How to get to Zhoushan

When planning a trip to Zhoushan, a unique archipelago city in East China, tourists often wonder about the best route. You can reach these picturesque islands in various ways: by direct flight, by car across the famous sea bridges, or by using a combined route via neighboring metropolises. This destination attracts travelers with its Buddhist sanctuaries and fresh seafood, while remaining easily accessible thanks to the region's modern transport infrastructure.

The fastest way to reach the islands is to use the local aviation hub. Putuoshan Airport (HSN) receives flights from many major cities in the country and is conveniently located for starting a journey around the archipelago. The airport is well connected to the main districts, making arriving here a comfortable choice for those who value their time.

If a direct flight is unavailable, you can consider alternative options via neighboring major cities. The nearest airport is located in the city of Ningbo, situated just 65 kilometers away. Many tourists also choose to fly to Shanghai (155 km) or Jiaxing (163 km), from where they can continue their journey by ground transport.

There is no direct railway service to the city itself, as Zhoushan is located on islands where there is no train station. Travelers preferring trains need to plan a route with a transfer to a bus or car on the mainland.

The most convenient transfer hubs are neighboring cities with a developed railway network. The closest is Ningbo (65 km), where high-speed trains arrive. You can also travel to stations in the cities of Shanghai or Jiaxing, and then cover the remaining distance via the bridges across the sea.

Intercity buses remain a popular way to get to the islands, especially after the opening of the massive engineering structures connecting the archipelago to the mainland. Regular bus service links Zhoushan with major transport hubs in Zhejiang province and neighboring regions.

Most often, tourists choose routes from the nearest metropolises, such as Ningbo or Shanghai. A trip on a comfortable coach allows you to enjoy views of the sea crossings; however, it is recommended to verify the exact schedule and travel time directly at the departure bus stations before setting off.

Traveling by car is one of the most scenic ways to get to Zhoushan thanks to the system of bridges. The shortest and fastest route runs from the city of Ningbo: the distance is about 99 km, and the travel time will take approximately 1.5 hours.

For those departing from the city of Jiaxing, the road of 224 km will require about 2.8 hours of driving. A journey from the metropolis of Shanghai will take more time — plan for 3.5 hours on the road to cover the distance of 291 km. Taxis for such distances are available, but the cost of the trip will be significantly higher than public transport.

Preparing for a trip to Zhoushan requires taking into account the island nature of this city. To ensure your journey is comfortable and free of surprises, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Climate. Since the city is located on islands, the weather here can be windy and changeable. Even in summer, it is recommended to bring a light windbreaker or raincoat, and comfortable shoes are mandatory for walking on hilly terrain and temple complexes.
2. Water Transport. Moving between the islands of the archipelago often requires the use of ferries. Check the schedule in advance, as services may be cancelled during stormy weather.
3. Payment Systems. As elsewhere in China, mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are used universally here. Cash is not accepted everywhere, and international cards may only work in large hotels.
4. Health. Zhoushan is famous for its seafood. If you have allergies or a sensitive stomach, be cautious when tasting local cuisine and carry antihistamines with you.
5. Language Barrier. English is not very common here outside of major tourist zones. Download an offline translator on your smartphone for communicating with taxi drivers and in restaurants.
6. Visiting Temples. Mount Putuo is a sacred place for Buddhists. Please observe the dress code (covered shoulders and knees) and rules of conduct on the monastery grounds, showing respect to the worshippers.
7. Transport in the City. Avoid private unlicensed taxi drivers at ports and the airport. Use official taxi services or trusted ride-hailing apps.
8. Seasonality. Keep in mind that during major Buddhist holidays, the flow of pilgrims increases sharply, which may complicate finding accommodation and transport tickets.

Following these simple rules will help you focus on the beauty of the seascapes and the cultural richness of the region without being distracted by logistical inconveniences.