Shengsi Islands | Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai's Hidden "Sea Paradise"

At the easternmost tip of the Zhoushan archipelago lies a hidden maritime wonderland made up of over 400 islands—the Shengsi Islands! 🏝️ Here, you'll find not only China's easternmost cliff sunrise but also deserted villages overtaken by lush greenery. This 3-day, 2-night itinerary will guide you through this "Penglai of the East Sea". 🚢 Transportation Guide 🚢 From Shanghai: - Purchase a "bus and ferry combined ticket" at Nanpu Bridge (departure at 7:30 am) - Shenjiawan Wharf → Sijiao Island (high-speed ferry, 1.5 hrs) ⚠️ Ticket Purchasing Tips: • Book tickets 3 days in advance on the "Shengsi Passenger Transport" platform. • Choose upper-deck seating (+30 yuan, but more stable). 🛵 Island Transportation: - Electric scooter rental (60 yuan/day) - Public bus (infrequent but affordable) 🌟 Top 5 Must-See Attractions 1️⃣ Gouqi Island Marine Ranch 🌊 - A vast mussel farming base covering thousands of acres - 🚁 Aerial view: White buoys resemble a starry sky - 🎣 Experience: Go out to sea with a fishing boat to harvest mussels 2️⃣ Dongya Cliff Sunrise 🌅 - China's easternmost cliff - ⏰ Be there by 4:00 am! - 📸 Camera settings: Shutter speed 1/1000 sec 3️⃣ Houtouwan Deserted Village 🏚️ - A real-life version of *The Wizard of Oz* - 👗 Outfit suggestion: Brightly colored dress - ⚠️ Note: Wear non-slip shoes! 4️⃣ Liujingtan Cliff Walk 🌉 - A white "stairway to heaven" on the cliffside - 🌊 Listen to the symphony of the waves - 🚶 Hiking time: 1.5 hrs 5️⃣ Huaniao Island Lighthouse 💡 - The largest lighthouse in the Far East - 🌌 Summer exclusive: Blue Tears - 📅 Best time to visit: June–September 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations 🌊 Sea-view guesthouses: - Qianmo Seaview Inn (Gouqi Island) - Wu Ma Inn (Huaniao Island) 🏘️ Fisherman's homestay: - Shizhu Village Fisherman's Homestay (150 yuan per person) 💰 Price range: 200–1200 yuan/night 🦀 Seafood Foodie Map 🦪 Must-try trio: 1. Scallions and mitten crabs (full of roe and fat) 2. Seafood gnocchi (30 yuan, all-you-can-eat) 3. Scrambled eggs with mud snails (perfect with rice) 🍺 Night Market Recommendations: - Shengshan Wharf night market stalls - Gouqi Island seafood street 📷 Photo Tips 👗 Outfit suggestions: - White dress + straw hat = Japanese fresh style - *Hanfu* + oil-paper umbrella = Ancient style blockbuster - Bikini + cover-up = Beach babe 📍 Unique photo spots: 1. Rocky area of Dawang Beach 2. Mountain and Sea Wonders sunset viewing platform 3. Sanjiaojiang Bridge ⚠️ Things to Avoid ✅ Best seasons: May–June / September–October ❌ Avoid: July–August fishing ban period (limited seafood) ☀️ Sunscreen focus: Back of the neck! Tops of your feet! 🦟 Mosquito repellent is a must: The midges on the island are vicious! 🗓️ 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary Day 1: • Morning: Jihu Beach • Afternoon: Liujingtan Cliff Walk • Evening: Caiyuan Town night market Day 2: • Early morning: Dongya Cliff sunrise • Morning: Deserted village exploration • Evening: Marine ranch sunset Day 3: • Morning: Huaniao Island Lighthouse • Noon: Dried shrimp shopping • Afternoon: Return trip 💡 The beauty of Shengsi lies in the anticipation of the first rays of sunlight at 4:00 am, the *Wizard of Oz*-like abandoned villages, and the twinkling lights of fishing boats returning to port... When will you set off for this last hidden gem of the East China Sea?