Where to Stay in Zhoushan
China
|Pop. 883K
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Sven Pieren / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Dinghai District is the best neighbourhood to stay in Zhoushan. The bustling administrative and commercial heart of Zhoushan, offering a blend of city life and coastal access. Ideal for first-timers, foodies, culture. Budget travellers can get by on CNY 300/day.
Areas to Avoid in Zhoushan
Safety rated "safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinghai District | The bustling administrative and commercial heart of Zhoushan, offering a blend of city life and coastal access. | Mid-range | first-timers, foodies | Generally safe during the day, but be mi... |
| Putuo District (Putuoshan Island) | A sacred Buddhist island known for its temples, serene atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty. | Mid-range | culture, couples | Extremely safe due to its nature as a pi... |
| Shenjiamen District | A vibrant fishing port area with a lively atmosphere and fresh seafood. | Budget | foodies, budget | Safe during the day; exercise caution at... |
Dinghai District
Mid-rangeThe bustling administrative and commercial heart of Zhoushan, offering a blend of city life and coastal access.
Generally safe during the day, but be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded market...
Putuo District (Putuoshan Island)
Mid-rangeA sacred Buddhist island known for its temples, serene atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty.
Extremely safe due to its nature as a pilgrimage site; respectful behavior is pa...
Shenjiamen District
BudgetA vibrant fishing port area with a lively atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Safe during the day; exercise caution at night around the port due to uneven sur...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Zhoushan
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Dinghai District
The bustling administrative and commercial heart of Zhoushan, offering a blend of city life and coastal access.
Our top picks in Dinghai District
A well-established hotel offering comfortable rooms and good amenities.
Book NowModern hotel with excellent service and convenient location.
Book NowA reliable budget-friendly option for a clean and basic stay.
Book Now
Shenjiamen District
A vibrant fishing port area with a lively atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Our top picks in Shenjiamen District
Clean and basic rooms in a convenient location for exploring the port.
Book NowPutuo District (Putuoshan Island)
A sacred Buddhist island known for its temples, serene atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty.
Our top picks in Putuo District (Putuoshan Island)
Basic but clean accommodation, ideal for budget travelers seeking proximity to temples.
Book NowWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Things to Do in Zhoushan
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Zhoushan at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Zhoushan
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Venture to the smaller islands like Dongji or Taohua for a more secluded and authentic island experience, but be sure to check ferry schedules carefully as they can be infrequent.
Getting Around
Familiarize yourself with bus routes and schedules, especially if traveling outside of Dinghai. Download a translation app for bus signage.
Watch Out For
Overpriced seafood: Ensure prices are clearly displayed or agreed upon before ordering.
Solo Female Travel
Zhoushan is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply, especially in crowded areas or at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas.
Hidden Gems in Zhoushan
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Dongsha Ancient Town
FREEStep back in time in this remarkably preserved ancient fishing town, characterized by its stone-paved alleys and traditional wooden houses.
Xiangshan Film and Television City
Wander through incredibly detailed sets from famous Chinese historical dramas and films, feeling like you've stepped onto a movie set.
Zhoushan Museum
FREEExplore the maritime history and local culture of Zhoushan through fascinating exhibits, including ancient artifacts and displays on the fishing industry.
Xiaomei Street Market
FREEImmerse yourself in the vibrant local life at this bustling market, where you can find fresh seafood, local produce, and daily necessities.
Mount Putuo
While a famous Buddhist mountain, many visitors overlook the quieter trails and smaller temples away from the main pilgrimage routes for serene contemplation.
Shouye Seafood Restaurant
Savor authentic, freshly caught seafood prepared with local Zhoushan flavors at this popular spot favored by residents for its quality and taste.
Things to Do in Zhoushan
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Zhoushan tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in Zhoushan
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡77% cheaper than London
CNY 300/day
CNY 600/day
CNY 1500/day
Where to Stay in Zhoushan
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Zhoushan Museum15 min
- Zhoushan Port20 min
- Local Markets10 min
Pros
- +Central location with good transport links
- +Wide range of dining and shopping options
- +Access to historical and cultural sites
Cons
- -Can be crowded and noisy
- -Less scenic than coastal areas
Top stays in Dinghai District
Zhoushan International Hotel
$$$A well-established hotel offering comfortable rooms and good amenities.
Grand New Century Hotel Zhoushan
$$$Modern hotel with excellent service and convenient location.
