Plan at a glance
A one-way path down to an old village
Houtouwan Village is on Shengshan Island. The entrance is at a visitor centre on higher ground, while the exit is near the lower village and coast. After the first ticket check, it takes about 20–30 minutes downhill to reach the main old-house area; the visit starts on a slope rather than as a flat walk from the pier.
The reference high-season ticket is CNY 60. Common high-season hours are about 08:00–17:30, with ticket sales stopping around 17:00; low-season tickets and on-site management may differ. When advance booking is not required, tickets can be bought on site, but follow the day's entrance and safety instructions.
A short route takes 40–60 minutes. A full route takes about 2–2.5 hours. The short version requires a return uphill or a shorter descent; the full version can continue along a side path to the lower exit, but both the slopes, insects and return vehicle need planning.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Old houses covered by vegetation
Houtouwan was once a fishing village. After the village moved, many stone houses and lanes remained, with vines covering parts of the walls and roofs. The hilltop viewpoint shows the layout of the village; the main path then descends for closer views of the houses and coast.
It suits visitors interested in old villages, buildings and the changing relationship between vegetation and settlement, as well as photographers. This is not a flat viewing park, and the old buildings and slopes slow the visit.
Viewpoint and the Xiaoye sculpture
Use the hilltop viewpoint to understand the village layout before descending. In the central area, you can view the Xiaoye sculpture and old houses from open paths. Keep the passage clear and do not stop for a long time on narrow steps.
Afternoon light can be softer, but finish the descent and departure before evening. Vegetation, fog and sea wind change the scene; safety and the return plan come first.
Who is it for?
Houtouwan suits visitors comfortable with steps, slopes, insects and an old-building environment. Visitors with limited mobility, knee problems, serious fear of heights or little interest in wet paths may stop at the entrance viewpoint or choose a flatter coast stop on the island.
Build your day
40–60-minute short route
After entering at the hilltop, follow the main path downhill to the viewpoint and then toward the Xiaoye sculpture. Decide early whether to return along the same route or continue lower; do not reach the centre of the village before considering the time needed to go back.
Returning the same way means climbing uphill again and can use more energy than the descent. Wear grippy shoes, bring water and include the entrance closing and last-ticket time in the plan.
2–2.5-hour full route
Descend from the hilltop entrance to the central village area. Follow the open side path through the old lanes toward the lower exit, then leave near the coast. The full route does not require a complete return, but confirm the vehicle and meeting point at the exit first.
Some old buildings are unstable. Even on the full route, stay on open paths. Do not enter buildings, cross barriers or walk into closed lanes to find a closer photograph.
Get there
Reach Shengshan first
From Shanghai, travellers usually take a boat via Shenjiawan to Gouqi's Ganxie area, then use island transport to Shengshan. From Zhoushan's main island, boats can leave from Zhujiajian Wugongshi Pier. Weather affects the boats, and peak-season tickets need early planning.
Gouqi and Shengshan are connected by the Sanjiaojiang Bridge. The Gouqi Dawang–Shengshan bus commonly runs around 06:00–17:00, while taxis can also reach the area near Houtouwan. Bus frequency and taxi supply change, so do not depend on the last service as your only return option.
Entrance and exit
The entrance is at a high visitor centre and the exit is on the lower village side. Before entering, confirm the ticket, one-way route and meeting point after leaving. Keep luggage, rain gear and water light enough for the slope.
Know before you go
Steps, insects and clothing
The attraction is mainly stone steps and slopes and can be slippery after rain. Wear grippy shoes and carry insect repellent, long sleeves, sun protection and drinking water. Older adults and children should not force a full descent when their energy is low.
The coast is windy, so a light jacket helps. Afternoon visitors should also confirm the remaining daylight and the return vehicle; complete the final uphill section before it gets dark.
Old-building safety
Some abandoned walls, roofs and stairs may be unstable. Observe them only from open paths. Do not enter unsafe buildings, climb roofs or approach loose walls, and do not ask companions to stand at a building edge for a photograph.
Tickets, weather and return
Low- and high-season tickets, opening hours and on-site staffing may differ. Confirm last ticket sales and the exit plan before entering. Strong wind or fog can affect Shengshan boats, so fix the return boat before deciding to walk all the way to the lower exit.
Houtouwan and Dongya Cliff have separate tickets, and the village has no dependable food or supplies. Get water and food at your accommodation or in town before a long visit, then return according to the vehicle plan.