The "Little Greece" of the East! Gouqi Island: Your Highlight Reel for May

Calling all besties in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! I've found a hidden gem of an island that's both off the beaten path and incredibly relaxing! ✨Gouqi Island—the "Blue Tears" of the Zhoushan Archipelago, boasts jelly-clear waters, sand so soft you'll want to roll around in it, and a real-life enchanted forest! I've put together this ultimate guide to help you explore this "Little Greece" of the East👇 ✨Macaron-colored fishing harbors right outside your window, just like a scene from a Miyazaki movie~ 🚢No need to squeeze onto Dongji Island with the crowds! Here, public transport takes you straight to the sights—perfect for lazy travelers! 🌿A double dose of magic with an enchanted forest and stunning coastline—every photo you take will look like it belongs in National Geographic! 🦐Seafood lovers rejoice! A 200-meter dash to the pier will grant you mantis shrimp freedom, and the night market stalls will have you eating till you can't walk! 🏨Gouqi Island Shengshan Seaside Hotel: The Ultimate Recommendation 🪟Wake up to panoramic views of the colorful fishing harbor! This hotel boasts Gouqi Island's only 180° sea-view lobby! 🚌Direct access to attractions: Public transport to Dongya Cliff and boats to the abandoned village—who needs to walk? 🛏Rooms so big you could do a square dance in them! Enjoy a complimentary fruit and sea-view breakfast—group travel with your besties for just 200+ per person! 🎮A 3-minute walk to the seafood market! Game room and KTV available, so you can have fun even on rainy or snowy days~ 👇Click here to book a sea-view balcony room before they're all gone! ------ 🚢How to get to the island? Departure: Shanghai/Hangzhou/Ningbo → Zhoushan Shenjiawan Wharf 🎫Tickets: Book tickets 3 days in advance on the "Shengsi Passenger Transport" app! Choose the high-speed ferry for a 1.5-hour direct trip (💰140/person) ⚠️Seasickness warning: Pack motion sickness medication and choose a window seat for a calming view of the sea~ 🌅Must-See Experiences: 1️⃣. Sunset at the Sea Ranch | Bask in the golden glow of the entire sea Best spots: Ganxie Village observation deck / Chartered fishing boat ✨Hidden gem: Try "afternoon tea at sea"! Sit on a fishing boat floating among mussel rafts, enjoy freshly shucked oysters while watching the sunset paint the sea the color of orange soda—get movie-worthy shots for just 100+ per person🎬📸 Tips: Silhouettes against the backlight create a magical atmosphere! Remember to bring a flowy white dress~ 2️⃣. The Abandoned Village | The new May leaves of the climbing vines are breathtaking! 🎫Tickets: Observation deck 20r / Village entry 50r (includes guided tour) 🌿The village is incredibly lush and green this time of year! Tender green vines climb over blue and white houses, moss sprouts on the stone steps—wearing a blue dress and posing in front of an abandoned window will make you feel like you're in a Miyazaki film~ ⚠️Note: The path into the village is a bit steep, so wear non-slip shoes! Please don't climb over the railings to enter private houses~ 3️⃣. Sunrise at Dongya Cliff | Chase the 4:50 am sunrise over the sea 🚗Transportation: From around Shanghai, take a chartered car to Shengshan Island from Gouqi Island for 30r/person. It's recommended to leave at 4 am. 🌅The sunrise time in May is perfect! Remember to bring a windbreaker (it's very windy at the top). Watch the first rays of sunlight pierce the waves as the wind turbines in the distance spin—it's a truly romantic experience~ 🦞Seafood Foodie Guide ✔️Must-try mussels: Steamed and dipped in soy sauce—unbelievably fresh ✔️Stir-fried swimming crab with rice cakes: The local aunties' cooking is amazing ✔️Seafood gnocchi: 30r for a bowl overflowing with ingredients Recommended restaurants in Dawang Village: [Yu Dangjia] [Zhuhai Changxian] 📌Tips: 🔸Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The seaside sun will have you peeling in minutes 🔸There are many steps in the abandoned village, so wear sneakers, not slippers 🔸Bring cash! Cash only for seafood purchases on fishing boats Gouqi Island in May is so uncrowded it feels like you have the whole island to yourself Save this guide and go before it becomes too popular!