Zhoushan Transportation

Zhoushan (舟山) is an archipelago city whose transportation system combines cross-sea highways, island roads, passenger ferries, vehicle ferries, local buses and air services. Unlike an ordinary mainland destination, choosing the correct bridge, port and ferry route is as important as selecting the correct attraction.

Zhoushan Main Island, Zhujiajian Island (朱家尖岛), Daishan Island (岱山岛), Xiushan Island (秀山岛) and several neighbouring islands are connected by bridges or highways. However, Putuo Mountain (普陀山), Dongji Islands (东极岛), Taohua Island (桃花岛), Qushan Island (衢山岛), Sijiao Island (泗礁岛), Gouqi Island (枸杞岛), Shengshan Island (嵊山岛) and Huaniao Island (花鸟岛) still depend mainly on water transport.

The most practical travel pattern is therefore:

Flight, coach or car to Zhoushan → road travel around the connected islands → ferry for outer-island destinations.

How to Get to Zhoushan

By Air: Zhoushan Putuoshan International Airport

Zhoushan Putuoshan International Airport (舟山普陀山国际机场) is located on Zhujiajian Island, making it especially convenient for travellers visiting Zhujiajian, Putuo Mountain and Shenjiamen (沈家门). The airport provides taxis, public buses, airport shuttle buses, parking and car-rental-related services.

Airport shuttle routes currently connect the airport with Zhujiajian Wugongshi Passenger Terminal (朱家尖蜈蚣峙码头) and Putuo Passenger Transport Centre (普陀客运中心). Wugongshi is the principal ferry gateway for Putuo Mountain, while Putuo Passenger Transport Centre is useful for coach and urban-bus transfers around Donggang and Shenjiamen.

Public bus services also operate through the airport area. The airport’s official transport information currently lists Route 225 as a one-way service travelling from Zhujiajian through the airport toward Dinghai, but routes and operating patterns should always be checked on the day of travel.

For an evening arrival, staying in Zhujiajian or Donggang is normally more convenient than immediately attempting an outer-island transfer. Ferry services are affected by operating hours, weather and sea conditions, while flights may arrive after the last practical island connection.

By High-Speed Train

Zhoushan does not yet have an operating passenger railway. The Ningbo–Zhoushan Railway (甬舟铁路) is under construction and will eventually connect Zhoushan with the national railway network. Construction continued through 2025 and 2026, with major progress on the Jintang undersea tunnel and the Xihoumen rail-and-road bridge; Zhejiang is working toward high-speed rail connectivity for Zhoushan around 2028, although travellers should wait for an official passenger-opening announcement before planning rail journeys.

At present, Ningbo Railway Station (宁波站) is the most practical high-speed rail gateway for most visitors. From Ningbo, continue to Zhoushan by intercity coach, private transfer or rental car across the Zhoushan Cross-Sea Bridge.

Travellers going directly to northern Shengsi may find Shanghai more convenient than Ningbo because Shanghai provides bus-and-ferry connections through Shenjiagwan Passenger Terminal.

By Long-Distance Coach

Intercity coaches connect Zhoushan with major cities including Ningbo, Hangzhou and Shanghai. The most useful arrival points include:

The Zhoushan Transport (舟山交通) WeChat mini-program integrates coach tickets, ferry tickets, combined road-and-ferry tickets, live bus information, road conditions, terminal information and weather-related transport updates. It is the most useful local digital transport platform for visitors.

By Car and Cross-Sea Bridge

Zhoushan Main Island is connected to the mainland through the Zhoushan Cross-Sea Bridge system, making self-driving the most convenient option for Dinghai, Putuo, Shenjiamen and Zhujiajian.

Daishan Island is connected to the highway network by the Zhoushan–Daishan Bridge (舟岱大桥). The wider Ningbo–Zhoushan Port main passage connects Zhoushan Main Island, Changbai Island and Daishan through a series of sea bridges and highway links. The bridge ended Daishan’s dependence on ferries as its principal mainland connection.

