The Zhoushan cobra is medium to large, with an adult body length of 1.5 to 2 meters. The back is black or dark brown, with spectacled markings (double circles or various decorations) on the nape of the neck, and white fine rings throughout the body, especially in young individuals, and indistinct in older individuals.

When the Zhoushan Cobra is disturbed, it often erects its front body, with a flat and enlarged neck, in an attacking stance , while the double-circle glasses-shaped markings are exposed on the nape of the neck.