There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Zhoushan into a quick city adventure. From HSN, the Airport Shuttle Bus can get you into town in around 70 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of HSN:
- Can you legally enter China? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by Airport Shuttle Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CNY. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CNY in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Zhoushan Airport to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle Bus | ~70 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~90 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Airport Shuttle Bus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Zhoushan layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$9 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$24 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What to See and Do in Zhoushan
Two recommendations for your time in Zhoushan:
Start with Nansha Beach. Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight. Then, if time allows, make your way to Daqing Mountain National Park. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at HSN, check out HSN First Class Lounge or Airport Retail & Souvenir Shops to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Wangjia Seafood Restaurant and Shuixian Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Zhoushan.
- At the airport: Airport Noodle House and HSN Cafe & Snacks will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Leave Your Bags
You can store your luggage at Likely unavailable, inquire at information desk if needed.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Zhoushan as well.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at HSN, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Zhoushan itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for China that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at HSN
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at HSN.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Zhoushan is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Zhoushan.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.