Yuyao

Introducing Yuyao

Yuyao City is located in the Ningshao Plain of China, on the southern wing of the beautiful and prosperous Yangtze River Delta. It is a county-level city under the administration of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, and one of the ancient county towns in eastern Zhejiang. It is world-famous for the Hemudu Ruins.

Yuyao is also a famous historical and cultural city in Zhejiang Province with a long history and splendid culture. Since the Han Dynasty, Yuyao has produced many famous people and many talented people have competed for brilliance, so it has the reputation of "Yaojiang has the best people in the world".

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Hemudu Site

The Hemudu site was discovered accidentally during the construction of a water conservancy project. During the construction process, numerous pottery fragments and animal bones were discovered, along with a large amount of cultivated rice, extensive wooden structural remains, and a rich variety of plant and animal remains. Many of these finds are displayed intact in the museum. The exhibition hall is user-friendly, with touch-screen computers offering information about Hemudu.

Siming Mountain

Siming Mountain ranges from 600 to 900 meters above sea level, with its main peak, Jinzhong Mountain, at 1,018 meters. The park boasts lush forests, fragrant flowers and plants, and cliffs and boulders often appear amidst verdant pines and cypresses. The park is exceptionally diverse, with preliminary surveys revealing nearly 1,000 plant species and 106 major animal species. The park boasts evergreen broad-leaved forests, a long corridor of Cryptomeria japonica, a grove of golden pine, a cypress forest, a Huangshan pine forest, the "Home of Red Maple" of Siming Mountain—a 10,000-acre red maple forest—and a variety of birdlife.

Little Jiuzhai in Eastern Zhejiang

Located at the northern foot of Siming Mountain, in Zhilin Village, Dayin Town, Yuyao City, Ningbo, the "Little Jiuzhai of Eastern Zhejiang" is a picturesque area of ​​rolling hills, winding valleys, lush bamboo forests, and crisscrossing streams. The alluring scenery of secluded valleys, streams, ancient trees, and bamboo forests has earned it the nickname "Little Jiuzhai of Eastern Zhejiang." The area is home to many beloved folk tales and beautiful legends, captivating visitors and leaving them wanting to linger.

Recommended play time: 1-2 days

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Most Popular FAQs for Yuyao

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Yuyao is a historic city in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, with over 6,000 years of history. It is notable for Shibao Mountain, an important cultural and religious site, and the Hemudu Neolithic Site, which provides insights into ancient rice cultivation and early Chinese civilization.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Yuyao is located in northern Ningbo, Zhejiang. Visitors can reach it via regional buses or taxis from Ningbo city. Once in Yuyao, local buses, taxis, or walking are convenient to explore the main attractions. There is no direct metro connection to Yuyao.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Shibao Mountain is generally open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit Yuyao are spring and autumn (March–May and September–November) for pleasant weather and clear skies.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Shibao Mountain scenic area: around CNY 100 per person, tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
• Hemudu Neolithic Site: around CNY 30 per person, tickets available on-site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking is recommended for Shibao Mountain during peak season, ideally 3–7 days in advance. Hemudu Site tickets usually do not require advance booking.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

• Shibao Mountain: 4–6 hours
• Hemudu Site: 1–2 hours
• Exploring Yuyao town and riverside areas: half a day

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Shibao Mountain: ancient temples, grottoes, cliff carvings, and scenic viewpoints
• Hemudu Site: archaeological museum and ancient wooden structures
• Yaojiang River scenic paths
• Traditional villages and local markets

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available at Shibao Mountain and Hemudu Site, mainly in Chinese. Private guides may offer English tours upon request.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Summit of Shibao Mountain for panoramic views
• Temple courtyards and grotto carvings
• Yaojiang River at sunrise or sunset
• Traditional village streets and bridges

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with Shibao Mountain early morning, explore temples and grottoes, then visit Hemudu Site in the afternoon, and finish with a riverside walk or visit local markets.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are limited; there are no regular light shows. Some cultural events may be available seasonally at Shibao Mountain or town squares.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Yuyao attractions are less crowded on weekdays and outside national holidays. Peak season (spring and autumn weekends) can be busy, especially at Shibao Mountain.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Toilets, snack shops, small restaurants, souvenir stores, and resting areas are available at main attractions.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Main attractions have partial accessibility. Elderly and children can visit with some walking; some areas of Shibao Mountain involve steep paths, so disabled access may be limited.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) are widely accepted; cash is useful for small vendors or rural areas.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Local restaurants serve Zhejiang cuisine, river fish dishes, and street food. Cafes and tea houses are available near scenic areas and town centers.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes are available in local restaurants, mainly tofu and vegetable-based meals. Halal options are limited.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Yuyao offers mid-range hotels, guesthouses, and small inns. Ningbo city provides more luxury and chain hotels within 30–40 minutes drive.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Ningbo city center and Tianyi Pavilion
• Nearby traditional water towns
• Other scenic mountains or temples in northern Ningbo

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Handicrafts, local ceramics
• Traditional snacks and preserved foods
• Small artworks and local textiles

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxis, buses, and private car hire connect Yuyao to Ningbo and nearby towns. Ningbo Railway Station provides train connections to major cities in Zhejiang and beyond.