Xiushan Island is also connected with Daishan by bridge. The Xiushan Bridge and associated roads created an all-weather road connection between Xiushan and Daishan, replacing the former reliance on passenger and vehicle ferries for everyday travel.

By Ferry from Shanghai and Other Coastal Gateways

Water transport remains important, particularly for Shengsi County. The main mainland gateway for northern Shengsi is Shenjiagwan Passenger Terminal (沈家湾客运码头) near Shanghai’s Lingang area.

Passenger buses commonly connect Shanghai’s Nanpu Bridge tourism transport area with Shenjiagwan, where travellers transfer to ferries for Sijiao, Gouqi, Shengshan and Huaniao. High-speed passenger vessels and selected vehicle ferries operate on the Shenjiagwan–Sijiao corridor, although schedules change with season and weather.

Zhoushan Transportation at a Glance

Major Passenger Ports in Zhoushan

Zhujiajian Wugongshi Passenger Terminal

Wugongshi Passenger Terminal (蜈蚣峙码头) is the principal gateway to Putuo Mountain. It is close to Zhoushan Airport and connected to Shenjiamen and Donggang by road.

Ferries operate frequently between Wugongshi and Putuo Mountain during normal operating periods. The crossing is short, but boarding queues can be long during Buddhist festivals, summer holidays and national public holidays. Current ticket listings show regular daytime and evening departures, but the exact timetable should be checked before travel.

Private tourist vehicles are normally left in the Zhujiajian terminal parking area. Visitors then enter Putuo Mountain by passenger ferry and use sightseeing buses, walking routes and the island cableway after arrival.

Shenjiamen Banshengdong Passenger Terminal

Banshengdong Passenger Terminal (沈家门半升洞客运中心) is one of the principal gateways for the Dongji Islands. The Shenjiamen–Miaozihu route resumed from Banshengdong in 2024, alongside services associated with Putuo Mountain, Liuheng, Shengshan and other islands.

The terminal is convenient for travellers staying in Shenjiamen or Donggang. During peak periods, temporary traffic controls and additional parking arrangements may be introduced around the terminal area.

Shenjiamen Duntou Passenger Terminal

Duntou Passenger Terminal (沈家门墩头码头) is commonly used for routes to southern Putuo islands such as Taohua Island, Xiashi Island (虾峙岛) and Liuheng Island (六横岛).

The exact terminal used by individual services may change during construction, holiday transport plans or seasonal adjustments. Check the Chinese port name carefully before booking accommodation or arranging a taxi.

Sanjiang Passenger Terminal

Sanjiang Passenger Terminal (三江码头) lies on the northern side of Zhoushan Main Island. It has traditionally served routes toward Daishan, Xiushan, Qushan, Changtu and other northern islands. Some demand has shifted to the new bridge network, but Sanjiang remains an important water-transport hub.

Sanjiang is relatively far from Zhujiajian and Shenjiamen. Travellers should avoid booking a ferry from Sanjiang while staying in southern Putuo unless enough road-transfer time has been allowed.

Daishan Yanwoshan Passenger Terminal

Yanwoshan Passenger Terminal (燕窝山客运中心) on northern Daishan has become an increasingly useful gateway to the eastern Shengsi islands.

A direct high-speed passenger route between Yanwoshan and Gouqi Island opened in 2025, reducing the crossing to approximately two hours. In 2026, the service was extended to Huaniao Island, creating another north–south island connection within the Zhoushan archipelago.

Shenjiagwan Passenger Terminal

Shenjiagwan Passenger Terminal is geographically connected with Shanghai’s Lingang area and is the principal gateway to the Shengsi Islands from Shanghai.

In addition to routes to Sijiao, Gouqi and Huaniao, a Shenjiagwan–Miaozihu service was introduced for the 2026 tourism season, providing a direct route between the Shanghai-side gateway and Dongji. Because this is a newer and potentially seasonal service, travellers should confirm current operating dates before designing a Shanghai–Dongji itinerary.

