An important port and industrial center in the province of Zhejiang, Ningbo is one of the places you need to visit if you’re a fan of history. This city is replete with history, exceptional architecture, beautiful temples, and both natural and artificial attractions. In case you’re wondering if its a place the whole family loves, wonder no more, for Ningbo offers unlimited attractions for recreation like Mount Phoenix Theme Park and Romon U-Park. Also, you need to visit the Ningbo Museum for its superb architecture that is based on nature, and the exquisite collections of artifacts they have there. If you still don’t have things lined up for you to do during your trip to the city, then read on, and discover our list of the things to do in Ningbo, China.
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1. Pay your respects at the Baoguo Buddhist Temple
When you are in Ningbo, you shouldn’t miss the chance of visiting this rare temple, for Baoguo Buddhist Temple is a temple of three religions, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. It is located on Mount Emei and it is the largest temple in the area. You’ll see lots of deities of the three religions. Also, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll surely find it here. Moreover, take note of its architecture, and make sure to respect their rules when you visit.
Baoguo Buddhist Temple
Address: Emeishan, Leshan, Sichuan, China, 614200
Website: Baoguo Buddhist Temple
2. Marvel at the architecture of Temple of King Ashoka
Another temple worth visiting in Ningbo is the Temple of King Ashoka. It is a famous pilgrim place for Buddhists for it houses a remnant of the skull Sakyamuni, the founding father of the said religion. The skull fragment lies in one of its pagodas. Apart from being a place of worship, this place is also frequently visited because of its zen garden that features pagodas, ponds, and bamboo groves, which will instantly make you feel serenity.
Temple of King Ashoka
Address: Yinzhou, Ningbo, China, 315113
Website: Temple of King Ashoka
Opening hours: 6am - 4pm (daily)
3. Check out the antique book collection at China's oldest library
If you’re a book lover and an old soul, you’ll surely love to visit the Tianyi Pavilion. It is the oldest library in China and it houses collections of more or less 70,000 volumes of antique books. You’ll find there old writings, such as Confucian classics, local histories, and more. In case you’re wondering how old this library is, it was founded during the Ming Dynasty, in the year 1561, by Fan Qin. Other things to look forward to when you visit are its unique architecture and superb landscape.
Tianyi Pavilion
Address: Tianyi St, Haishu Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315021
Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 30 CNY or 4.34 USD
4. Delve deep into history at Ningbo Museum
If you’re done with sightseeing, walking tours, and getting to know the locals, but you still want to know more about Ningbo, then you need to visit the Ningbo Historic Museum. It was founded on December 5, 2008, and features collections about the city’s history, traditions, and customs. You’ll surely find lots of interesting stuff here that will make you love the area more. You’ll also be in awe of the building’s architecture for it has a modern take on regional and Chinese architecture.
Ningbo Museum
Address: 1000 Shounan Middle Rd, Yinzhou Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315105
Website: Ningbo Museum
Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 30 CNY or 4.34 USD
5. Soak in the scenic beauty of Tiantong Temple
Located at the foot of Taibai Mountain, with an area of 76,400 sqm (822362.76 sqft), Tiantong Temple is another Buddhist temple which is a part of the “Five Chan Buddhism Temples.” This temple has 1700 years of history and was built in the West Jin Dynasty, during 300 A.D. Apart from being a religious site, this temple is a sight to behold with its picturesque surroundings and many red painted structures that move up to mountains.
Tiantong Temple
Address: Yinzhou, Ningbo, China
Opening hours: 8am - 6:30pm (daily)
6. Explore Tengtou Village
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A well-known eco-tourism attraction in China, this village will make you see how harmoniously human and nature co-exist. You will also learn about the culture and tradition of the locals when you visit and involve yourself with the activities they offer, such as picking of flowers, harvesting fresh vegetables and fruits, rice grinding, rice cake making, and forking fish among others. Moreover, this eco-tourism spot contains a fountain square, an orchard, fishery, breeding base, pigeon square, and a lot more.
