhujiajian Island — the “birthplace of Chinese sand sculpture” — just a few kilometers by sea from the region's main sanctuary, the sacred Buddhist mountain of Putuoshan. For a cruise passenger whose call typically lasts 8–10 hours, the key is to split time wisely between the spiritual atmosphere of Putuoshan, the golden beaches of Zhujiajian, and the color of China's largest fishing port. Below is a verified guide to the key landmarks, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the cruise port to each site. 🎯

🙏 1. Sacred Mount Putuo (Putuoshan)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Putuoshan is not just a scenic island — it is one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism, alongside Mount Wutai, Mount Emei, and Mount Jiuhua. Tradition holds that this is the bodhimanda — the site of enlightenment — of the bodhisattva Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, revered in China with the same devotion Europeans show their patron saints. 🌸
🔹 The island covers only about 12.5 km2 (4.8 sq mi), yet is home to more than 30 major temples and monasteries, the largest of which are Puji, Fayu, and Huiji.
🔹 Three times a year, on the 19th day of the 2nd, 6th, and 9th lunar months, the island celebrates Guanyin's “birthday,” drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims from across China.
🔹 The island's highest point is Mount Foding (“Buddha's Summit”), rising to 291 m (955 ft), offering a panorama over the entire Zhoushan archipelago.
🔹 The island has no traffic lights and almost no private vehicles — only electric carts and shuttle buses, preserving an atmosphere of quiet and reflection. 🚲

📜 History:
The Buddhist tradition on Putuoshan dates back to the Tang dynasty (9th century), when a Japanese monk named Egaku, carrying a statue of Guanyin back home from China, was caught in a storm and, according to legend, could not sail away from the island until he left the statue behind. This gave rise to the island's first temple, known as “Guanyin Who Refuses to Leave.” Since then, the island has become one of the most important pilgrimage centers in East Asia, traditionally drawing monks from Korea and Japan. At its height, toward the end of the Qing dynasty, the island housed 3 major monasteries, 88 hermitages, and several thousand monks.

🚢 Getting there from the Zhoushan cruise port:
• Port — Wugongzhi pier (Zhujiajian Island): the cruise terminal and the ferry pier to Putuoshan are both on Zhujiajian Island, so the journey takes only a few minutes
• High-speed ferry: regular sailings from Wugongzhi pier to Putuoshan, with a crossing time of about 15–20 minutes; the approximate one-way fare is 25–35 CNY (the exact fare and schedule are confirmed by Four Gates Group cruise specialists the day before the call, as sailings depend on season and tide)
• Taxi/shuttle to the pier: 5–10 minutes by taxi or organized shuttle from the terminal to the ferry pier

💶 Prices and opening hours (2026):
• Island entrance ticket (high season, February–November): 160 CNY
• Island entrance ticket (low season, December–January): 140 CNY
• Concessions: free for children under 1.19 m (3.9 ft) tall and for those aged 70 and over (with ID); 50% discount for full-time students and for those aged 60–69
• Island access: around the clock, though pilgrimage entrance tickets are typically sold from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: the island entrance ticket is separate from the individual entrance fees for each temple. Covering shoulders and knees with a light wrap is a sign of respect at Buddhist sites, though there is no strict dress code.

🛕 2. Puji Temple
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Puji Temple is the largest, most accessible, and most revered of Putuoshan's three main monasteries, located right at the island's center. It is traditionally where every pilgrimage on the island begins.
🔹 In front of the temple's main gate lies the “Sea Seal Pond” (Haiyin Pond), spanned by an elegant stone bridge — a favorite spot for photos.
🔹 The main hall houses a statue of Guanyin with a “thousand hands and a thousand eyes,” symbolizing the goddess's boundless compassion and her ability to perceive the suffering of every living being.
🔹 A free English-language island map is available at the tourist office near the entrance — useful for independent travelers.

📜 History:
The temple was founded during the Song dynasty, but it acquired its present appearance mostly under the Ming and Qing dynasties, after several rebuildings and restorations following fires and pirate raids that periodically devastated the island over the centuries.

