Xiazhi Island

Xiazhi Island

Xiazhi Island is located in the southern part of the Zhoushan Archipelago, about 11.5 nautical miles north of the famous fishing port of Shenjiamen. To the northeast, it neighbors Peach Blossom Island across the international Xiazhi Channel, and to the southwest, it lies close to Liuheng Island and Yuanshan Island via the Xiaobeigang and Tiaozhoumen waterways. The southeastern waters are part of the Yang’an Fishing Grounds, while the northwest faces Qitouyang. It is about 15 nautical miles from Beilun’s Baifeng Wharf in Ningbo, and less than 3 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline at Guojv in Beilun. The island group consists of six inhabited islands—Xiazhi, Zoumatang, Shuangshan, Huni, Dongbailian, and Xibailian—and a total of 83 islets and reefs. The main island has roads connecting all its villages, and maritime routes to Shenjiamen, Liuheng, Peach Blossom, and Ningbo run as regularly as city buses.

Xiazhi is a traditional fishing area within the Zhoushan Archipelago, rich in fishing heritage, breathtaking yet rugged natural scenery, and simple yet distinctive local customs—all contributing to the unique charm of this land. Since people first settled here centuries ago, the long process of interacting with the sea has nurtured and shaped the bold, open-minded, honest, humble, hardworking, and daring spirit of the Xiazhi people. Out on the vast East China Sea, they brave towering waves as if crossing flat land, and take hardship as sweetness. Through hard work and perseverance, they have transformed this once wild land into a prosperous region. For hundreds of years, the fishermen of Xiazhi have “reaped the benefits of fishing and salt production, and utilized the convenience of seafaring,” creating a profound and extensive maritime culture through their productive labor on the sea. Xiazhi Island was first recorded in historical texts during the Yuan Dynasty in the “Map of Changzhou Prefecture.” The island features numerous historical sites and cultural landmarks, such as Xingquan Temple in Da’ao, Qingliang Nunnery in Huangshi, the honored plaque in Jiao’ao, and the “Righteousness Defends Against Bandits” plaque erected 120 years ago in honor of eight brave men who sacrificed their lives resisting pirates. Many island villages still preserve large areas of ancient residences in diverse architectural styles. Time-honored legends, touching folk songs, simple rural customs, rich fishing village traditions, and the unique history of Xiazhi’s fisheries all represent invaluable treasures for tourism development on the island.

Xiazhi Town features a long, narrow shape with winding coastlines, continuous hills, and bays scattered around. It boasts beaches with golden sands and gentle waves, fishing harbors filled with masts, uniquely shaped cliffs, and stunningly beautiful sea views, presenting a series of captivating natural island landscapes. Highlights also include the pebble beach at Bailongtan, the mysterious caves at Dashuitan, the vast greenery of Waituo Mountain, the azure bay at Heni’cao, the peculiar peaks and rocks at Lianshi’ao, the stone figure formations at Shiren’gen, the lion-shaped peak in Huangshi, and the camel hump hill in Changkeng—all of which form the scenic highlights of Xiazhi’s mountain and sea vistas, making it an area of extremely rich tourism resources.

The mountain and sea scenery of Xiazhi is especially characterized by its enchanting landscapes, beautiful mountains and clear waters, and endless blue seas. The abundant mountain and marine resources create a leisure island that is majestic, elegant, and uniquely picturesque. Xiazhi Island remains lush green all year round, offering an enticing sight. With bright sunshine, a mild and pleasant climate, delicate island contours, crystal-clear waters, beautiful bays, soft sandy beaches, gentle slopes, and calm waves, its pristine natural beauty and vibrant fishing village charm make it a rare destination for vacation, recuperation, and leisure for those living in cities.

The nearby waters of Xiazhi Island are rich in various seafood, including large and small yellow croakers, hairtail, cuttlefish, pomfret, as well as shrimp, lizardfish, prawns, kelp, razor clams, and more. Therefore, when visiting Xiazhi Island, be sure to try the authentic local seafood.

Xiazhi Island is also known for producing precious flowers, especially wild varieties such as narcissus, boxwood, and osmanthus azaleas...