Cixi has endured and returned, so here are some blunt truths

🌿Cixi August Summer Escape Guide: The Healing Slow Life of a Thousand-Year-Old Water Town

Geographical Location

Cixi, this low-key treasure city in Ningbo, holds celadon culture in its left hand, yangmei mountains and sea in its right, and the lively Minghe Ancient Town in the middle～In the gentle breeze and drizzle of August, even the air carries the sweet fragrance of Sanbei bean crisp candy!

🚶♀️Three-day itinerary that makes you not want to go home

Day 1: Celadon Traces + Ancient Town Stroll

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Morning: Head straight to Shanglin Lake Yue Kiln Site (free!), admire the “sky blue waiting for the misty rain” of Tang and Song secret color celadon
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Noon: Rush to Minghe Ancient Town (free!), dive into the “Ancient Town Three Whites Museum” and order iced drunken mud snails + steamed river eel with preserved vegetables

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Evening: Stay overnight at Xinmu·Blue Lotus Homestay next to the ancient town, soak in the outdoor hot tub under the stars, the tatami mats and Dyson hairdryer in the room are plus points!

Day 2: Yangmei Mountains & Countryside + Artsy Check-ins

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Morning: Dash to Kaolao Mountain Trail (free!), the rainbow halo under the waterfall after rain is stunning! Families can bring kids to step in the creek～

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Noon: At the foot of the mountain, enjoy yellow croaker noodles at Old Alley Farm, the fish meat is so tender it breaks with chopsticks!

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Evening: Stay at Cixi Sports Center Xinhefang Qingju Hotel (under Atour), floor-to-ceiling windows + free coffee machine, super convenient for night strolls on Xinhefang Pedestrian Street～

Day 3: City Green Lung + Taste Bud Explosion

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Morning: Check in at Mingyue Lake Internet-famous Beach (free!), pretend you’re by the sea, the white arch and mist system make photos magical!

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Noon: Eat belt noodles soaked in sauce and sizzling lamb skewers at Beijiang Song·Big Plate Chicken (Aegean Sea branch), the aroma will make you stomp your feet!

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Evening: Before heading back, rush to Yintai City to buy souvenirs, stuffing your backpack with yangmei crisps and mouse sugar balls～

🔥Must-visit Top List

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Minghe Ancient Town: Free! Open 07:00-21:00, the old pharmacy house on Middle Street feels like time travel, the century-old ginkgo at Jinxian Zen Temple is stunning on rainy days.

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Shanglin Lake Celadon Heritage Park: Free! 09:00-16:30, wear Hanfu to shoot the sky-blue glaze, recommended for families to make traditional sachets (30 RMB fee).

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Kaolao Mountain Waterfall: Free! Fewer people in the morning, wear non-slip shoes to step in the water, the rainbow ring under the waterfall is a divine photo spot.

🏨Accommodation Recommendations

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For Selectors: Hilton Hampton by Hilton Ningbo East New City (482 RMB/night), Serta mattress + Petrov toiletries, family rooms have separate sofa beds.

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For Artsy Types: No.9 Under the Sophora Tree Homestay, open the window to see bamboo groves, fall asleep to the sound of the stream at night.

🚌Transportation Guide

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Day 1: Cixi Tour Bus Line 1 → Shanglin Lake Station, 15-minute taxi to Minghe Ancient Town.

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Day 2: Cixi Bus 226 → Kaolao Mountain Station, 10-minute walk to trail entrance.

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Day 3: Taxi starting fare to Mingyue Lake, Bus 263 direct to Yintai City.

📸Photo Secrets

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Minghe Canal side’s Ming and Qing Corridor, the reflection on rainy day bluestone slabs is amazing!

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Shanglin Lake Sky Blue Lakeside, stand by the lake in a white dress and instantly become the heroine of an ink painting～

🍜5 Foods That Will Make You Scream

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Mouse Sugar Balls: Pulled fresh on Minghe Old Street, maltose wrapped in sesame is finger-licking good!

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Steamed Preserved Vegetable Eel: Fish meat as tender as tofu, mixed with the salty and fresh flavor of pickled vegetable broth.

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Sanbei Bean Crisp Candy: Crispy to the point of crumbling, just the right sweetness without being cloying.

💰Three-day Expense List

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Accommodation: 2 nights at Hampton by Hilton 964 RMB, waking up feels like lying on clouds～

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Food: About 600 RMB for three days, from Michelin to street stalls, the stomach is very satisfied!

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Experiences: Celadon handcraft 50 RMB, sachet 30 RMB, such great value it makes you laugh out loud!

💡Tips

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August is rainy, bring quick-dry clothes + folding umbrella, rainy days see 40% fewer visitors in Minghe Ancient Town, making photos even better!

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Yangmei season is over, but yangmei crisps and yangmei wine are available year-round～

😭Challenges: Kaolao Mountain Trail is slippery, wearing the wrong shoes almost made me do the splits! Queued 1 hour at Beijiang Song, but the first bite of big plate chicken instantly forgave the whole world～

🌸Personal Ramblings

Who can resist Cixi! Pretend to be cultured at the Celadon Museum by day, chow down on lamb skewers as a foodie by night, even the homestay owners are as warm as long-lost relatives～This time I didn’t get to visit Dapeng Mountain Star Dream Park, any experts have wilder plans? Drop them in the comments!