🚢 Getting there: 10–15 minutes by shuttle bus No. 2 from the island's main ferry pier, or about a 20-minute walk

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Temple entrance: 5 CNY (in addition to the island entrance ticket)
• Opening hours: daily, approximately 5:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (slightly later in summer)

🗿 3. South China Sea Guanyin Statue
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The main symbol of Putuoshan, visible from the sea long before a ship reaches the island, is a huge bronze-and-gold statue of the goddess Guanyin, standing on Nanhai (“South Sea”) hill and gazing out over the ocean, as if watching over fishermen and travelers.
🔹 The statue stands 33 m (108 ft) tall, cast in gilded bronze and erected in 1997.
🔹 It is one of the largest coastal statues of the goddess anywhere in China, and its silhouette has become the unofficial symbol of the entire Zhoushan archipelago. 📸
🔹 At the base of the statue is a small temple complex with halls for meditation and offerings.

🚢 Getting there: the statue is located on the southeastern tip of the island, 20–25 minutes by shuttle bus from the ferry pier

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entrance fee: 6 CNY (in addition to the island entrance ticket)
• Opening hours: daily, approximately 6:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

⛩️ 4. Fayu Temple and the Mount Foding Cable Car
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Fayu Temple (“Temple of the Rain of Dharma”) sits at the foot of Mount Foding, at the northern end of the famous “Thousand Step Beach.” It is the island's second most important monastery, known for its multi-tiered architecture built directly into the mountainside.
🔹 The temple's main hall, Yuantong Hall, is considered one of the finest wooden temple halls in all of East China, with a carved ceiling shaped like “nine dragons playing with a pearl.”
🔹 From here begins the climb to the summit of Mount Foding — the island's highest point (291 m), home to the third major monastery, Huiji Temple.
🔹 The summit can be reached on foot up stone steps (roughly a 1-hour moderate climb) or by cable car.

🚢 Getting there: 25–30 minutes by shuttle bus No. 2 from the ferry pier to the stop near Fayu Temple

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Fayu Temple: 5 CNY
• Huiji Temple (at the summit): 5 CNY
• Mount Foding cable car (round trip): 40 CNY
• Opening hours: daily, approximately 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (the cable car operates during daylight hours)
⚠️ Tip: if your time in port is limited, take the cable car — walking up and back down with temple visits can take 2–2.5 hours.

🏖️ 5. Nansha and Dongsha Beaches, Zhujiajian Island
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Zhujiajian Island itself, home to the cruise terminal, is the “birthplace of Chinese sand sculpture” and one of the best beach destinations in East China.
🔹 Nansha (“South Sand”) Beach stretches almost 1,000 m (0.6 mi) and up to 250 m wide, with sand quality so fine that local guides compare it to the best beaches in Hawaii.
🔹 Since 1999, the island has hosted the annual Zhoushan International Sand Sculpture Festival every autumn — a large-scale exhibition by sculptors from dozens of countries, whose works remain on display for several months after the festival. 🏆
🔹 Dongsha (“East Sand”) Beach is quieter and popular chiefly for watching the sunrise over the sea.
🔹 Nearby is another natural landmark, Wushitang, a unique beach of polished black pebbles instead of sand, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

🚢 Getting there: Nansha and Dongsha beaches are 10–15 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, as they are on the same island, Zhujiajian

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Nansha, high season (May–October): 70–75 CNY
• Nansha, low season (November–April): 20–30 CNY
• Dongsha: approximately 35 CNY
• Combined ticket — Nansha + Dongsha + Wushitang: approximately 120 CNY (better value than separate tickets)
• Opening hours: vary by season, approximately 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. (later in summer, with evening admission)
⚠️ Tip: in high season, entry to Nansha often gets cheaper or free after 5:30 p.m., though the water activities close by then — a good option for those who just want to stroll and photograph the sunset.

🎣 6. Shenjiamen Fishing Port
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Shenjiamen is one of the world's three largest natural fishing ports, alongside Bergen in Norway and Callao in Peru. It accounts for roughly a tenth of China's entire annual marine catch.
🔹 During the fishing season, the harbor fills with hundreds of fishing boats — a “forest of masts,” as locals describe it.
🔹 In the evening, the famous “night seafood market” comes alive along Bingang waterfront — more than 60 bright orange, Y-shaped food stalls where freshly caught fish, crabs, and shellfish are cooked right before your eyes. 🦀
🔹 The town has long been nicknamed “little Shanghai” for its bustling trade and lively port atmosphere, dating back to the Qing dynasty.