Transportation by District and County

Dinghai District

Dinghai District (定海区) covers the western and central parts of Zhoushan Main Island and is the primary road gateway from mainland Zhejiang. It includes Dinghai Old Town, the New City area, Donghai Yunlang, the Donghai Hundred-Mile Cultural Corridor and the northern port area around Sanjiang.

Urban buses, taxis and ride-hailing are sufficient for central Dinghai. A private vehicle is more useful for rural landscapes, coastal villages, Ma’ao, Xiaosha and the Hundred-Mile Cultural Corridor.

Dinghai is also the best base for travellers who intend to continue north through Sanjiang or drive toward Daishan.

Putuo District

Putuo District (普陀区) includes Donggang, Shenjiamen, Zhujiajian, Putuo Mountain and numerous inhabited outer islands.

Road transport connects Zhoushan Main Island with Donggang, Shenjiamen and Zhujiajian. Ferries are required for Putuo Mountain, Dongji, Taohua, Xiashi, Liuheng, Baisha and most smaller islands.

The most useful bases are:

• Donggang: modern hotels, restaurants and convenient road access.
• Shenjiamen: fishing-port atmosphere and access to Banshengdong and Duntou terminals.
• Zhujiajian: airport, beaches, Wugongshi Terminal and self-driving routes.
• Putuo Mountain: best for pilgrims planning early temple visits.

Daishan County

Daishan Main Island can now be reached directly by highway from Zhoushan Main Island. Xiushan is also accessible by road through the connected bridge network. These islands are suitable for self-driving trips combining Moxin Mountain (磨心山), Lulan Qingsha Beach (鹿栏晴沙), Daishan Cape Park, Dongsha Ancient Town and Xiushan’s beaches and wetlands.

Qushan and Changtu still depend substantially on ferries. Travellers should check whether their chosen service is passenger-only or a vehicle ferry before attempting to bring a car.

Yanwoshan provides useful connections toward Gouqi and Huaniao, making Daishan a possible transfer point between central Zhoushan and the eastern Shengsi islands.

Shengsi County

Shengsi County (嵊泗县) consists of numerous islands, with Sijiao serving as the county’s principal transport and service centre.

The main travel pattern is:

Shanghai or Shenjiagwan → Sijiao → smaller Shengsi islands

Direct seasonal services may also connect Shenjiagwan with Gouqi, Shengshan and Huaniao. During major holidays, ferry operators substantially increase capacity, but tickets can still sell out quickly.

Internal island travel relies on local buses, taxis, minivans, guesthouse transfers and walking. Road networks are limited, hilly and often congested in summer.

Transportation to Major Attractions

Putuo Mountain

The standard route is:

Zhoushan Airport, Ningbo coach or self-drive → Zhujiajian Wugongshi Terminal → passenger ferry → Putuo Mountain

From the airport, use the dedicated shuttle, taxi or ride-hailing service to Wugongshi. The official airport shuttle network includes a direct airport–Wugongshi route.

After reaching Putuo Mountain, visitors can combine walking with scenic-area buses. The principal religious sites are spread across different parts of the island, so trying to visit every temple entirely on foot can be tiring.

For a one-day pilgrimage, arrive at Wugongshi early. For a slower visit covering Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, Huiji Temple, Foding Mountain and the beaches, stay overnight on Putuo Mountain.

Zhujiajian

Zhujiajian is connected by bridge and can be reached directly by car, bus or taxi. Zhoushan Airport and Wugongshi Terminal are both located on the island.

The attractions are widely distributed, including Nansha Beach, Daqingshan National Park, Wushitang, Dongsha, Baishan and Guanyin Fajie. Self-driving or a chartered vehicle is the most efficient option.

Public buses serve the principal communities and attractions, but relying entirely on buses can make a one-day multi-attraction itinerary difficult. Summer weekends often bring traffic congestion around beaches, Wugongshi and major bridge approaches.

