Plan at least two days for Xiangshan, let's go!

Xiangshan is a coastal county in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, famous for its seafood, beaches, fishing village culture, and film studios. Here’s a detailed Xiangshan travel guide covering attractions, food, accommodation, and transportation to help you plan your trip effortlessly.

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### **1. Top Attractions**
**1. Xiangshan Film Studio**
- **Highlights**: One of China's top 10 film bases, featured in *Nirvana in Fire* and *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, with ancient-style architecture perfect for photos.
- **Duration**: 3-4 hours.
- **Ticket**: ~¥150 (prices may vary in peak season).
- **Tips**: Check performance schedules (e.g., tossing the embroidered ball, martial arts shows). Wearing Hanfu enhances photo ops.

**2. Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town**
- **Highlights**: A 600-year-old fishing town with well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture and bustling alleys filled with the scent of the sea.
- **Must-try**: Visit the "Wengcheng" (urn-shaped city gate) and Fishing Culture Museum, and taste local fried dough twists (*yóuzànzi*).
- **Ticket**: ¥60 (free after dusk, but some sites close).

**3. Songlan Mountain Coastal Resort**
- **Highlights**: Pristine beaches ideal for swimming, camping, and sunrise views. Home to the Asian Sailing Center (2022 Hangzhou Asian Games venue).
- **Recommended beaches**: East Beach (full amenities) and South Beach (quieter).
- **Fee**: Free; water sports like jet skiing cost extra.

**4. China Fishery Village (Huangcheng Beach)**
- **Highlights**: A family-friendly seaside park with summer beach festivals.
- **Ticket**: ¥60 (includes some facilities like the Ferris wheel).

**5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots**
- **Hua’ao Island**: Volcanic rock formations, salt fields, and stone forests. Requires a ~30-minute ferry ride.
- **Yushan Islands** (reservation needed): Crystal-clear waters for fishing/camping, but limited ferry schedules.
- **Dongmen Island**: Facing Shipu across the sea, featuring a lighthouse and Mazu Temple, great for coastal hikes.

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### **2. Must-Try Food**
**1. Seafood Delicacies**
- **Red Crab in Brine**: Savory and perfect with rice.
- **Scallion Oil Blue Crab**: Plump in autumn, best steamed or with scallion oil.
- **Fish Noodles**: Chewy noodles made from mackerel.
- **Seafood Noodles**: Try *Old Granny Seafood Noodles* in Shipu—customize with ingredients like yellow croaker or mantis shrimp.

**2. Snacks & Specialties**
- **Rice Mantou**: Slightly sweet fermented rice cakes.
- **Xiangshan Wheat Pancake**: Stuffed with dried shrimp or seaweed, common at street stalls.
- **Mugwort Mochi**: A springtime treat, sticky with herbal fragrance.

**3. Recommended Eateries**
- **Shipu Seafood Street**: Packed with stalls; try *Fisherman’s Wharf* or *Big Fish Restaurant*.
- **Dancheng Penglai Market**: Where locals buy fresh seafood (processing available).

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### **3. Accommodation Tips**
- **Shipu Town**: Ideal for exploring the fishing port. Stay at B&Bs like *Shatang Jingwan* or *Facing Mountains, Back to Sea*.
- **Songlan Mountain/Huangcheng Beach**: Resorts like *Xiangshan Port International Hotel* suit leisure travelers.
- **Near Film Studio**: Budget hotels for early access to the studio.

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### **4. Transportation**
- **Train**: Take a bus from Ningbo Station (~1.5 hours to Xiangshan).
- **Drive**: ~3 hours from Hangzhou or 1.5 hours from Ningbo, with scenic sea-crossing bridges.
- **Island Access**: Book ferries in advance (e.g., from Shipu Pier to Yushan Islands).

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### **5. Itinerary Ideas**
**2-Day Classic Route**
- **Day1**: Film Studio → China Fishery Village (beach fun) → Overnight in Shipu, explore night markets.
- **Day2**: Day trip to Yushan/Hua’ao Island (or Songlan Mountain cycling) → Return.

**3-Day In-Depth Trip**
- Add Dongmen Island or Tantou Island, or join a fishing tour (book at Shipu Pier).

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### **6. Tips**
1. **Season**: Post-fishing ban (Sept-Oct) offers the freshest catch, but expect crowds.
2. **Sun & Bugs**: Strong UV and mosquitoes—pack sunscreen and repellent.
3. **Weather**: Check typhoon updates (July-Sept) for ferry disruptions.

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Xiangshan is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace—days by the sea, evenings in fishing villages, savoring the coastal charm!