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July 16, 2014

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Islands off Zhejiang coast offer fishing, beach fun

SHENGSI, which comprises 404 islands in easternmost Zhejiang Province, is said to be the first place in China to greet the sunrise every day.

Shengsi is divided into four areas - Sijiao, Huaniao, Shengshan and Yangshan. It is one of the venues where the 2014 West Lake International Expo will be held in October.

Shengsi lies at the center of Zhoushan Archipelago, the nation’s largest fishing ground, and seafood caught there supplies markets all over China. Varieties include hairtail, yellow croaker, cuttlefish, sea eel, shrimp, crab and mussels.

One highlight of Shengsi seafood is mussels raised in Gouqi Island, which are considered the best quality in China, as the island is surrounded by the cleanest seawater and boasts a long history of cultivating mussels. Shengsi produced 315,000 tons of seafood last year, with a total value of 3.1 billion yuan.

Shengsi is situated smack in the middle of China’s long Pacific coastline, connecting the estuaries of the Yangtze and Qiantang rivers. Shengsi, within the Shanghai-Hangzhou economic zone, lures an increasing number of tourists each year. Last year more than 3 million vacationers came, attracted by the clean air, blue sea and tasty seafood.

One of the most noted scenic spots on the archipelago is the “No. 1 lighthouse of the Far East” on Huaniao Island. It was built in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when ports were successively opened to Western countries. The British occupied the ship route from Shanghai to the Pacific Ocean and in order to guide vessels they erected the lighthouse.

Thereafter, the lighthouse played a vital role in marine navigation. However, it was bombed twice during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945), but it remained safe and continues working to date.

This European-style lighthouse features concrete construction and a copper roof. In 2005, it was listed as a national protected historic relic.

In summer, many visitors coming to Shengsi like to swim, and Jihu Beach is usually their first destination. The beach is often compared to Beidaihe Beach in Hebei Province, both of them having soft sand, limpid sea and beautiful scenery.

For tourists who want to stay on the beach, the Fei Cheng Wu Rao Happy Hotel can’t be beaten, because it has special access to the beach, bypassing the crowds of other tourists. The hotel is composed of a group of cabins with five-star facilities and services. People get ocean views from the cabins and can walk just a few steps to reach the beach.

Besides high-end hotels, consumers who want to save money can lodge in local family-run guest houses. Fishermen designed their houses into cozy guest houses and serve local delicacies. Lan Yue Hai Guesthouse in Bianjiao Village is highly recommended.

The owner, Liu Haibo, spent 1.3 million yuan to decorate and ornament his villa. Every room is outfitted with a bathroom, clean bedding and TV. Liu said his guesthouse is packed with customers on weekends, so people should book beforehand.

As part of the area’s tourism development, a group of Shengsi locals are now taking tourists out for what they call “happy fishing.” The native fishermen take tourists to catch fish, crab and shrimp. All of the caught seafood belongs to tourists, who can take their catch to local restaurants to have the chefs cook them for a fee. Tian’ao Village Square is a rendezvous of seafood eateries; you can pick one and savor local fare.

In recent years, the Shengsi government has been trying to move from  lower-level tourism to a high-end, custom-tailored mode.

The Shengsi Tourism Investment Company is in charge of carrying out the custom-tailored mode on Huaniao Island. It turned 10 local houses into “five-star” guest houses, with each house able to accommodate 10 guests. A steward and a chef are allocated to each guesthouse to serve guests.

People can book rooms, meals and sightseeing spots on Huaniao Island online at www.sshnly.com. When they arrive at Shenjiawan Wharf, they will get a room card that includes their personal information and booking detail. Then a ferryboat will take them to Huaniao Island.

When people finish a trip and are prepared to leave Huaniao Island, they check out at the tourism service center on the island. All of the room, food and transportation charges are settled there.

The company also has carved out a space for camping. Professional tents and other outdoor apparatus will be provided.

 “We hope to integrate the tourism industry with e-commerce and online marketing,” said Lu Ying, deputy general manager of the Shengsi Tourism Investment Company.

From Shanghai: Out-Ring Elevated Road — Hulu Expressway — Donghai Bridge — Take ferry on Shenjiawan Wharf

From Hangzhou: Take Hangzhou-Shengsi long-distance bus on Jiubao Passenger Transportation Center




 

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