Location: Ningbo
Top Things to do in Ningbo
Top Restaurants in Ningbo
10 Things to Do in Ningbo That You Shouldn't Miss
Ningbo (Chinese: 宁波; Mandarin pronunciation: [nǐŋ pwó] ( listen)), formerly written Ningpo, is a sub-provincial city in northeast Zhejiang province in China. It comprises the urban districts of Ningbo proper, three satellite cities, and a number of rural counties including islands in Hangzhou Bay and the East China Sea. Its port, spread across several locations, is among the busiest in the world and the municipality possesses a separate state-planning status. As of the 2010 census, the entire administrated area had a population of 7.6 million, with 3.5 million in the six urban districts of Ningbo proper. To the north, Hangzhou Bay separates Ningbo from Shanghai; to the east lies Zhoushan in the East China Sea; on the west and south, Ningbo borders Shaoxing and Taizhou respectively.
Restaurants in Ningbo
1. Tianyi Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By James H - New York City, New York
The Tianyi Library offers a unique glimpse at Qing-dynasty era Gardens and Libraries, and provides a relaxing respite from the energy and chaos of Ningbo. The garden is beautifully landscaped and has a lot of shade; in fact, despite the fact that the main garden paths were absolutely packed with loud and noisy tour groups, the side paths winding through the small little rock Gardens or going through the lake were surprisingly empty. The buildings have some nice artifacts from the Qing dynasty, including books from the actual Tianyi Library's collection, and are well preserved. The entire museum is clean and very large, but the major qualm we had about this garden were the crowds. The landscape is beautiful until a large tour group with a loud megaphone decides to burst through the path. All in all, the Tianyi Library is a great place to appreciate traditional Chinese architecture and gardens; however, be prepared to deal with quite a few tour groups if visiting in the middle of day. However, if you visit early, I'm sure it'll be a magical experience.
2. Tianyi Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 334 reviews
3. Ningbo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By DianArianie - Canberra, Australia
Firstly, I was attracted to visit this museum was because of its outer look, something very unique for me. And it turned out as a great museum with huge collections. They have few floors with different theme each, from the old times to the contemporary. If you love museum, it's definitely a must visit one when you are in the city. Moreover, it's very clean and convenient with well layout, and Free.
4. Tiantong Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By wr11 - Washington state
Ancient temple complex which is worth at least several hours.
Do not be deceived! The temple is about 25 km east of Ningbo, but the metro line has a stop very close to the temple complex. Upon exiting the metro station, there are enterprising minicabs which will take you to the temple gate for a few yuan.
5. Nantang Old Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By smallhausen1 - Manama, Bahrain
It seems like most of this quarter was totally rebuilt based on the style of old Ningbo streets but still it is an attractive place. You should remember that main role of the street is to feed you. You will not find almost any souvenir shops but dozens of smaller and bigger restaurants and fast foods.
6. Ningbo HarborLand Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Romeo G - Chongqing, China
Rencently many people said that there were no feature, no good model in Harborland Park, and Tickets of Harborland are higher there. yes, it was. the Ticket was 120 RMB per one,but now it is 160Yuan. Why ? Why does Harborland rise the ticktet? Because 2 years ago the Harborland Group purchased Hengdian shares .HENGDIAN ,a film base in Jinhua city.So they will introduce some of them of the entertainment model will be intriduced in beilun, Harborland acutally. Now, we all know that London has THE LONDON EYE, we beilun Harborland has Beilun EYE too.and the other amusement site will be erected. there will be more interesting than ever before, so the ticket has increased is reasonable.
and then, i am sure it will more funny than ever before.
7. Asoka Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By NGraburn - Paris, France
This is one of the 84,000 places with the remains of Buddha; build by King Asoka in 282 AD, and rebuilt since. Many separate pavilions in large wooded grounds with lakes and ponds (fish, turtles, birds) and two pagodas. Serene, small fee, take your time and enjoy. Far from city centre but the metro goes there. Enjoy!
8. Ningbo Wulong Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By SupaMonkey - Ningbo, China
This place is nice, but not 5 star nice. If you have been to hiking around Ningbo then you may have seen better rock pools or better sights than this in natural locations. With that being said, from Ningbo you can take a taxi there for 100 rmb and you will arrive in about 45 minutes. So if you are visiting Ningbo for a short while it is convenient for you to go and see some of the nicer side of the city.
I'm a bit confused about other reviews telling you to take lunch. About halfway around there is a site where you can have a bbq, There is a restaurant that will sell you meat and other foods, on top of that there are several people who will sell you eggs boiled in tea, corn on the cob and the other typical food that you would expect to see in Chinese tourist traps. The prices are typically inflated with bottles of water costing 5rmb etc, but nothing outrageous.
The last bus back to Ningbo go at around 4.30; although, the last bus arriving at wulongtan will get there at around 6pm. Don't be like us and read the bus timetable on the wrong wide of the road because you will realise that you have missed the bus and then have to figure out how to get home. Fortunately, we paid a passing van 100rmb to take us back to Ningbo.
Finally, if you go to the Nanyuan, you can leave bags with the concierge free of charge.
9. The University of Nottingham Ningbo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Chloe K - Lancashire
Stayed here whilst on a summer school at the campus. The students and academic staff are great people. There is a good range of shops with a Chinese feel. It is a contrast to the UK Nottingham campus! But still very similar and beautiful. Definitely worth a visit! I loved my time here and would love to return if given the opportunity. Thank you for the experience!
10. Baoguo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By KodoDrummer - Yekaterinburg, Russia
I came here because I love visiting the ancient villages, temples, and other structures of China. Baoguo Temple is an over 1,000 years old, all-wood, well-preserved, Mahayana Buddhist temple, built without the use of any metal nails. It is one of China’s first national cultural relic protected sites. The temple is located Anshang Village, 13 km north of the centre of Ningbo City, and 210 km (about a 2-hour, 45-minute drive) in a southerly direction from Shanghai.
Although some of the signage is in both Chinese and English, I’d recommend taking a guided tour or going with a Chinese-speaking friend. It was very informative to learn how the wooden pieces are locked together, without the use of nails. Also, the wood gives off a scent, which keeps birds and insects away. I especially liked looking at the displayed wooden models of the buildings.
The original temple, which went by the name of Lingshan Temple (possibly taking on the name as it was at the foot of Lingshan Mountain), was destroyed in 845. In 880, the rebuilt temple was renamed, Baoguo Temple.
The round trip didi taxi ride from Ningbo City to Baoguo Temple, including the driver waiting 75 minutes for us to return, cost 160 rmb. We had the driver wait, as we wanted to ensure getting a ride back. Often from remote locations, it is difficult to get a ride back.
Admission fee is 20 rmb for adults, and free for seniors.
There are at least two Baoguo Temples in China. Another is located at the foot of Emei Mountain, Emeishan.