Tengtou Village
Address: Tengtou Village, Fenghua 315513, China
Opening hours: 6:57am - 5:02pm (daily)
7. Shop, dine, and wander in Tianyi Square
With an area of two million square meters (21527820.83 sqft), Tianyi Square is surrounded by European style buildings and at the center is a musical fountain with a height of 40 meters (131.23 ft) and the highest in Asia. Another great feature is the water screen, where tourists can watch movies and relax. This area is also a haven of retail, for it has many boutiques, high-end shops, signature stores, and more. Moreover, it also contains lots of restaurants, hotels, entertainment area for kids and adults, and more.
Tianyi Square
Address: Kaiming Street, Haishu District, Ningbo 315000, China
Opening hours: 24 hrs (daily)
8. Let your kids have fun at Romon U-Park
Considered as one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, Romon U-Park has an area of 200,000 square meters (2152782.08 sq ft) and it consists of an indoor and outdoor park. You’ll find here six theme parks or zones, such as Fantasy Dream, Romantic Avenue, Mystery Land, Festival Plaza, Adventure Challenge, and The Island of Legends. Moreover, it has numerous attractions, different specialty restaurants, and a variety of unique shops. Make sure to bring the whole family when you visit, for it is an attraction for all ages.
Romon U-Park
Address: 820 XiaoGao East Road / 1099 Yinzhou Avenue, Ningbo, China
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 230 CNY or 33.26 USD
9. Say hello to the creatures at Ningbo Zoo
If you’re into animals, then you shouldn’t miss visiting the Ningbo Zoo, with its over 200 species of wildlife. The zoo is clean, and the animals have enough space to move around. It also features a lake and a park and offers other activities like rowing boats. But the star of the show is the giant pandas. You should go in the morning to see them moving around for they opt to sleep in the afternoon. In case you’re hungry or thirsty, make sure you bring water, and as for food, they have an on-site food establishment that sells affordable snacks.
Ningbo Zoo
Address: Meihu Village, Dongqianhu Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo 315124, China
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 80 CNY or 11.57 USD
10. Spend a relaxing day at Tiangong Manor
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for a tourist attraction that will surely be enjoyed by the whole family, then the Tiangong Manor must be at the top of your list. It is a leisure and experience area, where you can join different picking activities as well as fishing and more. It also has a barbecue area and a beautiful botanical garden with waterfalls where you can feed the fishes, which is a favorite activity amongst children.
Tiangong Manor
Address: Wandi Village, Yinzhou District, Ningbo 315104, China
Opening hours: 7:26am - 4:33pm (daily)
11. Go on an adventure with friends at Mount Phoenix Theme Park
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Located in the eastern port of Ningbo, Mount Phoenix Theme Park or Ningbo Harborland Theme Park is a high-tech and a big international amusement park that aims to provide adventure and new experience to its guests. It features four zones composed of “Square world”, “Magic Village”, “Phoenix Castle”, and “Adventure”. One of the most highly sought after ride here is the Flying Phoenix, which is said to be more thrilling than the roller coaster in Hong Kong Disneyland. What are you waiting for? Hurry and visit this exciting attraction in Ningbo and have the best experience ever.
Mount Phoenix Theme Park
Address: 728, Liaohe RD, Beilun, Ningbo, China
Website:Mount Phoenix Theme Park
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 120 CNY or 17.35 USD
12. Taste China's delectable cuisines at Nantang Old Street
If you want to taste authentic Ningbo cuisine, there’s no better place to go than the Nantang Old Street. This street is short, and not really old but it is newly rebuilt. This street has every delicacy you need to learn more about the customs and traditions of the place. The street is full of shops and restaurants, making a run for your money. One of the restaurants you should visit here is the Youzanzi shop, which serves a traditional snack of the same name, that goes back to the Qing Dynasty. Another restaurant you shouldn’t miss here is the Zhaodayou shop, which sells delicious pastries. As proof, people start to line up to get a hand at their products, in the early mornings.