🚢 Getting there: Shenjiamen is connected to Zhujiajian Island by bridge; the drive from the cruise terminal takes about 20–30 minutes by taxi

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Walk along the waterfront: free
• Dinner at the night seafood market: approximately 60–150 CNY per person, depending on the dishes chosen
• Best time to visit: early evening, when the fishing lamps light up and the seafood stalls open

🏯 7. Dinghai Old Town
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Dinghai is Zhoushan's administrative and historical center, located on the main island of the archipelago. Its old quarter preserves a network of narrow lanes, stone bridges, and houses in the Ming and Qing dynasty style.
🔹 Several historic canals run through the quarter, crossed by stone bridges — which is why Dinghai is sometimes compared to a miniature version of the water towns of southern China.
🔹 The town played a significant role in the 19th-century Opium Wars between Britain and China — British forces captured Dinghai twice, and today the old quarter has memorial plaques marking these events.
🔹 The main street still has traditional shops selling dried seafood, “Putuo Buddha Tea,” and local souvenirs.

🚢 Getting there: Dinghai is on a different island of the archipelago; the drive from the cruise terminal takes about 45–60 minutes by taxi across the bridge system connecting the islands

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Walk through the old quarter: free, open access to the quarter around the clock
• Best time to go: since the drive takes up a significant part of the call, this is better suited to those with a full day in port than to a short stop

🎨 8. Other Attractions Worth Seeing
• 🏔️ Luojiashan Island — a small island neighboring Putuoshan, reached by a separate ferry; considered the “quiet sibling” of the main sanctuary, with meditative trails along the cliffs. Entrance fee: 18 CNY.
• 🌸 Taohua Island (“Peach Blossom Island”) — a less touristy island of the archipelago, celebrated in classic Chinese literature and film; a good choice for travelers wanting a more “unpolished” side of Zhoushan, though it requires its own ferry connection and more time.
• 🏞️ Daqing Hill (“Great Green Hill”) — a nature park on Zhujiajian Island with a scenic coastal drive and views over the “ten li of golden sand.” Entrance fee: 60–100 CNY, depending on season.
• ⛩️ Baishan (Guanyin Buddhist Culture Garden) — a themed park dedicated to the goddess Guanyin, with gardens and pavilions. Entrance fee: approximately 90 CNY.

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🗺️ Three Independent Itineraries for Zhoushan in 8–9 Hours
A cruise call in Zhoushan typically lasts 8–10 hours. It is realistic to see the island's main sanctuary and get some sea time — with the right itinerary. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.

🥉 Route 1. Budget — up to 200 CNY per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 150–200 CNY + food

🕘 8:30 a.m. — Leave the cruise terminal, walk or take a taxi to Wugongzhi ferry pier (5–10 min)

🕘 9:00–9:20 a.m. — Ferry to Putuoshan Island
About 30 CNY one way.

🕙 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Pilgrimage around the island
Island entrance ticket (160 CNY) + Puji Temple (5 CNY) → shuttle bus to the South China Sea Guanyin statue (6 CNY) → a short walk along the coast.

🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch at a monastery vegetarian café
Traditional Buddhist cuisine, approximately 30–50 CNY per person.

🕐 1:00–1:20 p.m. — Ferry back to Zhujiajian

🕜 1:30–3:30 p.m. — Nansha Beach
Walk along the shore and view the sand sculpture festival works (admission 20–30 CNY in low season, 70–75 CNY in high season).

🕞 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Return to port
Taxi to the cruise terminal.

