Zhejiang Ningbo Four Days Three Nights Exciting Travel Guide

Zhejiang Ningbo: Four Days Three Nights Exciting Travel Guide

Budget Planning

Total budget is 4000 RMB, with approximate allocation as follows:

● Transportation: If the distance is far, choose a plane, with round-trip tickets controlled within 1500 RMB; if choosing second-class high-speed rail, round-trip costs about 520 RMB. City transportation is estimated at 200 RMB.

● Accommodation: Choose cost-effective lodging, 3 nights estimated at 1000 - 1200 RMB.

● Meals: Daily meal budget around 200 RMB, totaling about 800 RMB for 4 days.

● Tickets: Entrance fees for various attractions estimated at 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 the city center, about 30 minutes.

● High-speed rail: Ningbo Station is located downtown, Metro Lines 2/4 transfers cover the whole city; for Tianyi Pavilion, take Line 4.

● Self-driving: Connected to Shanghai and Hangzhou via Hangzhou Bay Bridge, about 2 hours drive; parking fees in the city are 10 - 20 RMB/hour, metro transfer is recommended.

City Transportation

● Metro: 5 lines connect major attractions such as Gulou Station, Dongqian Lake Station, supporting Alipay QR code payment.

● Bus: Convenient shuttle between attractions, e.g., from Nantang Old Street take Bus 510 to Tianyi Pavilion.

● Taxi: Starting fare 11 RMB (3 km), old city attractions are dense, walking or biking is recommended.

Accommodation Recommendations

● City Center (Haishu District)
    ○ High-end: Hotels around Tianyi Square, such as The Westin, within walking distance to Chenghuang Temple and Moon Lake Park.
    ○ Cost-effective: Guesthouses near Gulou, priced 150 - 300 RMB/night, close to metro stations with abundant late-night snacks.
    ○ Unique Experience: Riverside hotels at Old Bund, such as Boning Hotel, enjoy European-style architecture and night views with a cozy vibe.

● Dongqian Lake: Resorts like Radisson Hotel, with lake views 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 through Moon Lake Park (free), explore Song, Ming, and Qing dynasty relics, climb the Korean Envoy’s Residence ruins, appreciate the depth of history.

● 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 like the British Consulate, Police Station, Zhejiang Customs, and Jiangbei Catholic Church, experiencing the blend of old style and new life. Taste Ningbo specialties at nearby restaurants, such as Yongxiang Restaurant’s home-style Ningbo cuisine.

Day 2: Old City Charm Walk

● Morning: Visit Ningbo Gulou, over 1100 years old, marking the official establishment of Ningbo as a city and the only remaining ancient city tower in Ningbo. Try local snacks here, like seaweed strips and savory fried dough twists.

● Afternoon: Explore Nantang Old Street, gathering many traditional Ningbo foods and specialty shops, experiencing the local market atmosphere.

● Evening: Have dinner near Nantang Old Street, then return to the hotel to rest.

Day 3: Nature and Animal Adventure

● Morning: Visit Ningbo Wildlife Park (open May 1 to October 31, 8:30 - 16:30), a large wildlife sanctuary with many rare animals, perfect for families and friends.

● Afternoon: Continue enjoying the zoo, 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: Head to Dongqian Lake, choose to take a boat tour of the lake or stroll by the lakeside, enjoying the peaceful natural scenery.

● Afternoon: Have lunch around Dongqian Lake, then pack up and prepare to return.

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.

● Fried Dough Twists: Seaweed strips with savory fried dough twists, crispy and uniquely Ningbo.

● Ningbo Roasted Vegetables: Fresh and sweet taste, a common home dish on Ningbo tables.