Nantang Old Street
Address: Chuan Bu Xiang, Haishu Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315021
13. Take a relaxing stroll at Moon Lake
If you want a peaceful activity, one that will make you think about life and all, then you have to take a stroll at Moon Lake. It has a stunning surrounding where you will see pavilions, temples, and nature. This lake is man-made and it has lots of history. It is a perfect spot for picnics and bonding time with the whole family. Also, there are other activities you can do here, like paddling around the lake by renting boats available in the area.
Moon Lake
Address: Sanzhi St, Haishu Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315021
Opening hours: 7:55am - 4:33pm (daily)
14. Check out the ancient Tianfeng Pagoda
If you’re into history, art, and architecture, you wouldn’t want to miss visiting the Tianfeng Pagoda. Located at the heart of Ningbo City, this seven-level pagoda with another seven underground floors is the tallest ancient structure in Ningbo. Lots of artifacts are found here, which includes ancient money, copper Buddha, bronze box, and miniature models of palaces adorned with gold; making it a site of history and an example of superb architecture. It will also tell you more about the Song Dynasty, so make sure you watch out for it when you visit.
Tianfeng Pagoda
Address: Dashani Street, Haishu District, Ningbo 315010, China
Opening hours: 24 hrs (daily)
Price: 5 CNY or 0.72 USD
15. Try Ningbo's famous tangyuan at Gang Ya Gou Restaurant
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re wondering about what kind of food scene Ningbo has, you should try first the locals’ favorite restaurants, just like the Gang Ya Gou Restaurant. It is a treat for all sweet lovers out there, and you should try one of their bestsellers, the glutinous rice balls. These rice balls come with every kind of filling possible, and they can be served in different ways, with soup or dry, salty or sweet, hot or cold. This restaurant specializes in rice dishes, and if you want a taste of their customs and traditions, better drop by when you visit Ningbo.
Gang Ya Gou Restaurant
Address: Hualou Alley, Tian Yi Guang Chang, Haishu Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315021
Website: Gang Ya Gou Restaurant
Opening hours: 9am - 9:30pm (daily)
16. Head to Shipu Fishing Harbor Ancient City
If you want to feel relaxed and be away from the stress of the city or forget your worries, a trip to Shipu Fishing Harbor Ancient City will surely take all your problems away for a day or two. This place has a 600-year-long history, and it is surrounded by mountains and the sea. You won’t see buildings but quaint wooden structures and houses. Many people come here to indulge themselves on seafood, visit beaches, see vineyards, and more. Also, you’ll see 14 pavilions which will tell you about the place’s culture and traditions. So if you’re up for those, then you have to visit this destination.
Shipu Fishing Harbor Ancient City
Address: Zhejiang, Ningbo, Xiangshan, Yugang Middle Rd, 石浦镇江心街4号
Opening hours: 6:57am - 5:31pm (daily)
17. Marvel at the exquisite artifacts at Qing'an Guildhall
One of the seven guild halls of China, Qing'an Guild Hall is an important landmark in the country and an institution that protects national cultural relics. It is also a temple that worships the goddess Mazu, who is said to be the one who protects the safety of marine shipping. Now, it has become a folk museum that features collections on the area’s maritime history
Qing'an Guildhall
Address: 156 Jiangdong N Rd, Jiangdong Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315021
Website: Qing'an Guildhall
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 10 CYN or 1.45 USD
18. Take a dip in Ninghai Forest Hot Spring
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you want to feel relaxed, serenity, breathe some fresh air and be one with nature, then you have to try soaking at Ninghai Forest Hot Spring. It is one of the best hot springs in China, with a water temperature that can get as high as 49.5 degrees. It is also said to have 20 kinds of mineral substances and micro-elements that can improve a person’s health. For a more memorable experience, don’t forget to bring your family with you when you visit.
