Shengsi IslandsThe Shengsi Islands are part of the Zhoushan Archipelago and lie off the mouth of the Yangtze in Zhejiang province; the group comprises 394 islands of which only about 18 are inhabited. The largest island is Sijiao Island, and the islands are administered as Shengsi County under Zhoushan City.
The islands have a subtropical maritime climate and support a busy seasonal fishery that brings large numbers of fishermen in winter. Many of the smaller islets are rocky or covered with scrub; inhabited islands have small fishing villages, working harbors and simple visitor facilities.
Visiting is typically about island-hopping by ferry or charter boat, sampling seafood and exploring coastal walking routes and village lanes; services can be limited on quieter islands, so plan logistics and accommodation in advance.
- Sijiao Island: The archipelago’s largest island, offering the widest range of services, beaches and boat connections to other islets.
- Fishing villages: Small harbors and village streets give a direct look at traditional fishing life and local seafood culture.
- Island-hopping boat trips: Short ferries and private charters link islands and provide coastal views, rocky headlands and beach stops.
- Gouqi and nearby islets: Gouqi is one of the better-known inhabited islands used as a base for exploring the cluster.
- Photogenic abandoned spots: Some ruins and overgrown coastal villages attract photographers, especially at low tide and in soft light.
Best Time to Visit Shengsi Islands#
The islands have a mild subtropical climate; summers are hot and wet while spring and autumn offer more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Shengsi Islands#
Shengsi Islands's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (985 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 8° | 2° | 43 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| February | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 62 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| March | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 86 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 103 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.8h |
| May | Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 106 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.6h |
| June | Good | 20° - 25° | 23° | 134 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.9h |
| July | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 92% | 5.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.8h |
| August | Excellent | 24° - 30° | 27° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 4.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| September | Very Good | 21° - 26° | 24° | 128 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 17° - 22° | 19° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.3h |
| November | Good | 12° - 17° | 14° | 55 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 37 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.1h |
How to Get to Shengsi Islands#
The islands are administered from Zhoushan; the nearest major cities serving the area are Zhoushan and Shanghai. Major airports used for access are Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Ningbo Lishe International Airport, and major railway hubs for onward travel include Shanghai Hongqiao and Ningbo railway stations.
The final stretch is by ferry or fast passenger boat from mainland ports on Zhoushan or from services that run from Shanghai and nearby coastal towns; on-island movement uses inter-island ferries, small passenger boats or local taxis, and schedules vary so check local timetables before travel.
Tips for Visiting Shengsi Islands#
- Check ferry schedules and book ahead in high season, as connections and departure times change.
- Bring seasickness remedies if you are prone to motion sickness for open-water crossings.
- Carry some cash and expect limited ATM coverage on smaller islands.
- Be prepared for limited services on quieter islands and plan accommodation and supplies in advance.
- Summer brings higher rainfall and the possibility of stormy weather, so bring rain protection and flexible plans.