Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Empty
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) is a wide sandy tidal beach in Putuo District, known for choppy water and small waves that can work for kitesurfing. The launch is described as easy and highly space-friendly at low tide (up to around 300m wide), with quick access on foot from the road. For wind sports, the best wind directions are consistently described as NE, E, and SE. Sources also note that westerly winds are difficult due to island sheltering, and that very strong wind can be uncommon (“seldom real strong wind”). Typical kite sizes mentioned for kiting conditions run from about 9m to 14m depending on season, with gusts described as light and conditions generally usable for intermediate riders. Surfing is reported as sometimes breaking, with swell starting to work around 2.5m–3m and holding up as size increases. One set of surf notes describes a 0.5m–1.5m working swell window and “good” wave quality, with peeling waves and both left and right directions. Surf ride lengths are typically reported as short to medium, often in the range of about 50–150 meters on good days, and very large storm swells may close out. Safety and on-the-ground management require attention: hazards mentioned include rocks (especially near headlands), pollution, swimmers/buoys, and rip currents. There is also a specific warning that the beach can be occupied by the army; you should be polite and follow directions, and avoid riding if artillery/military activity is present. During peak summer periods, swimming areas may be restricted and rules are expected to be respected.
- Wide sandy tidal beach with easy launching at low tide
- Kitesurf wind favors NE/E/SE directions
- Surf can be rideable when it breaks; good wave quality
- Cloudy/turbid water and seasonal pollution considerations
- Very wide sandy launch area at low tide with easy setup and safe space to launch/land
- Wind most often comes from NE, E, and SE; options for multiple water-sport styles
- Surf can be consistent enough to ride when it breaks, with good wave quality
- Short walk from the road/entrance for quick access
- Water is cloudy/turbid
- Wind can be unreliable for very strong conditions
- Some periods have pollution risk after heavy rain
- Sometimes exposed to military presence with restricted behavior
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Wind described as sea-breeze/monsoon-mix with best directions primarily NE, E, and SE; also noted occasional sea-breeze afternoons when the gradient weakens.
- Reliability
- seldom real strong wind
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe both small and medium; for surfing, a working window of about 0.5m–1.5m is also stated.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Kitesurfing conditions described as choppy; NE winds can create heavy chop.
- Launch
- Big — Huge beach with low-tide width about 300m; plenty of space to safely launch and land. Can become narrower at high tide.
Through the year
Empty to low during winter; very crowded with tourists during summer weekends.
Typhoon season from July to September; plum rain season in June/July.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Choppy water with small waves; best wind from NE, E, and SE. Described as having a safe, sandy launch environment with plenty of space at low tide.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Sometimes breaks; swell typically starts working around 2.5m–3m and can hold up to 1m+; wave quality is described as good and holds up as size increases.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SSE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Also described as working best around mid to high tide (rising tide).
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- NE winds create heavy chop; wind effect is cleanest with light NW or W winds (when available).
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large storm swells, but usually manages moderate swell well.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Often short rides; sources describe both short (<50m) and typical good-day rides around 50–150m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Sources indicate typical ride lengths roughly 50 to 150 meters on good days; one source notes normal length short (<50m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) in the full forecast view.
Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–31 ktsGusts 47 kts
- Direction
- N358°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2431 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.3 m6s period
- Temperature
- 19–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–31 kts, peaking around 31 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 47 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.1–1.3 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- swimmers
- buoys
- rocks
- pollution
- rip currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospitals are located in Zhoushan city center.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming areas during the peak summer tourist season. When the beach is occupied by the army, be polite; they may allow you to still surf.
- Entry fee for the beach park during peak season (seasonal).
- Restricted areas during high-tourism events.
- Beach is sometimes occupied by the army—be polite and you may be allowed to keep riding.
- Beware of artillery if the military is present.
- Check water quality after heavy rain as runoff can increase pollution.
- Expect cloudy/turbid water; visibility can be reduced.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Zhoushan
- Nearest Town
- Shenjiamen
- Nearest Airport
- Ningbo
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at the Dongsha Beach Scenic Area entrance.
- Public Transport
- Connected via Zhoushan Trans-Oceanic Bridges; travel routes from Shanghai/Ningbo are described as feasible by road.
- Access
- From Shanghai take the motorway to Ningbo, continue until it ends, then follow signs for Zhoushan Island to the ferry. After the ferry, follow Putuo signs, cross the straits bridge, turn right and follow the road until it becomes small; turn left before the road narrows, then follow until a T-junction and turn right; continue straight as long as possible until beaches appear on the left.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Mandarin Chinese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Nearby stays in the Putuo district are described, including a sea-view hotel and guesthouses.
- Food & Drink
- Local seafood restaurants and beach cafés are available near the entrance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Basic surfboard rentals are often available during summer; regional notes indicate specialized kitesurf gear rental can be more limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Putuo District combines Buddhist pilgrimage culture with beach tourism and island scenery, with easy transport for day trips from the mainland.
Scenic coastal area known for large sandy beaches and dramatic rock formations.
Extensive trails with views across the East China Sea over rugged island terrain.
A waterfront area known for a large selection of fresh local seafood.
Annual event featuring massive, intricate sand sculptures on the beach.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island)?
The best overall months at Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island)?
Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) works with N, NNE, NE, E, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) suitable for?
Dong Sha (Zhoushan Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.