Ninghai Forest Hot Spring
Address: China, Zhejiang Sheng, Ningbo Shi, Ninghai Xian, 409县道 邮政编码: 315614
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: 280 CNY or 40.50 USD
19. Visit the beautiful Liangzhu Culture Park
One of the must-visit attractions in Ningbo, the Liangzhu Culture Park has many scenic spots and cultural sites like the Kwan-yin Hall, Spouse Bridge, Conjugal Love Pavilion, Lotus Pond, Nine Dragon Pool, and the famous Statue of Liang and Zhu that transformed into Butterflies, and the large fountain in the square among others. You need a lot of time to visit each one, so make sure you have enough energy when you go. Upon entering the park, for sure you’ll hear about the ill-fated romance or the legend of Liang-Zhu, which is the oriental version of Romeo and Juliet, with the same tragic ending. Moreover, wait for the light show at night for it will take your breath away.
Liangzhu Culture Park
Address: Liangzhu Village, Gaoqiao Twon, Yinzhou District, Ningbo 315175, China
Website: Liangzhu Culture Park
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 50 CNY or 7.23 USD
20. Discover ancient artifacts at Hemudu Site Museum
If you want to visit attractions that won’t just look good in a picture, but something you’ll learn about, then you have to visit Hemudu Site Museum. It is not only just a tourist attraction, but also an educational place, for here, you’ll see years of history through artifacts, structure, and collections of old things, which they got from the excavation. Here, you’ll see ruins, megalithic arch, and two flapping birds that guard the area. By visiting this site, you’ll have a glimpse of what happened in the past.
Hemudu Site Museum
Address: Lushansicun, Hemuduzhen, Yuyao, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, 315402
Website: Hemudu Site Museum
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
21. Enjoy bird-watching at Hangzhouwan National Wetland Park
Hangzhouwan National Wetland Park or better known as Xixi Wetland Park is one of the most famous attractions in Ningbo if you are looking for nature adventure and souvenir shops. This wetland is 70% water and it comprises of ponds, swamps, a pool, a moor, a river, and a lake. It is divided into three zones which are the eastern, western, and central part. The central part is mostly packed with tourists, for it has numerous local stores and souvenirs shops, while the western part is an artificial site and the eastern is a natural scenic area.
Hangzhouwan National Wetland Park
Address: Zhoujia Village, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310030, China
Opening hours: 7:26am - 5:31pm (daily)
Price: 80 CNY or 11.57 USD
22. Go shopping at Ningbo Qianhu Lifespace Shopping Plaza
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re in Ningbo and you’re wondering where the shopping is, then you don’t need to look far, for Ningbo Qianhu Lifespace Shopping Plaza has got all your shopping dilemma solved. This shopping area in Ningbo is lined up with stores and shops catering to anything retail, from signature boutiques to local stores. Also, there are restaurants and cafes around the area, in case you feel the need to eat and seat.
Ningbo Qianhu Lifespace Shopping Plaza
Address: Qianhu N Rd, Yinzhou Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315021
23. Sample local cuisines at Feast Modern Restaurant
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re wondering where you can have a good eat at Ningbo, then your search ends at Feast Modern Restaurant. A well-decorated restaurant with elegant architectural design, this food establishment offers fresh seafood dishes and Chinese cuisines such as Cantonese, Ningbo, and Shanghai cuisines. One of their bestsellers is the T-bone steaks that are so tender that it melts in your mouth. You should try their fish dishes for it is something not to miss.
Feast Modern Restaurant
Address: 87 Huaishu Rd, Jiangbei Qu, Ningbo Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China, 315021
Website: Feast Modern Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 9:30pm (daily)
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture
If you want to learn more about Chinese history or you just want to have fun and relax somewhere laidback, then Ningbo will let you do both while learning. Make sure to visit the historical places, taste their local cuisines, and have fun in the many parks and amusement parks that are scattered around the city. In case you still don’t have any idea what activities to try out while you’re in the area, check out our list of the best the things to do in Ningbo, China.
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