Overview
A relaxed four-day private island-hopping escape through the Shengsi archipelago, chasing 'blue tears,' a National-Geographic-famous abandoned village, lighthouses and fresh seafood.
About This Tour
Off the coast east of Shanghai, the Shengsi archipelago is one of eastern China's most photogenic island getaways, often called the 'East China Sea's blue-and-white fairytale.' This easygoing four-day private tour links three of its most beautiful islands. Huaniao Island, nicknamed China's Santorini, is famous for its 1870 lighthouse, romantic seaside paths and the surreal glow of bioluminescent 'blue tears' on summer nights. Gouqi Island offers laid-back beaches, sea-ranch sunsets and cliff-top cafes with endless ocean views. Shengshan Island hides the 'Green Village' of Houtouwan, an abandoned fishing settlement swallowed by vines that Britain's Daily Mail named one of the world's most beautiful deserted places. Throughout, you travel with an English-speaking guide and enjoy private island transfers, coastal homestays with sea views, and time to swim, fish, taste just-caught seafood and simply slow down. Ideal for couples, families and travelers who want a soft-adventure beach-and-culture mix near Shanghai. Best from late spring to early autumn; blue tears are most likely on warm, dark summer nights. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: May to October; blue tears appear on warm, moonless summer nights and are not guaranteed • Fitness level: easy; gentle island walks only • Ferries run to fixed schedules and may shift with sea conditions; the itinerary can be reordered accordingly • Island homestays typically allow check-in only after morning checkout; luggage can be stored at reception • Bring sunscreen, swimwear, light layers and motion-sickness tablets for the ferries
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival & Huaniao Island | Coastal Walk and Blue Tears
Your group meets and transfers to Shenjiawan ferry terminal (transfers from Shanghai available), then boards a direct boat to Huaniao Island, nicknamed China's Santorini. On arrival a shuttle takes you to a seaside homestay in Huaniao village, where the ocean sits just beyond your door. The afternoon is free for an island walk among the prettiest spots: the Love Library, Rainbow Stones, the 'Piano on the Sea,' Buddha's Hand rock and the famous winding coastal road, plus time at Nanwan Beach to swim, beachcomb and hunt for crabs. As the lighthouse lights up at dusk, the sky and sea turn fiery red. After a seafood dinner, head back to the shore after dark to try your luck with the bioluminescent 'blue tears' under a vast canopy of stars. Overnight: Huaniao village seaview homestay.
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Day 2: A Full Day on Huaniao | Fishing, Crafts & Lighthouse Sunset
Start early for sunrise over the sea, then live like an islander for the morning. Using the included gear (rod, bait and bucket for half a day), try shore fishing from the harbour, or join optional boat fishing or a sailing trip out onto the water (extra cost). In the afternoon, a hands-on thermal-shrink handicraft session lets you 'seal' a memory of Huaniao into a small artwork. Later, an included sunset shuttle carries you along the coastal lighthouse road to the 1870 Huaniao Lighthouse, the island's signature landmark. Nearby you can wander the untouched old village hidden in the harbour below, watch the sea-ranch glow gold at sundown and enjoy a seaside sunset music session. The evening is yours to soak up Huaniao's gentle island nightlife. Overnight: Huaniao village seaview homestay. Itinerary may adjust based on weather.
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Day 3: Crossing to Gouqi Island | Sea Ranch Sunset
After breakfast, take the morning ferry to Gouqi Island. A waiting driver transfers you to Dawang village for check-in, with the option to graze the seafood street, where the catch is even more abundant than on Huaniao. Spend a slow island afternoon: relax at a cliff-edge 'internet-famous' cafe with a front-row ocean view (one included drink per person), then choose between the swimmable Dawang Beach or the free, gentler Miaogan Beach for wading and paddling. As evening falls, head to the Shanhai Qiguan or Ganxie viewpoint to watch Gouqi's spectacular sea-ranch sunset, golden light pouring over the water as fishing boats drift back to harbour. Overnight: Gouqi seaview homestay near the beach. Itinerary may adjust based on weather.
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Day 4: Shengshan's Abandoned Village & Departure
After breakfast a private car takes you to explore Shengshan Island and the 'Green Village' of Houtouwan, a deserted seaside settlement that Britain's Daily Mail ranked among the world's most beautiful abandoned places, where stone houses lie cloaked in green vines like something from a dream. Walk the colorful Rainbow Dyke and lighthouse, both wonderfully photogenic, then pass the Shengshan fishing port and seafood market, where you can buy fresh ingredients and have a restaurant cook them for lunch. Today's tour includes four on-island shuttle legs to keep things smooth. Depending on your midday or afternoon ferry, a private car returns you to Ganxie pier for the boat back to Shenjiawan terminal, where the group disperses (self-drive or Shanghai bus). Itinerary may adjust based on ferry schedules.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private island transfers and on-island vehicles Inter-island ferry tickets 3 nights seaview homestay accommodation Shore-fishing gear (half-day use) and a thermal-shrink handicraft session 1 sunset shuttle to the Huaniao lighthouse 1 cafe drink per person on Gouqi Island
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Meals not specified (seafood meals, drinks) Optional boat fishing / sailing experiences Beach entrance fees where applicable Personal expenses Tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.9★★★★★Based on 157 reviews
Hugo F.🇸🇬 Singapore★★★★★2026-01
Looking back, I wasn't sure how much would fit into 4 days without feeling hurried. The balance worked better than I expected. The stop at Shengsi Island Hopping 4-Day : Huaniao, Gouqi & Shengshan had room to breathe instead of becoming another quick photo.
Andreas U.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2025-10
The unglamorous part: the private format mattered most between the main stops. No waiting for a coach to refill and no counting thirty people before moving on. The time around Shengsi Island Hopping 4-Day : Huaniao, Gouqi & Shengshan was not the part I would cut.
Laura X.🇳🇿 New Zealand★★★★★2024-07
One thing I learned: lunch landed later than I expected, so a small snack was useful. I was happier not cutting the time at Shengsi Island Hopping 4-Day : Huaniao, Gouqi & Shengshan.