Dongji Islands

The classic route is:

Shenjiamen Banshengdong Terminal → Miaozihu Island (庙子湖岛) → local ferry to Qingbang or Dongfushan

Miaozihu is the main transport and service centre of Dongji. Qingbang Island and Dongfushan Island require further local boat connections, which should be treated as separate ferry journeys.

A newer seasonal alternative connects Shenjiagwan with Miaozihu, useful for travellers approaching from Shanghai.

Buy the main Dongji ticket before reserving non-refundable accommodation. Ferries are vulnerable to high winds, fog and rough seas, and local transfers may stop before the main mainland ferry.

Taohua Island

Taohua Island is normally reached by ferry from the Shenjiamen area, particularly Duntou Terminal. Seasonal services may also operate from other terminals such as Zhujiajian or Changzhi.

After arrival, local buses, taxis and accommodation transfers connect the port with Taohuayu, Anqifeng, Tawan Sands and village areas. Attractions are separated by hilly roads, so a full-island visit is easier with a chartered local vehicle.

Luojia Mountain

Luojia Mountain (洛迦山) is generally visited as a side trip from Putuo Mountain. Boats depart from the Putuo Mountain area according to a fixed sightseeing schedule.

Travellers should allow enough time to complete the island visit and return on the designated vessel. Luojia Mountain is not a flexible independent island stop where visitors can remain indefinitely.

Dinghai Old Town and Donghai Yunlang

Dinghai Old Town is best explored on foot after arriving by city bus or taxi. Parking can be less convenient around historic streets, especially during holidays.

Donghai Yunlang is suitable for walking and shorter recreational outings. Its different entrances cover an extended hillside corridor, so identify the intended entrance before setting the navigation destination.

Donghai Hundred-Mile Cultural Corridor

The Donghai Hundred-Mile Cultural Corridor (东海百里文廊) extends through rural northern and western Dinghai, linking villages, cultural spaces and coastal landscapes.

Because its attractions are dispersed, self-driving and supported cycling are more efficient than urban public transport. Local government tourism planning continues to develop these rural cultural and slow-travel corridors.

Daishan Island

Drive across the Zhoushan–Daishan highway connection to reach Daishan Main Island. The island’s attractions form several clusters rather than one compact scenic area.

A practical sequence is:

Zhoushan Main Island → Daishan Cape Park → Lulan Qingsha → Dongsha Ancient Town → Moxin Mountain

Allow at least one full day. Two days are preferable when adding Xiushan Island.

Xiushan Island

Xiushan is connected to Daishan by road and no longer requires a routine ferry transfer from Daishan. It is suitable for a relaxed driving or cycling trip covering beaches, fishing villages, wetlands and the island’s coastal road.

Qushan Island

Qushan requires a ferry connection. Services commonly operate from Daishan-side terminals, although the exact port may vary by vessel and timetable.

After arrival, buses, taxis and local chartered cars connect the port with Guanyin Mountain, coastal villages and scenic viewpoints. Qushan is mountainous, making a chartered vehicle more practical than walking between major attractions.

Sijiao Island

Sijiao is the main island of Shengsi County and is usually reached from Shenjiagwan. Some sailings are passenger-only, while selected roll-on/roll-off services can carry vehicles.

Local buses and taxis connect Lizhushan Passenger Terminal with Caiyuan Town, Jihu Beach, Nanchangtu Beach, Liujingtan and the East Sea fishing villages. Roads around Liujingtan and Heshangtao are narrow and can become congested in summer.

Gouqi and Shengshan Islands

Gouqi and Shengshan are connected by the Sanjiajiang Bridge, allowing road travel between the two islands after arrival.

The principal access options include:

• Direct or connecting ferry from Shenjiagwan.
• Transfer through Sijiao.
• Seasonal connection from Daishan Yanwoshan.

Accommodation transfers are especially useful because villages, ports, viewpoints and the abandoned Houtouwan settlement are distributed across steep island roads.

