Zhejiang Ningbo Four Days Three Nights Exciting Travel Guide
Zhejiang Ningbo: Four Days Three Nights Exciting Travel Guide
Budget Planning
Total budget 4000 RMB, approximate allocation of expenses as follows:
● Transportation: If the distance is far, choose a plane, round-trip tickets controlled within 1500 RMB; if choosing second-class high-speed rail, round-trip about 520 RMB. City transportation estimated at 200 RMB.
● Accommodation: Choose cost-effective lodging, 3 nights expected 1000 - 1200 RMB.
● Meals: Daily meal budget about 200 RMB, total about 800 RMB for 4 days.
● Tickets: Entrance fees for attractions estimated 300 - 500 RMB.
● Others: Reserve 200 - 500 RMB for shopping and other expenses.
Transportation Guide
Arriving in Ningbo
● Plane: Ningbo Lishe International Airport, take Metro Line 2 directly to downtown, about 30 minutes.
● High-speed rail: Ningbo Station is located in the city center, Metro Lines 2/4 transfer cover the whole city, for example, take Line 4 to Tianyi Pavilion.
● Self-driving: Connected to Shanghai and Hangzhou via Hangzhou Bay Bridge, about 2 hours drive; parking fees at city attractions 10 - 20 RMB/hour, metro transfer recommended.
City Transportation
● Metro: 5 lines connect main attractions, such as Gulou Station, Dongqian Lake Station, supports Alipay QR code payment.
● Bus: Convenient connections between attractions, for example, take Bus 510 from Nantang Old Street to Tianyi Pavilion.
● Taxi: Starting fare 11 RMB (3 km), old city attractions are dense, walking or cycling recommended.
Accommodation Recommendations
● City Center (Haishu District)
○ High-end: Hotels around Tianyi Square, such as The Westin, within walking distance to City God Temple and Moon Lake Park.
○ Cost-effective: Guesthouses near Gulou, priced 150 - 300 RMB/night, close to metro stations and rich in late-night snacks.
○ Unique Experience: Riverside hotels at Old Bund, such as Boning Hotel, enjoy the night view in European-style buildings with a cozy atmosphere.
● Dongqian Lake: Resorts like Radisson Hotel, lake view from the window, suitable for family trips.
Itinerary Planning
Day 1: Cultural and Historical Exploration
● Morning: Visit Tianyi Pavilion (ticket 30 RMB, opens at 8:30, closed Monday mornings), explore the Ming Dynasty library and Mahjong Museum, feel the charm of ancient culture.
● Afternoon: Stroll in Moon Lake Park (free), explore Song, Ming, and Qing dynasty relics, climb the Korean Embassy ruins, appreciate the historical accumulation.
● Evening: Head to Old Bund, opened in 1844, birthplace of the famous Ningbo Merchants, and the earliest foreign trade port among the "Five Treaty Ports," 20 years earlier than Shanghai Bund. Along the river, admire European-style buildings such as the British Consulate, Police Station, Zhejiang Customs, and Jiangbei Catholic Church, experience the blend of old style and new life. Taste Ningbo specialties at nearby restaurants, like Yongxiang Restaurant’s home-style Ningbo cuisine.
Day 2: Old City Charm Walk
● Morning: Visit Ningbo Gulou, with over 1100 years of history, marking the official establishment of Ningbo as a prefecture and city, and the only remaining ancient city tower in Ningbo. Try local snacks here, such as seaweed strips and salty Youzanzi.
● Afternoon: Explore Nantang Old Street, gathering many traditional Ningbo foods and specialty shops, experience the local street life.
● Evening: Have dinner near Nantang Old Street, then return to the hotel to rest.
Day 3: Nature and Animal Tour
● Morning: Visit Ningbo Wildlife Park (open from May 1 to October 31, 08:30 - 16:30), a large wildlife sanctuary with many rare animals, suitable for families and friends.
● Afternoon: Continue exploring the park, watch animal performances, etc.
● Evening: Return to the city, dine at a city restaurant, then visit Tianyi Square to enjoy the city night view.
Day 4: Leisure and Relaxation
● Morning: Go to Dongqian Lake, choose to take a boat tour of the lake or stroll by the lakeside, enjoy the peaceful natural scenery.
● Afternoon: Have lunch around Dongqian Lake, then pack and prepare for departure.
Food Recommendations
● Ningbo Tangyuan: Soft and glutinous texture, sweet but not greasy.
● Red Crab in Spicy Sauce: Salty, fresh, and tender, a famous Ningbo specialty.
● Youzanzi: Seaweed strips salty Youzanzi, crispy and crunchy, characteristic of Ningbo.
● Ningbo Roasted Vegetables: Fresh and sweet taste, a common home dish on Ningbo tables.