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Ferry round trip: about 60 CNY
• Putuoshan entrance + temples: about 171 CNY
• Nansha Beach: 20–75 CNY (depending on season)
• Lunch: 30–50 CNY
💸 TOTAL: approximately 280–355 CNY per person

🥈 Route 2. Optimal — 500–600 CNY per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 550 CNY + food

🕗 8:00 a.m. — Leave the port, private transfer to the ferry pier

🕘 8:20–8:40 a.m. — Ferry to Putuoshan (one of the first sailings, to avoid queues)

🕘 8:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Full guided tour of the island
Island entrance ticket (160 CNY), Puji Temple (5 CNY), South China Sea Guanyin statue (6 CNY), Fayu Temple (5 CNY), and the Mount Foding cable car (40 CNY round trip) with a visit to Huiji Temple (5 CNY) at the summit.

🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch at a seaview restaurant
Fresh seafood, approximately 80–120 CNY per person.

🕐 1:00–1:20 p.m. — Ferry back to Zhujiajian

🕜 1:30–3:00 p.m. — Nansha Beach and the sand sculpture festival grounds
Combined Nansha + Dongsha ticket (approximately 120 CNY).

🕒 3:00–4:00 p.m. — Stroll through Shenjiamen fishing port
Sample fresh seafood along the waterfront.

🕓 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Return to port by private transfer

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Ferry round trip: 60 CNY
• Putuoshan with temples and cable car: about 221 CNY
• Zhujiajian beaches: 120 CNY
• Lunch and seafood tasting: 100–150 CNY
• Private transfer around the port: 50–80 CNY
💸 TOTAL: approximately 550–630 CNY per person

🥇 Route 3. Premium — private tour from 1,800 CNY per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 1,800–2,500 CNY + tickets

🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meeting with a private guide holding a sign right at the ship's gangway
• ✅ A private speedboat or priority ferry seating to Putuoshan, no queues
• ✅ A professional, licensed English- or Ukrainian-speaking guide
• ✅ Entrance tickets to all temples and the cable car, no waiting
• ✅ A reserved table at the best seafood restaurant in Shenjiamen
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go

You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us directly by whichever channel is most convenient:

Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

Email us

Write to us

🕗 8:00 a.m. — Meet your guide at the terminal

🕘 8:15–8:35 a.m. — Private speedboat to Putuoshan
No waiting in the general ferry queue.

🕘 8:40 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Full guided pilgrimage program
Puji Temple, the South China Sea Guanyin statue, Fayu Temple, the Mount Foding cable car, and Huiji Temple at the summit — with explanations of every symbol and legend.

🕛 12:15–1:45 p.m. — Lunch at a premium seafood restaurant
Reserved table with ocean views, tasting menu — from 200 CNY per person.

🕐 2:00–2:20 p.m. — Private speedboat back to Zhujiajian

🕜 2:30–4:00 p.m. — VIP area at Nansha Beach and the sand sculpture avenue
Private sun loungers, with your guide sharing the festival's history.

🕓 4:00–4:45 p.m. — Shenjiamen fishing port with your guide
Taste fresh crab and shellfish straight off the boats.

🕔 5:00 p.m. — Return to port in a comfortable vehicle

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from 700 CNY
• Private speedboat round trip: from 600 CNY
• Skip-the-line tickets and cable car: about 250 CNY
• Lunch at a premium restaurant: from 200 CNY
💸 TOTAL: from 1,750 CNY per person (for 2+ people — priced per group, not per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Zhoushan with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Zhoushan will be planned exactly to your taste. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important to know before going ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card; most Ukrainian citizens qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for cruise passengers, though conditions should be confirmed before travel.
💴 Cash: carry 200–300 CNY in cash — foreign bank cards are not accepted everywhere on Putuoshan, and mobile payment systems (WeChat Pay, Alipay) require a local account.
👟 Footwear: comfortable shoes are essential — the stone-step climb to Mount Foding is fairly steep. Covering shoulders and knees is advisable inside the temples.
📱 Internet: note that Google, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in mainland China — install a VPN in advance or download offline maps.
🔐 Safety: Zhoushan is one of China's calmer tourist destinations, with a very low crime rate, but as everywhere, keep valuables close in crowded areas.
☀️ Sun protection: summer humidity and temperatures on the island run high, up to +33°C (91°F). A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
🌀 Typhoons: the region's typhoon season runs from July to September — ferry service to Putuoshan may be temporarily suspended during storms, so it's wise to have a backup plan.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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