Why Choose the Zhoushan Archipelago?
People often say, “After visiting Zhoushan, other islands pale in comparison.” As China’s largest archipelago, Zhoushan comprises 2,085 islands scattered like pearls across the vast ocean. It stands as the nation’s first prefecture-level city established on an archipelago—a modern marine city where hundreds of bridges connect thousands of islands.
Located where the eastern golden coastline meets the Yangtze River’s golden waterway, if the Yangtze is a dragon leaping toward the East China Sea with Shanghai as its head, then Zhoushan is the dazzling pearl on that dragon’s head.
The unique island scenery endows Zhoushan with boundless charm, blending island landscapes, marine culture, and Buddhist traditions. Its character is defined by the sea, fishing, cities, islands, harbors, shipping, and commerce, painted in hues of blue skies, green seas, emerald islands, golden sands, and white waves. This beautiful maritime garden is best unlocked and explored on two wheels.
Scenery Exclusive to Cyclists
Guided by ride leaders, support vehicles, and drones, you can stop and go at your own pace, traversing mountains and sea. Bathe in the sea breeze and sunlight as you chase the tides and the sunset glow.
The cycling route and daily itinerary are meticulously designed. They allow ample time for free exploration, maintaining a relaxed pace, while also incorporating challenging coastal roads and winding mountain passes.
Riders can freely choose to visit renowned sites based on personal time and interest, including:
Putuo Mountain, one of Buddhism’s four sacred mountains.
The Guanyin Dharma Realm, a project developed with billions in investment.
The Peach Blossom Island, a haven reminiscent of the utopia described in Jin Yong’s martial arts novels, famed as a “marine botanical garden.”
Island-Hopping via Bridges and Ferries
The journey involves crossing various spectacular sea-crossing bridges and taking ferries with your bicycle for island hopping. This approach avoids backtracking and allows you to weave through islands with diverse landscapes and geology.
The route also passes by Zhejiang Ocean University, Putuo Mountain College, the Shenjiamen Fishing Port, natural reserves, and seaside bathing spots, seamlessly blending island scenery, marine culture, and Buddhist heritage.
A Bounty from the Sea
For millennia, Zhoushan has thrived by the sea, receiving its bounty and becoming China’s largest natural fishing ground. Abundant aquatic life inhabits these waters. Zhoushan is a world-renowned fishing ground, alongside the Canadian Newfoundland and Peruvian fisheries. Shenjiamen Port ranks among the world’s three major fishing ports, alongside Bergen, Norway, and Callao, Peru.
Beyond its beautiful beaches, intricate coastlines, various reefs, and sea cliffs, countless seafood delights await traveling gourmets ready for a feast.
The Perfect Cycling Season
September to November is the ideal season for cycling in Zhoushan. It avoids the summer crowds and heat and misses the typhoons and rains that frequently arrive earlier in the year.
From mid-September through November, temperatures range comfortably between 15°C and 25°C (59°F – 77°F), with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunny days, creating perfect cycling conditions. Its proximity to the Yangtze River Delta makes access highly convenient.
