Ningbo [宁波] is one of the oldest China's oldest cities located in Zhejiang province, which is very near to big cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai. Ningbo was known as a trade city on the silk road and then as a major port for foreign trades. With more than 6 million people, Ningbo is a place with full of history, entertainment, culture, education and tradition. Explore the many temples, street houses, and the beautiful skyscrapers Ningbo has to offer. I got to travel around Ningbo in August, a pretty hot month, with temperatures going up to 40 degree celsius. It was crazy hot so please bring your umbrella along if you decide to visit in the summer (unless you want to become a salty fish). I've been to some interesting places around Ningbo, and would love to share with you the 8 places worth visiting. Pls read below :) .

As China has blocked some apps such as Google, Google Maps, Facebook and they rarely use Whatsapp, here are some of the apps you should download before you go to China: Baidu maps, VPN, WeChat.

Transportation

• Ningbo Lishe Airport
• Ningbo Railway Station
• Coaches
• Ferries
• Public buses (the most efficient!)
• Metro
• Taxi
• Cycling/e-bike (e-bikes can be found everywhere)
• DiDi (similar to Uber)

THE TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT IN NINGBO

1. Dongqian Lake [东钱湖 Dong Qian Hu]

Just 15km away from Ningbo town, this is a place where nature-lovers would love to visit. Dongqian Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang province. Picturesque mountains and clear waters, it is a great recreational tourist spot. Rent an e-bike and cycle till the end of the where you would see a temple. It is a big recreational spot, it may take 4 hours to explore each nook and corner of this place. 

Transport ➤ You may take Bus Route 906, 902, 903, 905, 106, 620 to reach Dongqianhu Town. Or you may take Bus Route 901 to get to Taogong Island or Little Putuo Scenic Area first. 

Opening hours ➤ Everyday, 8a.m. to 5p.m.

2. Nantang Old Street (南塘老街 Nan Tang Lao Jie)

A very traditional Chinese-style street, with artistic 1900's looking exterior buildings. You can find some Chinese snacks, local Chinese restaurants, folk customs, cute souvenir shops and unique cafes along the street. I recommend you to try some meat skewers, glutinous rice balls (tang yuan) and twisted fried dough sticks.

Address ➤ Chuanbu Alley, Haishu Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315000

3. Chenghuang Temple ( 城隍庙 Cheng Huang Miao)

The temple and pagoda is nice, the building next to it is even nicer if you love shopping! If you want to buy some cheap bags, clothing, shoes and souvenirs, this is the place where you should start your budget-friendly shopping spree! Tips: remember to haggle with the shopkeeper for a lower price!

Address ➤ No.22 Xianxue Street, Haishu District, Ningbo 315010, China

4. Tianyi Square (天一广场 Tian Yi Guang Chang)

Tianyi Square is the biggest shopping area in Ningbo City. The Square is divided into 10 sections, including supermarket area, retail area, electronics area, souvenir area, clothing area, hotel area, entertainment area, restaurant area, children’s area and a mixed area. There are roughly about 300 shops in the Square. There is also a musical fountain in the middle of the square. People would take a scroll around the square or just sit and people-watch. The main sights of Tianyi Square are Music Fountain , Jiangbei Catholic Church, INtime Mall, Yuehu Park, Ningbo Drum Tower Complex. Tianyi Suqare can be easily accessible by bus and metro (Zhongshan East Road station).  

Address ➤ Zhongshan Road, Haishu District, Ningbo

5. Ningbo Museum (宁波博物馆 Ning Bo Buo Wu Guan)

The Ningbo Museum opened its doors to the public in 2008. The museum focuses on the history of Ningbo and traditional customs. The award winning architecture of the building has caught the eyes the citizens and tourist. The walls of the museum are made of tiles and bamboos. Definitely an insta-worthy place! If you love history and architecture, this is the place you have to visit while you're in Ningbo!

Address ➤ No.1000 Shounam Middle Road, Ningbo, China

Opening hours ➤ 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Close on Monday.

Entrance fee ➤ Free

6. Ningbo Wulong Pond (宁波五龙潭 Ning Bo Wu Long Tan)

For the nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, you will definitely fall in love with this place. I'm saying crystal clear waters, beautiful waterfalls, climbing a thousand of steps and being surrounded by beautiful mountains and fresh air. As the name called, 'wulong' means five dragons. There's history behind the name, and you'll get to learn it as you reach each pond. The trail will lead you to all the 5 ponds. The scenery is just so breathtaking and you can never stop taking pictures of this place. There are 5 waterfalls, a dragon pillar monument, an ancient alter and barbeque spots. However, no swimming is allowed in the ponds. I recommend you to start your adventure early in the morning as this place would take at least 4 hours to explore.

Address ➤ Gushan Village, Longguan Country, Yinzhou District, Ningbo 315165, China

Entrance fee ➤ 50 yuan

Opening hours ➤ 7:30am to 4:30pm 

7. The Old Bund (老外滩 Lao Wai Tan)

Located in downtown Ningbo City, The Old Bund is a waterfront area where tourists and youngsters love to hangout. In the day, it is quiet and you can see tourist strolling around and taking pictures of the old and modern architecture. The street is filled with bars and restaurants where it comes alive during the night. People come here to enjoy the live performances, food and drinks they have to offer. At night, the place is lighted up with warm and colourful lights, making it to have a romantic atmosphere for couples. 

Address ➤ Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China 

8. King Asoka Temple (国王阿育王寺庙  Guówáng āyù wáng sìmiào)

Far from Ningbo City, it took us about an hour plus by metro and bus to reach the temple. Located in a small town, this temple is relaxing and peaceful. It's a great place to learn about the history of King Asoka, to get to know more of the practice of Buddhism and to take a stroll. It's a really big temple, an hour would be enough to explore. And if you're lucky, you get to experience the monks chanting during their prayers. 

Address ➤ Baotong Minglun Village, Wuxiang Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo 315112, China

Opening hours ➤ 6am to 4pm

 Some Extras of Ningbo

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 China is filled with high rise apartments and buildings. This was the building where I stayed during my trip to Ningbo.


These are the 8 places I would recommend to anyone who wants to explore Ningbo. Ofcourse, there are many other places to explore in Ningbo (that I have not been to). So do your research before coming here! Do share with me if there are any other interesting places in Ningbo that you've been to! :D


Susu