Ningbo Travel Guide
Ningbo is not typically classified as a tourist city; rather, it is a place rich in cultural heritage and history. One can begin by visiting Tianyi Pavilion, the oldest private library in Asia, to soak in the deep cultural roots of the city. Afterwards, try some fresh seafood at a local eatery. In the evening, head to the Old Bund to enjoy the night view and a breeze along the river. This area, one of the earliest treaty ports in China, offers a glimpse into the city’s historical past.
In May, the bayberry orchards of Cixi are in full bloom, renowned for producing some of the best bayberries in the world. Visitors can climb Mount Mei to pick bayberries and enjoy bayberry wine. During the summer, Ningbo offers various options for a seaside vacation, such as the Songlanshan Beach, or a cool retreat in the Siming Mountains. Autumn is the best time to visit the Shipu Fishing Harbor for a seafood feast, coinciding with the China Fishing Festival held in mid-September.
In winter, the region offers serene hot springs, nestled in lush, green mountains. The Siming Mountains transform into a silver wonderland, with their icy peaks offering a rare spectacle of rime ice, a meteorological phenomenon seldom seen in southern China. This season also provides an opportunity to relax in the hot springs of the Xikou region, surrounded by year-round green mountains and clear, flowing streams.
Most Popular Ningbo Attractions
Other Attractions in Ningbo
Dongqian Lake in Ningbo is so beautiful today!!! It looks like Dali and West Lake! Everyone must check the weather before coming; on a sunny day, it’s as beautiful as a painting.
We walked about 10 kilometers in Siming Mountain, and it was mostly muddy along the way. Everyone ended up getting dirty, and people frequently fell; there was hardly any mood to enjoy the scenery as we were all too busy watching our steps to avoid slipping. The mountain was crowded with many tour groups over the weekend, and there was traffic on the road—so frustrating! The main issue was that the leaves in the mountains had hardly started to change… Read more »
During the holiday, Ningbo was surprisingly deserted. There were almost no people or cars on the streets. As one of the first coastal open cities in China, why aren’t people coming to visit?
My husband and I went on a trip to the museum and Gulou Street. We were quite disappointed as it turned out to be just a commercial street with not many people around. The only time it was crowded was in the evening at the Old Bund.
Today, it’s a scorching 41°C in Ningbo. As soon as I stepped out of the subway station to grab dinner, I started sweating immediately.
1. Try to choose Ningbo Station for high-speed trains, as it is closer to the city center.
2. Staying near Tianyi Subway Station will be more convenient.
3. Most of the attractions in Ningbo are free, but some require reservations, so remember to book in advance.
4. Ningbo Museum and Ningbo Art Museum are closed on Mondays, so don’t miss out on them.
Itinerary Reference: DAY 1: Nantang Old Street ➡️ Moon Lake Park ➡️ Tianyi Pavilion ➡️ Drum Tower ( Chenghuang Temple Tianyi Square Lao Waitan) DAY 2: Ningbo Museum ➡️ Southern Business · Water Street ➡️ Academician Park ➡️ Tiangong Manor ➡️ Dongqian Lake Town Attractions Introduction: Nantang Old Street: Ancient street + local snacks. Moon Lake Park: Scenery + leisurely walk, understanding the historical and cultural heritage of Ningbo. Tianyi Pavilion: Museum. A treasure house of books. Drum Tower: Historical… Read more »
Here is a travel itinerary for a day trip to Xiangshan: 1️⃣ 8:00-9:30 Arrive at Songlan Mountain Resort, where you can enjoy activities like sand play, motorboats, and sea bicycles, suitable for all ages. The coastal biking road is lined with beautiful yellow chrysanthemums, with beaches, rocks, and various picturesque spots for photos along the way. 2️⃣ 11:00-12:00 Have lunch at a restaurant near Songlan Mountain in Juexi Town. The seafood here is fresh and reasonably priced! 3️⃣ 12:30-13:30 Head… Read more »
Transportation: We took the high-speed train to Ningbo Station and then took a ride-share to Xiangshan. Accommodation: I recommend staying near Shipu Ancient Town, it’s convenient for getting around and dining. Getting around: I suggest renting an electric scooter, it’s convenient and avoids traffic. If you don’t know how to ride one, taking a taxi is also okay. On day 1⃣, we visited Half Moon Bay and Shipu Ancient Town. The beach at Half Moon Bay is nice, even if… Read more »
Ningbo really doesn’t have any drawbacks! With its affordable seafood that can’t be finished and countless free attractions to visit, the city is so convenient for travel that after just two days of exploration, I felt like settling down there! Transportation: Take the high-speed train (from Hongqiao Station to Ningbo Station) for 116 yuan, and within the city use shared electric cars or ride-hailing services. Since the attractions are close to each other, I highly recommend using shared electric cars.… Read more »