Ningbo Travel Guide

Top Things to See & Experience in Ningbo

Tianyi Pavilion & Yuehu Scenic Area – Asia's oldest private library surrounded by serene gardens; a glimpse into China's literati culture.

Old Bund (Lao Waitan) – Historic port area with century-old European architecture, now home to lively bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Evening lights make it ideal for photography and night walks.

Ningbo Museum – Designed by Pritzker Prize winner Wang Shu, the building itself is a work of art, showcasing the city's history from Hemudu culture to modern times.

China Port Museum – Learn about Ningbo's role in the Maritime Silk Road. Interactive exhibits and global port models highlight the city's historic trade significance.

Dongqian Lake – A scenic lake ideal for cycling, sailing, or visiting nearby cultural parks. Evening light shows and old streets offer a blend of natural beauty and local life.

Siming Mountain & Xiangshan – Mountains, forests, and waterfalls for hiking and stargazing; visit Xiangshan Film City and Shipu Fishing Port for culture and seafood.

Water Experiences – Take a boat along Sanjiangkou at night, Dongqian Lake's Song-style route, or Yaojiang for a philosophical and scenic perspective of the city.

Business & MICE Environment in Ningbo

Ningbo is not only a tourist destination but also a leading hub for advanced manufacturing and international trade, offering excellent infrastructure for business travelers.

Exhibition & Event Platforms – The city hosts several high-level international exhibitions, such as the China–Central and Eastern Europe Expo, providing key opportunities for market expansion. Ningbo also organizes top-tier sporting events like the WTA500, enhancing its global visibility.

Business Facilities & Services – High-end hotels feature full conference facilities and business centers. For international guests, Ningbo promotes the "eJingtong" program for simplified hotel check-in, and offers 70 duty-free shopping outlets (some with instant refunds), streamlining business travel processes.

Industry & Technology Visits – Business travelers can explore cutting-edge sites like the autonomous terminals at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port and Unitree Robotics' factory, experiencing firsthand China's advanced manufacturing and high-tech innovations.

Getting There & Around

Air: Ningbo Lishe International Airport connects to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Central/Eastern Europe.

High-Speed Rail: Ningbo Station links Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Wenzhou efficiently; Hangzhou is just 30 minutes away.

Local Transport: City taxis, ride-hailing apps, and car rentals make sightseeing convenient.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Apr–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov): Mild weather, perfect for city exploration, lakes, and mountains.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and lively; Xiangshan coastal areas are great for seafood and beach escapes.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Visit hot springs at Dongqian Lake or Ninghai for a relaxing retreat.

Must-Try Local Cuisine

Ningbo specializes in fresh, flavorful seafood and traditional Yong-style dishes.

Red Crab in Salted Sauce: Tender crab with bright red roe, lightly salted and served cold.

Ningbo Tangyuan: Sweet glutinous rice balls with black sesame and sugar; soft and rich.

Scallions & Stir-Fried Clams: Quick, fragrant, and savory.

Rock Sugar Soft-Shelled Turtle: Sweet, sour, and savory classic dish.

Fresh Seafood: Enjoy steamed crabs, salted shrimp, and local seafood at Shipu Fishing Port or Baisha Wharf.

Recommended High-End Hotels & Unique Stays

Cordis Ningbo Dongqian Lake – Luxury resort on the lakeside with modern design. Some suites feature private hot tubs, high-end Chinese restaurants, and a spa. Ideal for both leisure and business relaxation.

Ninghai Hanya Kaiyuan Hot Spring Resort – Wild luxury hot spring retreat in Ninghai County. Private outdoor hot tubs in all rooms and New Chinese design create a secluded, immersive experience for deep relaxation.

Shangri-La Hotel Ningbo – International brand hotel in the city center with panoramic river views. Top-notch facilities and the "Qi'' Spa make it a prime choice for business travelers seeking quick rejuvenation.