Zhejiang is a coastal province in eastern China, on the southern shore of the Yangtze River Delta and the East China Sea. It is one of China's smallest provinces by land area yet one of its wealthiest and most densely populated, anchored by the historic capital Hangzhou and its famous West Lake. Zhejiang is celebrated for its canal-laced water towns, sacred Buddhist mountain of Putuo Shan, tea plantations, and a coastline scattered with thousands of islands.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Zhejiang.
-
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Watersports rental (jet ski, banana boat, parasailing)
- Beach restaurants and seafood stalls
- Showers and changing rooms
- Free public sections
Dadeng Shala Beach (Zhujiajian Golden Beach)
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9am on summer weekends to find parking near the scenic area entrance
-
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Beachfront hotels and guesthouses
- Restaurants and seafood barbecue stalls
- Showers and toilets
- Sand-sculpture and beach-sport events in peak season
Nanshabeach (South Sand Beach), Zhujiajian
Editor’s tip. Book a beachfront hotel room in advance for July-August, as the strip sells out on weekends
-
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Beachfront restaurants and tea houses
- Showers and changing facilities
- Boardwalk promenade
- Free public sections
Baibu Shatan (100-Step Beach), Putuoshan
Editor’s tip. Wear flat shoes for the stone steps down to the beach, especially after rain when they can be slick
-
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Nearby temple and viewpoint access
- Showers and toilets
- Small beachside food stalls
- Quieter than Baibu Shatan
Qianbu Shatan (1000-Step Beach), Putuoshan
Editor’s tip. Allow extra time for the longer walk or shuttle ride from the pier compared to Baibu Shatan
-
- Basic seasonal beach huts and small guesthouses
- Snorkeling gear rental in peak season
- A handful of local seafood restaurants
- Limited shade and facilities
- No large sunbed operations
Nanji Islands Beaches
Editor’s tip. Check ferry schedules from Dongtou or Ao'jiang before travelling, since sailings can be cancelled in rough weather
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Family
Family-friendly
Zhujiajian's Dadeng Shala Beach has gentle, shallow water and full facilities, making it the most family-friendly option in the archipelago
Sport
Active & sporty
Zhujiajian's beaches host watersports rental and evening beach-bar activity in peak summer season
Scenic
Scenic
Putuoshan's Baibu Shatan (100-Step Beach) and Qianbu Shatan (1000-Step Beach) combine sand with Buddhist temple scenery and pine-backed cliffs
Remote
Remote
The Nanji Islands off Wenzhou offer quieter, less-developed coves reached only by a longer ferry crossing, appealing to travelers seeking fewer crowds
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Zhejiang memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
Late May through September is the swimming season; July-August is hottest and busiest, while typhoon activity can affect ferries and beach conditions in this window
Beach Type
Zhejiang's real ocean beaches are almost entirely on the Zhoushan archipelago and the more remote Nanji Islands off Wenzhou - fine-to-coarse sand beaches backed by rocky headlands, distinct from the freshwater lake shorelines found inland at places like Qiandao Lake
Getting There
All of these beaches require a ferry crossing - from Ningbo or Zhoushan's Shenjiamen port for Zhujiajian and Putuoshan, and a longer ferry from Wenzhou's Dongtou or Ao'jiang ports for the Nanji Islands
Water Quality
Generally good around Zhujiajian and Putuoshan; the Nanji Islands sit within a national marine nature reserve known for clearer water and richer marine life
Facilities Note
Zhujiajian's main beaches are commercially developed with rental huts and restaurants; Putuoshan's beaches are more low-key given the island's religious character; Nanji Islands facilities are basic and seasonal
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Zhejiang’s coast.
Is Dadeng Shala Beach free to visit?
Yes, there is a free public section at the northern end of the beach; sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports in the main area are paid separately.
From the Dadeng Shala Beach (Zhujiajian Golden Beach) editorial.
Is the water safe for children?
The shallow, gently sloping shoreline suits wading and paddling, though parents should still watch for jet ski traffic near the watersports zone.
From the Dadeng Shala Beach (Zhujiajian Golden Beach) editorial.
Is Nansha Beach quieter than Dadeng Shala?
Not necessarily; its beachfront hotel strip and events calendar can make peak-season weekends just as busy, though the eastern end of the bay stays calmer.
From the Nanshabeach (South Sand Beach), Zhujiajian editorial.
Can visitors stay overnight right on the beach?
Yes, a row of beachfront hotels and guesthouses sits directly on the sand, offering direct access without needing transport to the shore.
From the Nanshabeach (South Sand Beach), Zhujiajian editorial.
Why is it called 100-Step Beach?
The name refers to the roughly one hundred stone steps that descend from the coastal path to the sheltered cove below.
From the Baibu Shatan (100-Step Beach), Putuoshan editorial.
Is Baibu Shatan good for families with children?
Yes, the enclosed bay shape keeps the water calmer than Putuoshan's more exposed shoreline, making it comfortable for children to wade and paddle.
From the Baibu Shatan (100-Step Beach), Putuoshan editorial.
How does Qianbu Shatan differ from Baibu Shatan?
It is a longer, more open beach reached by more steps and less developed with restaurants, which keeps it quieter than the more central Baibu Shatan.
From the Qianbu Shatan (1000-Step Beach), Putuoshan editorial.
Is Qianbu Shatan suitable for a relaxed, less crowded visit?
Yes, its longer approach and open setting mean it draws fewer day-trip groups, making it a good choice for visitors seeking quiet over amenities.
From the Qianbu Shatan (1000-Step Beach), Putuoshan editorial.