Road Trip with Kids from Shanghai to Dongji Island｜Ultimate Family Travel Guide

Calling all moms! Just completed a road trip from Shanghai to Dongji Island with my little one, and here’s my "stress-free mom" guide covering everything from transport to accommodation. Save this now👇 🚗 Shanghai to Zhoushan by Car ▪️ Recommended Route: G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway → G15 Shenhai Expressway → Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Ningbo Expressway → Yongzhou Expressway (approx. 3.5 hours, toll fee ¥234) ▪️ Tips for Kids: Download cartoons/nursery rhymes in advance, bring a portable toilet seat + car fridge (for fruits/yogurt) ▪️ Parking in Zhoushan: P1 Lot at Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier is closest (¥5/hour, max ¥8 for 8 hours), elevator direct to pier ⛴️ Ferry Tickets + Kid-Friendly Hacks ▪️ Booking Tips: Grab tickets 7 days in advance at 12:00 PM via "Zhoushan Haixing Shipping" for Zhujiajian→Miaozihu (recommend 8:10 AM ferry, 2-hour ride) ▪️ Cabin Choice: Opt for mid-deck (¥130) with kids—smoother ride + deck access for views; pack motion sickness patches (kids’ version) + sealable bags (for nausea) ▪️ Island Hopping: Pay cash onboard to add Qingbang Island (¥30/person). Prioritize Qingbang (kid-friendly)! 🏝️ 3-Day Itinerary 📍Day 1: Zhujiajian → Qingbang Island - Morning: Drive to pier, take 8:10 ferry - Noon: Check into "Yuqi Homestay" (sea-view room with kids’ tent, 5-min walk to beach) - Afternoon: ✅ Tide-pooling at Xifeng Bay Beach (crabs + seashells; check tide tables) ✅ Photo ops at "Sea B&W Palace" stone houses (best light at 4 PM—dress kids in light colors) - Evening: BBQ at homestay rooftop + bioluminescent bay hunt (June-August; Xifeng Bay reefs ideal) 📍Day 2: Qingbang → Dongfushan → Miaozihu - Morning: Ferry to Dongfushan, easy hike to Tree Bay stone houses (1km flat path—kids can walk!) - Noon: Try tigerfish tofu soup at local stalls (mild flavor, kids love it) - Afternoon: Take 14:00 ferry to Miaozihu, hop on sightseeing bus (¥88/adult, kids free; stops: Caibogong Statue, Original Stone Beach) - Evening: Backup bioluminescent bay plan—head to Dongxiang Pavilion or switch to cartoons at a bar 📍Day 3: Miaozihu → Return - Morning: Visit "The Continent" lighthouse, rent e-bikes for coastal ride (¥88/3 hours—kids adore front seats!) - Noon: Steamed grouper + mussels at seafood spots (request less salt) - Afternoon: 15:00 ferry back to Zhujiajian; buy dried seafood before leaving (recommend mussels for porridge) 🏠 Top Stays ▪️ Qingbang’s "Yuqi Homestay": Family rooms with slides, free sand toys + kiddie tubs ▪️ Miaozihu’s "Xiluo Bay Homestay": French-style design, smart home features, kids’ slippers/toothbrushes included 🍽️ Food Hits & Misses ✅ Must-Eat: - Qingbang’s "Qingbang Memory" seafood noodles (DIY toppings, sweet broth) - Miaozihu’s "Haishan Lou" steamed pomfret (tender—kids eat with hands!) ⚠️ Skip: - Spicy clams at Miaozihu stalls (too salty—order steamed) - Dongfushan grilled squid (too chewy for toddlers) 🎒 Packing List 1. Sun protection: Bucket hat + SPF50+ kids’ sunscreen + cooling sleeves 2. Gear: Foldable stroller (wide wheels for Qingbang’s cobblestones), silicone bib 3. Emergency kit: Fever patches, Smecta, band-aids, mosquito-repellent bracelets 4. Fun: Bubble blower (beach photo prop!), travel easel 💡 Pro Tips 1. Bioluminescent bay: Check weather—south wind + moonless nights ideal; wear long sleeves 2. Backup ferry tickets: Ask homestay hosts for help if sold out 3. Avoid weekends: Mon-Thurs mean fewer crowds + 30% cheaper stays ✨ Final Notes Dongji’s magic? Kids giggling at crabs, gasps at glowing waves, and sunrise cuddles. Slow down—let the sea and sun recharge your family!