Baibu Shatan (100-Step Beach), Putuoshan

Baibu Shatan, or 100-Step Beach, is a compact cove on Putuoshan Island in the Zhoushan Archipelago, one of Buddhism's four sacred mountains and a major pilgrimage and leisure destination in Zhejiang. Its sand is fine and pale, curving between rocky headlands into a sheltered, crescent-shaped bay that takes its name from the roughly one hundred stone steps leading down from the coastal path above. The enclosed shape gives the water a calmer, more protected character than the open beaches on Zhujiajian, with modest surf even in windier weather. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented by day, with pilgrims and day-trippers from the nearby temples mixing with sunbathers, and a quieter, more contemplative mood in the early morning and at sunset. A wooden boardwalk promenade runs along part of the shoreline, backed by beachfront restaurants and tea houses where visitors can rest after climbing the steps. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent in the main section, and showers and changing facilities serve bathers, while a free public stretch remains open at one end for visitors who skip the paid loungers. The beach lies about 1.5 kilometres from Putuoshan's main ferry pier, reached on foot or by the island's local shuttle bus after arriving by ferry from Ningbo's Beilun terminal or from Shenjiamen on Zhoushan Island. Because Putuoshan restricts private vehicles, all access is on foot, by shuttle, or by the small electric carts used on the island, which keeps the beach and its approach relatively unhurried compared to mainland resort strips.