Huaniao Island

Huaniao is reached by ferry from Shenjiagwan, Sijiao or selected seasonal routes. The Yanwoshan service was extended to Huaniao in 2026, providing an additional connection from Daishan.

The island is compact, and visitors mainly travel by walking, local sightseeing vehicles and accommodation transfers. Private tourist cars are not necessary.

Self-Driving in Zhoushan

Where Self-Driving Works Best

Self-driving is highly recommended for:

• Dinghai and the rural cultural corridors.
• Zhoushan Main Island.
• Shenjiamen and Donggang.
• Zhujiajian.
• Daishan Main Island.
• Xiushan Island.

It is less useful for Putuo Mountain, Dongji, Taohua, Qushan and the smaller Shengsi islands because these destinations depend on ferries and may not accept ordinary tourist vehicles.

Classic Main-Island and Zhujiajian Route

A practical two-day road trip is:

Dinghai Old Town → New City → Shenjiamen Fishing Port → Donggang → Zhujiajian → Wushitang → Nansha → Daqingshan

This route avoids unnecessary returns and combines city history, fishing-port culture and coastal scenery.

Daishan and Xiushan Road Trip

A practical route is:

Zhoushan Main Island → Zhoushan–Daishan Bridge → Daishan Main Island → Xiushan Island → return

The route involves long bridge and highway sections exposed to crosswinds. Drivers should reduce speed during strong winds and avoid stopping on bridges for photography. Bridge safety guidance specifically warns drivers about crosswinds, slippery roads and tunnel conditions.

Holiday Driving Advice

During major holidays, congestion is most likely around:

• Zhoushan Cross-Sea Bridge approaches.
• Zhujiajian Bridge and Guanyin Bridge.
• Wugongshi Passenger Terminal.
• Donggang and Banshengdong.
• Zhujiajian beach entrances.
• Daishan highway exits.
• Shengsi vehicle-ferry terminals.

Park the car and use official shuttle buses when temporary holiday traffic diversions are introduced. Do not attempt to bypass traffic controls through village roads.

Advice for International Drivers

An overseas driving licence by itself does not authorise a visitor to drive in mainland China. Short-term visitors holding an overseas licence must apply for the appropriate Chinese temporary motor-vehicle driving permit and carry it together with the overseas licence and the required Chinese translation.

Cycling in Zhoushan

Dinghai Rural and Coastal Cycling

The Donghai Hundred-Mile Cultural Corridor and selected rural roads around Xiaosha and Ma’ao are suitable for longer recreational rides. Expect rolling hills, village traffic and sections with limited shops.

A support vehicle is advisable for organised groups because the corridor consists of multiple scenic sections rather than one fully separated bicycle path.

Zhujiajian Cycling

Zhujiajian offers attractive coastal scenery, but its roads include hills, tunnels, beach traffic and exposed windy sections. Short rides around individual scenic areas are more comfortable than trying to complete the entire island during a busy summer weekend.

Daqingshan and some scenic roads may impose separate bicycle or traffic-management rules. Check at the entrance rather than assuming every scenic road permits bicycles.

Daishan and Xiushan Cycling

Daishan and Xiushan have coastal and island roads suitable for experienced riders. The islands have been developing ring-road and cycling-related tourism facilities, including coastal roads and cycling service points.

The best strategy is to transport the bicycle to the island by car and begin riding locally. Do not attempt to enter the expressway bridge network by bicycle.

Shengsi Cycling

Sijiao, Gouqi and Shengshan offer short but hilly island rides. Narrow roads, tourist buses, strong winds and steep gradients make them better for confident cyclists than beginners.

Electric-assist bicycles may be available locally, but rental conditions, battery range and helmet provision should be checked carefully.

Can Bicycles Cross the Sea Bridges?

Bicycles and other non-motorised vehicles cannot use the expressway sections of the Zhoushan Cross-Sea Bridge or Zhoushan–Daishan Bridge. Riders must transport their bicycles by permitted vehicle or use a ferry service that accepts bicycles.

