Gouqi Island

The Shengsi Islands (嵊泗列岛) are an archipelago in the East China Sea, in Zhejiang province, China. They lie east of mainland China, within reach of Shanghai and Hangzhou. Gouqi Island (枸杞岛) is one of the islands known for its fishing communities, seafood, wolfberry cultivation and abandoned fishing villages.

Gouqi Island (枸杞岛) is an island in the East China Sea, part of the Shengsi Islands in Zhejiang province. Its Chinese name refers to the wolfberry plant, also known as goji. Fishing and aquaculture are important parts of the local economy, while tourism attracts visitors interested in coastal scenery, seafood and traditional fishing villages. Da Wang Beach is one of the island's known seaside attractions. Visitors can also explore villages that have been partly abandoned as residents have moved elsewhere.

The names of places on the island may appear in different English spellings, including Gouqi and Gouqi Dao. When arranging transport or accommodation, use the Chinese name 枸杞岛 as well as the English name to avoid confusion.

Gouqi Island has a coastal climate influenced by the East China Sea. Weather can be humid, windy and changeable, particularly during periods of unsettled weather. Summers can be hot, while conditions at the coast may feel cooler when strong winds blow. Check the forecast before travelling and bring suitable clothing for outdoor activities.

Gouqi Island is reached by passenger ferry. Routes and departure points may vary depending on the service and season. Before travelling, check the current ferry timetable, departure terminal, ticket availability and fare through the relevant ferry operator or official booking service. If travelling from Shanghai, confirm the complete route to the departure port before setting out, as the port may be some distance from the city centre.

Take a ferry (slow or fast ferries available) from the pier to the south-east of Shanghai, which is called Xiaoyang. Xiaoyang pier is reachable by bus, car, taxi etc across the expansive "East Sea Bridge". You can take the Shanghai Metro to a main stop just north-east of the bridge, in Luchaogang. From here, there are buses (or taxis) going down the bridge to the pier at Xiaoyang. Buses should cost about ¥20–30. A taxi to the pier from Shanghai will probably cost you about ¥400.

Ferries:

Slow ferry will cost around ¥80 (~4 hours)

Fast ferry costs ¥104 (~2.5 hours)

Fares and journey times depend on the route and type of ferry. Check the latest information before departure, and confirm whether the ticket includes any transfer between boats.

During weekends and public holidays, allow extra time for ticket collection and boarding. Keep your identification and booking details ready, and check the return ferry arrangements before beginning your visit. Bad weather may disrupt sea transport, so avoid planning a tight connection immediately after your return.

Taxis: Taxis may be the most practical option for reaching different parts of the island. Ask about the fare before starting the journey, especially when travelling to more distant villages or viewpoints.

Bicycles: Cycling may be possible, but some roads are steep, narrow and winding. Traffic conditions can make cycling challenging. Ride cautiously, wear a helmet and avoid unfamiliar mountain roads if you are not confident cycling on them.

• Gouqi Church (枸杞岛教堂), Gouqi Island. A small church that has become a popular photography spot. Free. (updated Oct 2026)

• Sunrise viewpoint (东部日出观景点), Northeastern coast of Gouqi Island (Walk or take a taxi to the northeastern coast before sunrise.). One of the most popular places on the island for watching the sunrise over the East China Sea. Free. (updated Oct 2026)

• Dawang Beach (大王沙滩), Eastern coast of Gouqi Island (Taxi from the main town.). The island's main beach, with seafood restaurants and small hotels nearby. (updated Oct 2026)

• Mountain and Sea Wonders (山海奇观), Gouqi Island (Reachable by taxi or on foot from nearby roads.). A famous rock viewpoint overlooking the sea, associated with Ming-era coastal defenses. Free. (updated Oct 2026)

Fishing: Some local fishing operators may offer trips for visitors. Ask about the duration, price, equipment and safety arrangements before booking. Follow the operator's instructions and check whether the trip depends on weather and sea conditions. Fishing opportunities may vary by season.

Abandoned Fishing Villages: Gouqi is also famous for its picturesque abandoned fishing villages. Left mostly untouched, nature now takes back the villages as the fishermen moved into the towns and into the cities of the mainland.

Gouqi Picking: In late summer you can wander around and find "wolfberries".

Seafood: Almost every restaurant will serve seafood—sometimes exclusively. The main food street is at DaWang Beach, running west/south west from it.

BBQ: There is also standard Chinese BBQ (串 chuàn) available just beside Dawang beach. Standard Chinese BBQ items are available (it's adequate).

Haijiao Yihao: A bar on the second floor of a cafe, just beside Dawang beach. Has a lovely terrace for sitting, drinking, and smoking. Good atmosphere, and good views of the main area of Dawang (see picture of Dawang beach, above. This bar is the open roof, beside the fake rocks, left and center of picture).

The drivers on Gouqi drive very fast and dangerously on the winding mountain roads. Take care.

There may have been drownings at Dawang Beach, as the guards there yell at you if you swim more than 5 meters away from shore, and the beach is fenced off and closed from 5pm onwards.

During typhoon season, ferry services may be delayed or cancelled, so check schedules before travelling.

• Shengsi Islands (嵊泗列岛)]
• Shanghai
• Zhoushan
• Hangzhou