Taohua IslandAbout Taohua Island
Taohua Island (Peach Blossom Island) is an island in the Zhoushan archipelago, Zhejiang province, on the East China Sea coast of eastern China. It is known locally for its coastal scenery, rocky shoreline and the cultural branding that links it to the wuxia literature of Jin Yong, who used a fictional Taohua Island in his novel.
The island combines small-scale coastal settlement, tourist paths and viewpoints; it is one of several named islands in the Zhoushan group visited for day trips and local coastal scenery. Administratively it forms part of Zhejiang province’s maritime archipelago.
- Literary association: Also called “Peach Blossom Island”, the name and scenery are widely associated with Jin Yong’s martial arts novels and the island is promoted for those literary connections.
Best Time to Visit Taohua Island
Taohua Island is best visited late spring through early autumn for reliable ferry service, calm seas and warm weather.
Weather & Climate near Taohua Island
Taohua Island'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 2°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1301 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 53 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.4h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 76 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| March | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 108 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 121 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.8h |
| May | Good | 15° - 22° | 18° | 139 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.5h |
| June | Good | 20° - 25° | 22° | 171 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.9h |
| July | Excellent | 23° - 29° | 26° | 106 mm | partly cloudy | 91% | 5.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Very Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 149 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Very Good | 20° - 26° | 23° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.2h |
| October | Good | 16° - 22° | 19° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| November | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 5.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Good | 5° - 11° | 5° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.2h |
How to Get to Taohua Island
Taohua Island is accessed by ferry from Zhoushan’s ferry terminals and from some Ningbo ports; schedules vary by season. Visitors should check the local ferry timetables (Dinghai, Putuo and Zhoushan ports are common departure points) and plan for variable sea conditions. Private boat charters are an option for flexible arrivals and departures.
Tips for Visiting Taohua Island
- Take the earliest ferry to avoid afternoon winds and pack a light sweater - sea breezes can be chilly even in summer.
- Ask at the ferry pier which landing is quietest; some piers put visitors closer to hiking paths and beaches.
- Bring cash for small food stalls on the island; many vendors don't accept cards.