Ningbo 5-Day 4-Night In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 6000 RMB)

Ningbo, a city that combines the charm of a Jiangnan water town with modern urban style, features ancient temples, island scenery, bustling commercial districts, and authentic seafood. This guide is perfect for travelers who enjoy culture, nature, and cuisine, with a budget controlled within 6000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, meals, tickets, etc.).

📅 Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Ningbo → Tianyi Pavilion → Drum Tower → Nantang Old Street
Day 2: Dongqian Lake (Xiaoputuo, Hanling Old Street)
Day 3: Jiang Family Residence in Xikou → Xuedou Mountain
Day 4: Xiangshan Film and Television City → Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town
Day 5: Ningbo Museum → Return trip

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Ningbo City (2 nights): Hotels near Tianyi Square/Old Bund, about 400-600 RMB/night
Xikou Town (1 night): Homestays or hotels near the scenic area, about 300-500 RMB/night
Xiangshan Shipu (1 night): Seaside homestay by the fishing port, about 400-700 RMB/night

Total accommodation budget: about 2000 RMB

🚗 Transportation

Long-distance (round trip): High-speed train/bullet train (e.g., from Shanghai or Hangzhou, round trip about 500-800 RMB)
City transportation: Metro + taxi (metro about 10 RMB/day, taxi about 50 RMB/day)
Nearby attractions: Recommended to rent a car for self-driving (about 300-500 RMB/day) or charter a car

Total transportation budget: about 1500 RMB

📍 Daily Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Tianyi Pavilion + Drum Tower + Nantang Old Street

Morning: Arrive in Ningbo, check into city hotel.
Afternoon: Visit Tianyi Pavilion (ticket 30 RMB), the oldest private library in China.
Evening: Stroll Drum Tower pedestrian street, check in at Ningbo landmark, try Youzanzi and Gangyadog Tangyuan.
Night: Night tour of Nantang Old Street, experience the retro water town vibe, recommended to try Ningbo’s "Three Stinks" (stinky winter melon, stinky amaranth stems, stinky tofu).

Day 2: Dongqian Lake (Xiaoputuo + Hanling Old Street)

Morning: Drive or take a taxi to Dongqian Lake (free), visit Xiaoputuo Scenic Area (ticket 30 RMB), boat rides available on the lake.
Noon: Dine at Hanling Old Street, experience the lively old street atmosphere, recommended Dongqian Lake fish head.
Afternoon: Stroll Hanling Old Street, visit art galleries or bike by the lake (bike rental about 50 RMB/hour).
Evening: Return to city, have a drink at Old Bund.

Day 3: Jiang Family Residence in Xikou + Xuedou Mountain

All day:
Morning: Head to Xikou Town (1.5-hour drive), visit Jiang Family Residence (combined ticket 120 RMB, includes Fenghao House, Yutai Salt Shop, etc.).
Afternoon: Climb Xuedou Mountain (ticket 150 RMB including shuttle), check in at Qianzhangyan Waterfall and Maitreya Buddha.

Overnight: Stay in Xikou Town, try local taro and Fenghua beef noodles.

Day 4: Xiangshan Film and Television City + Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town

Morning: Drive to Xiangshan Film and Television City (ticket 150 RMB), visit filming locations of "Nirvana in Fire" and "Joy of Life."
Noon: Eat near the film city, recommended Xiangshan seafood noodles.
Afternoon: Visit Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town (ticket 60 RMB), experience fishing culture, watch the sunset at the fishing port.
Overnight: Stay at Shipu seaside homestay, dinner must-try: swimming crab and yellow croaker dried fish.

Day 5: Ningbo Museum → Return Trip

Morning: Visit Ningbo Museum (free), a work by architect Wang Shu, learn about Ningbo’s history.
Noon: Taste Ninghai cuisine in the city (recommended red crab in chili sauce, tofu skin wrapped yellow croaker).
Afternoon: Head to the station/airport according to your return schedule.

💰 Budget Overview

Item
Budget (RMB)

Transportation
1500

Accommodation (4 nights)
2000

Meals
1200

Tickets
600

Others (shopping, etc.)
700

Total
6000

📌 Travel Tips

Transportation advice: Xiangshan and Xikou attractions are scattered, self-driving is more convenient; or choose local day tours.
Must-try food: Ningbo Tangyuan, red crab in chili sauce, tofu skin wrapped yellow croaker, Dongqian Lake green fish.
Money-saving tips: Some combined tickets are more cost-effective (like Xikou combined ticket), meals can be chosen from seafood stalls or local snacks.
Recommended season: September to November for the best seafood, avoid typhoon season (July-August).

This guide covers Ningbo’s culture, landscapes, and seafood feast, suitable for couples, families, or friends traveling together! Feel free to reach out anytime to adjust the itinerary~ 🌊🏯