Zhoushan Putuoshan International Airport

Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport occupies the southeastern tip of Zhujiajian Island, connected by a bridge to the main island of the Zhoushan archipelago. It serves a region known primarily for Buddhist pilgrimage, seafood, and island scenery. The terminal is compact and relatively new, but expansion work is underway to add boarding bridges and accommodate larger aircraft. The airport sees most foot traffic on Monday evenings and Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Getting There

The airport is a 10-minute drive from Donggang, the main urban area of Zhujiajian Island. Taxis are readily available from Donggang and cost around 20–30 CNY. Public buses also connect the airport to Donggang bus station, with services timed to coincide with flight arrivals. From the linked city of Zhoushan on the main island, the journey is about 45 minutes via the Zhoushan Cross-Sea Bridge, a series of bridges and causeways that link the archipelago’s major islands. Buses depart from Putuo Bus Station and stop at the airport. For those driving, the airport has a small parking lot with both short-term and long-term spaces. The road network is straightforward, but navigation apps are recommended for first-time visitors, as signage is mainly in Chinese.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is single-story and easy to navigate. On departure, check-in counters line the left side of the hall; arrivals processing is on the right. The airport is wheelchair-accessible, with designated parking, ramps, and accessible toilets. A changing table is available in the accessible restroom. Toilets throughout are clean and well-maintained, a consistent strength noted by passengers. The security checkpoint is strict. All baggage is thoroughly scanned, and passengers may be subject to pat-downs or bag searches. Liquids, batteries, and electronics are scrutinized carefully. Wait times can vary, but arriving at least 90 minutes before departure is wise. The terminal has limited seating and no shops beyond a small convenience kiosk. Vending machines dispense drinks and snacks. There is no restaurant or café inside the secure area. Boarding is via bus and stairs, as the airport did not have boarding bridges as of 2017; the expansion project is expected to add them. The check-in counter staff have a reputation for being brisk rather than warm; managing expectations for friendly service is advisable.

Zhoushan Airport and Zhoushan

The airport’s official name refers to Putuoshan, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains and a major pilgrimage destination. However, the airport itself is not on Putuoshan Island but on neighboring Zhujiajian. Pilgrims and tourists must take a 20-minute ferry from Zhujiajian’s pier to reach the Buddhist island. The Zhoushan archipelago consists of over 1,000 islands, of which only a few are inhabited. The region has a strong maritime culture, with fishing boats, seafood markets, and a naval base. Putuoshan draws visitors year-round for its temples, statues, and coastal scenery. The main attraction is the 33-meter-tall Guanyin statue at the southern tip of the island. Beyond Buddhism, Zhoushan offers beaches, rugged coastlines, and fresh seafood such as crab, shrimp, and fish. Zhujiajian itself has several beaches and the Nansha Scenic Area with water sports. The city of Zhoushan on the main island is a modern port city with museums and a lively night market. The airport expansion—adding boarding bridges and extending the runway to accommodate Boeing 737s and larger—reflects growing tourism and business travel. Despite its small size, the airport plays a vital role in connecting these islands to mainland China, with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, and other cities.

Practical Information

Hours: The airport is not open 24 hours. It opens several hours before the first flight and closes after the last arrival. Check flight schedules for specific opening times. Website: http://www.zsairport.com.cn/ Phone: +86 580 626 0716. Tips: Arrive early due to strict security and limited facilities inside the terminal. Bring snacks and water for the wait, as options are minimal. If you have a long layover, the nearest amenities are in Donggang, a short taxi ride away. For Buddhist pilgrims, plan the ferry connection to Putuoshan with enough buffer time. The airport is small, but cleanliness and accessibility are good. The most concrete advice: treat security as a serious process and pack accordingly—this is not a place to cut it close.