Hanting Hotel Zhoushan Dinghai
$A reliable budget-friendly option for a clean and basic stay.
Home Inn Zhoushan Dinghai
$Offers consistent quality and value for budget-conscious travelers.
Best for
Walk to
- Putuo Temple5 min
- Fayu Temple10 min
- Coastal Paths15 min
Pros
- +Incredibly spiritual and peaceful environment
- +Beautiful natural scenery and coastline
- +Rich Buddhist culture and history
Cons
- -Limited dining and entertainment options outside of temples
- -Can be very crowded during religious holidays
- -Requires ferry access, adding travel time
Top stays in Putuo District (Putuoshan Island)
Putuoshan Hotel
$$$Offers convenience for temple visits with comfortable accommodations.
Xitianmu Garden Hotel
$$A pleasant option with garden views, close to key attractions.
Putuoshan Buddhist Hostel
$Basic but clean accommodation, ideal for budget travelers seeking proximity to temples.
Putuoshan Nanhai Guanyin Hotel
$$Good location for exploring the southern part of the island.
Best for
Walk to
- Shenjiamen Fishing Port5 min
- Seafood Markets10 min
- Coastal Promenade15 min
Pros
- +Unbeatable fresh seafood dining
- +Authentic local atmosphere
- +Affordable accommodation and food options
Cons
- -Can be noisy and smell of fish
- -Limited tourist attractions beyond the port
- -Less polished than other districts
Top stays in Shenjiamen District
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial zones on the outskirts of Dinghai: These areas lack tourist infrastructure and are primarily industrial, offering little of interest to visitors.
Insider tip: Venture to the smaller islands like Dongji or Taohua for a more secluded and authentic island experience, but be sure to check ferry schedules carefully as they can be infrequent.
Where to Stay in Zhoushan
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Dinghai District
The bustling administrative and commercial heart of Zhoushan, offering a blend of city life and coastal access.
Stay in Putuo District (Putuoshan Island)
A sacred Buddhist island known for its temples, serene atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty.
Stay in Shenjiamen District
A vibrant fishing port area with a lively atmosphere and fresh seafood.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Zhoushan
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List Your PropertySafety in Zhoushan
SafeSolo Female Travel
Zhoushan is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply, especially in crowded areas or at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas.
At Night
Most tourist areas are safe, but exercise caution in dimly lit alleyways or less populated port areas after dark. Stick to main streets.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced seafood: Ensure prices are clearly displayed or agreed upon before ordering.
- 2Fake guides: Be wary of unsolicited offers for tours, especially near tourist sites.
Compare hotel deals in Zhoushan
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Zhoushan
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in China
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for China and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Zhoushan
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (CDZ) to Dinghai: Taxi approx. 40-60 CNY, 40-50 minutes. Bus available but less frequent.
🎫
Day Pass
Not typically available for buses; single rides are inexpensive.
Single: 2-5 CNY for buses.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitDidi
📶
WiFi
Good25 Mbps
Public Transport
Buses are the primary public transport within Zhoushan. Ferries connect the islands.
Ride-share
Didi Chuxing is available; expect costs similar to taxis, around 30-50 CNY for short to medium trips.
Transport Tip
Familiarize yourself with bus routes and schedules, especially if traveling outside of Dinghai. Download a translation app for bus signage.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Hotels, some cafes and restaurants (often requires local phone number for login).
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are the most common option. Cafes typically offer free Wi-Fi with purchase.
Rent a Car in Zhoushan
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: May, Oct, Nov
Plan Your Perfect Zhoushan Trip
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Hotels & Accommodation in Zhoushan
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Who Is Zhoushan Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Offers a central base with access to essential amenities, transport, and initial cultural insights.
Foodies
This is the prime location for experiencing authentic, fresh, and affordable seafood.
Culture Seekers
Provides an immersive experience into Buddhist culture and history amidst a beautiful natural setting.
Budget Backpackers
Offers the most affordable accommodation and dining options.
Digital Nomads
Provides the best balance of connectivity, amenities, and a variety of cafes for working.
About Zhoushan
Zhoushan is an urbanized archipelago with the administrative status of a prefecture-level city in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang. It consists of an archipelago of islands at the southern mouth of Hangzhou Bay off the mainland city of Ningbo. The prefecture's city proper is Dinghai on Zhoushan Island, now administered as the prefecture's Dinghai District.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zhoushan
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