Do & See - Ningbo | ArrivalGuides.com

Do & SeeGuide was updated: November 19, 2024

Many of Ningbo's attractions lie outside the city limits. The countryside boasts an abundance of scenic natural areas, home to striking Buddhist temples that are perfect for a day trip. Tiantong and Baoguo temples are among the most popular with visitors. Venture even further out to the unspoiled Yushan Island. Inside Ningbo, must-see sights include China's oldest library, Tianyi, the historic Drum Tower and surrounding area, and the Laowaitan neighbourhood at night.

Tianyi Ge / 天一阁

The city's main attraction and a huge source of pride, the Tianyi Library is the most historical library in Asia. The library complex contains multiple historic artefacts and is a pleasure to simply walk around and admire the ancient building while strolling through tranquil gardens and courtyards.

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Moon Lake Park / 月湖公园

Yuehu, which literally means Moon Lake, is in the south-west of Ningbo, was first turned into a cultural and academic centre during the Song and Yuan Dynasties. Nowadays it is the main recreation area for many locals who come to play chess, practise the martial art of Tai Chi, dance or just enjoy the beautiful views.

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Drum Tower / 鼓楼

Constructed during the Tang Dynasty, the Drum Tower is the only remaining city gate tower in Ningbo. Atop the tower stands a six-metre-high Romanesque bell tower, a later addition from the Republic period. The base of the tower is surrounded by a commercial area, with buildings reconstructed in the traditional style.

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Tianfeng Pagoda / 天封塔

Tianfeng Pagoda predates Ningbo city by 120 years. In ancient times, it served as a lighthouse, guiding passing ships. Today, visitors can climb the stairs to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

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Old Bund / 老外滩

Step back in time at the Old Bund (Laowaitan), where the architectural legacy of Ningbo's cosmopolitan past comes alive. English, French, German, and Dutch-style buildings evoke memories of the 1930s and 1940s in this once-bustling international hub. Today, the area offers a variety of evening venues, many of which operate primarily during the summer months.

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Yushan Island / 渔山列岛

For a scenic day trip, head to the beautiful and secluded Yushan Island. Tourist infrastructure is limited here, with only a few resorts and a picturesque lighthouse set against the backdrop of crystal-blue seawater. At night, you might even witness the magical blue tears, a phenomenon of mysterious blue lights spotted along Yushan Island's shores, caused by small crustaceans that are washed up on the island's beaches by the rising tides.

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Tiantong Temple & Forest Park / 天童寺森林公园

Tiantong Temple, a Buddhist spiritual destination located in a hilly area about an hour's bus ride from Ningbo city, is a perfect venue for a day trip. This temple is a vast complex, with dozens of ochre-coloured plaster and red-painted wooden buildings ascending the mountainside. You can’t miss the reconstructed Wanfo Pagoda! Hiking uphill is a pleasant experience, with the clarity of the air, scenic views, and multiple smaller temples along the way.

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Shipuzhen / 石浦镇

Step back in time in Shipuzhen, a charming village with over 600 years of history, perched on a hillside overlooking the sea. Constructed on a hill with one side open to the sea, the village wall traces the mountainside, winding up and down. Near the port, a whole street of seafood restaurants awaits, offering the freshest seafood and the most authentic Ningbo dishes.

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Ningbo Museum / 宁波博物馆

The museum itself is a wonderful piece of art and has won several international architecture prizes. The most interesting part of the exhibition would be the folk culture hall, where a whole street featuring shops of traditional handcrafted art was created inside the building. This place will take you back in time and offer a closer look at the old Ningbo City.

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Do & See in Ningbo

Tianyi Ge / 天一阁

Moon Lake Park / 月湖公园

Drum Tower / 鼓楼

Tianfeng Pagoda / 天封塔

Old Bund / 老外滩

Yushan Island / 渔山列岛

Tiantong Temple & Forest Park / 天童寺森林公园

Shipuzhen / 石浦镇

Ningbo Museum / 宁波博物馆