Acceptance rules vary by ferry operator and vessel. Confirm bicycle carriage before buying a passenger ticket.

Motorcycle Touring in Zhoushan

Motorcycles are prohibited from using expressways throughout Zhejiang. This includes the expressway approaches used by the principal road links from mainland Zhejiang to Zhoushan and between Zhoushan Main Island and Daishan. Zhejiang traffic authorities reiterated the expressway prohibition in 2026, covering motorcycles, non-motorised vehicles and pedestrians.

The Zhoushan–Daishan Bridge travel guidance also expressly states that pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles are forbidden from entering the expressway.

This means a motorcycle cannot simply follow the normal self-driving route from Ningbo across the expressway bridge system. Possible alternatives are limited to transporting the motorcycle by an authorised vehicle, using a vehicle ferry that expressly accepts motorcycles, or legally renting a suitable vehicle after reaching an island.

Even on local island roads, riders must watch for:

• Motorcycle-prohibited scenic roads.
• Temporary summer traffic restrictions.
• Tunnels and high-wind bridge sections.
• Narrow village roads.
• Sand, sea spray and wet surfaces.
• Restricted parking near ports and beaches.

Foreign riders require a Chinese driving authorisation that includes the correct motorcycle category. A temporary permit issued only for a small rental car does not automatically authorise motorcycle riding.

Ferry Tickets, Weather and Island Transfers

Use the Zhoushan Transport Platform

Search WeChat for 舟山交通. The platform supports ferry and coach searches, ticket purchasing, combined tickets, live transport information and route selection by district or popular destination.

Since January 2026, selected ferry routes have also supported combined outward-and-return booking through the platform, reducing the risk of securing an outbound ticket but failing to obtain the return sailing.

Some routes are still sold through operator-specific platforms, including Zhoushan Haixing Ferry (舟山海星轮船) and Shengsi Passenger Transport (嵊泗客运).

Book the Ferry before the Hotel

For Dongji, Gouqi, Shengshan and Huaniao, secure the ferry ticket before booking non-refundable accommodation. Accommodation availability is often greater than transport capacity during peak periods.

Carry the Correct Identification

Ferry tickets are normally linked to a passenger’s identification document. International visitors should enter passport information exactly as shown and carry the original passport for boarding.

Allow Weather Flexibility

Strong winds, dense fog, rough seas and typhoons can delay or cancel ferries. In July 2026, Shengsi services were suspended and then gradually restored after several days of weather-related controls, demonstrating how quickly island schedules can change.

Leave at least half a day of flexibility before an international flight or an important high-speed train. Avoid planning a remote-island return ferry and a same-afternoon departure from Ningbo or Shanghai.

Understand Passenger Ferry and Vehicle Ferry Differences

A high-speed passenger ferry normally carries people and luggage only. A vehicle ferry can carry cars, but vehicle spaces are limited and must often be booked separately.

During severe weather, a vehicle ferry may continue carrying passengers but suspend vehicle carriage, as occurred on some Shengsi services during typhoon-related adjustments.

Recommended Transportation Combinations

Practical Zhoushan Travel Planning

For a first visit combining Putuo Mountain and Zhujiajian, fly directly to Zhoushan or travel by high-speed rail to Ningbo and continue by coach. Stay in Zhujiajian or Donggang and use Wugongshi for the Putuo Mountain ferry.

For Dongji, spend the previous night in Shenjiamen or Donggang. Do not attempt a tight morning transfer from Ningbo unless the ferry departure leaves a large margin.

For Daishan, self-driving is the most efficient option because the principal island and Xiushan are connected to the road network.

For Shengsi, approach from Shanghai through Shenjiagwan rather than travelling first to southern Zhoushan. This avoids a long road journey across the archipelago followed by another ferry.

For a complex island-hopping itinerary, arrange the route according to ferry geography rather than attraction popularity. A logical sequence is usually more important than the shortest straight-line distance on a map.