Ningbo is one of eastern China's
most important port cities and a famous cultural and
historical site. It's also a popular destination for
tourists, both from China and overseas. The
surrounding area is known for its spectacular
scenery and mountains, forests, beaches, lakes, and
waterfalls are all within easy reach of the city.
Visit Xanxi Hot Springs or explore the
Xikou-Xuedoushan Scenic Area and the hometown of
Chiang Kai-shek.
Ningbo is the perfect relaxation spot too. The
city's name means 'tranquil waves' and there are
dozens of upscale spa resorts offering water-based
therapies and traditional care and beauty
treatments. Or, head to Moon Lake in the south of
the city and join friendly locals for Tai Chi or
yoga. Foodies will adore Ningbo. The region even has
its own style of cuisine - Yongbang dishes are fresh
and salty whereby meat and seafood are steamed,
stewed, or roasted. You can try some of the best at
Seafood Street or Shipu Seafood Corridor on Xinhua
Road.
What to do in Ningbo
Set in gorgeous gardens, China's most ancient
private library beckons to tourists from far and
wide. This 16th-century building houses tens of
thousands of rare books, and is a relic in itself.
Fascinating documents, manuscripts and steles are on
display, with many more available for viewing in the
reading room. Take some time to appreciate the
time-worn building, full of signs of the history
chronicled in its collection of books, and don't
forget to enjoy the landscape.
2. Tiantong Temple (天童禅寺)
On the slope of a mountain outside the city, this
expansive Buddhist site is one of the most important
in China. The temple complex goes on and on,
boasting hundreds of rooms. The Tiantong Forest is
the perfect setting for this peaceful place, and
wandering the woods brings you past small pavilions
and scenic outlooks to complete the experience. The
serenity that comes with the exploration of these
thousand-year old grounds stays with you even after
you've gone.
3. Ningbo Old Bund (老外滩)
Ningbo Old Bund in the downtown is even 20 years
older than the Bund in Shanghai. A series of
buildings of western styles were gradually set up
after the Opium War, so you can appreciate the
beautiful historic buildings with Chinese and
Western features and spend leisure time in the bars
and restaurants.
4. Ningbo Museum (宁波博物馆)
Ningbo Museum, officially opened to the public at
the end of 2008, was designed by the famous designer
Wang Shu, who is the first Chinese citizen to win
the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Therefore, besides
the rich collection of historical relics and local
culture, the building itself is also one of the
biggest highlights of the museum.
5. Dongqian Lake: "East Lake" (东钱湖)
Since ancient times, this lake has been a famous
scenic spot for locals, who know must share it with
the growing flow of tourists. The enormous,
fresh-water spectacle stretches out before you,
serene and perfect. Mountains emerge from the lake
shore in every direction, creating magnificent folds
in the supple landscape. Walk the area to discover
stone carvings and ancient monuments between the
gorgeous lookout points that abound.
Ningbo Transportation: How to Get to Ningbo
By Flight
Ningbo Lishe International Airport (宁波栎社国际机场) about
12 km from the downtown is the only airport in this
city, which has many daily flights between Beijing,
Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming,
Zhengzhou, Changsha, Chongqing, Shenzhen, etc. Also,
international flights from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan,
Singapore, Jeju Island, Osaka, etc. are available
for you to get to Ningbo.
Besides, you can first take a flight to Hangzhou
Xiaoshan International Airport (杭州萧山国际机场) in
Hangzhou city, about 130 km away, and transfer to
Ningbo by other vehicles.
By Train
You can take a bullet train from Beijing, Shanghai,
Xian, Hangzhou, Guiyang, Chongqing, Nanjing,
Zhengzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Nanchang, Tianjin,
Shenzhen, Wenzhou, Wuhan, etc. to get to Ningbo.
Besides, fast trains from Chengdu, Guangzhou and
other cities to Ningbo are also available.
Ningbo Railway Station (宁波站) usually for bullet
train is located at the downtown area and you can
transfer to your hotel or attractions by car, taxi
or the Subway Line 2.