https://ph.trip.com/moments/detail/ningbo-83-135343762?locale=en-PH
Rivera Elizabeth 19Singapore

Ningbo 3 Days 2 Nights Highlights Tour: A Journey of Art and Deliciousness in the Ancient City

✨ Trip Highlights · Perfect blend of cultural heritage and scenic beauty: From Tianyi Pavilion, the oldest private library in China, to Dongqian Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province, this itinerary covers Ningbo’s most iconic cultural landmarks and natural landscapes, allowing you to experience the dual charm of Ningbo as a historic cultural city and a modern coastal metropolis in just three days. · Authentic local food deep dive: The guide carefully selects Ningbo’s most distinctive local delicacies, from time-honored snacks like “Gang Ya Gou” glutinous rice balls and Cangqiao noodle knots, to the fresh “Four Treasures of Qianhu” from Dongqian Lake, plus a variety of seafood options, all within budget for a flavorful Yong taste journey. · Cost-effective comfortable travel: Thoughtfully chosen accommodations with convenient transportation, well-planned attraction sequences to reduce travel costs, and multiple discounts (such as student ID and advance booking) let you enjoy a comfortable experience within a 2000 RMB budget without worrying about expenses. 📌 Basic Information Best travel time: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant seasons in Ningbo, with moderate temperatures and beautiful scenery. In late autumn (November), the ginkgo avenue at Dongqian Lake turns golden, perfect for photography. Weather and clothing: Ningbo is hot and humid in summer, so bring sun protection and lightweight breathable clothes; winters are damp and cold, so warm clothing is necessary. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as many attractions require walking. Budget allocation: Expense Category Budget Amount Description Accommodation 600 RMB Budget hotels or homestays, 300 RMB/night (2 nights) Meals 450 RMB 150 RMB/day, including specialty restaurants and snack experiences Transportation 150 RMB City buses, metro, and some taxi fares Tickets 100 RMB Mainly Tianyi Pavilion ticket (30 RMB), most other attractions are free or low cost Shopping 200 RMB Local specialties and souvenirs Emergency Fund 500 RMB For emergencies or extra experiences Total 2000 RMB 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions It is recommended to choose budget hotels or homestays near Tianyi Square or along the metro line for convenient transportation to all attractions. Accommodations around 300 RMB per night are ideal, keeping the two-night stay around 600 RMB. 🧭 Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration · Morning: Start at Tianyi Pavilion Museum (30 RMB/person). This is China’s oldest existing private library and Ningbo’s “cultural heart.” Visiting early in the morning when it’s less crowded offers a better experience to quietly appreciate the ink fragrance amid the blue bricks and black tiles. Key spots include the Fan Family Residence, Treasure Book Building, and the “Complete Library of the Four Treasuries” exhibition. Renting an audio guide (20 RMB) or joining a guided tour is recommended to deeply understand the ancient wisdom of “books preserving past and present.” · Noon: A 10-minute walk from Tianyi Pavilion leads to City God Temple or Drum Tower Food Street, Ningbo’s food hub. For lunch, try these specialties: · Gang Ya Gou glutinous rice balls (20 RMB/bowl): Osmanthus fragrance mixed with pork lard and sesame filling, bursting with flavor. · Cangqiao noodle knots: An intangible cultural heritage old brand, noodle knots (thin sheets wrapped with meat) served with delicious beef offal soup. · Short-statured meat pies (10 RMB/box): Freshly baked with salted pepper or red bean filling, crispy and not greasy. · Aunt Wang’s Wenchang fried dough sticks: Crispy texture with sweet and savory flavors, a local old brand delicacy. · Afternoon: After lunch, walk 10 minutes to Moon Lake Park, Ningbo’s “mother lake” with over 1,400 years of history, said to hold “half of Ningbo’s history.” Stroll along the “Chrysanthemum Isle - Moon Island - Fragrant Grass Isle” route, visiting the Tang Dynasty He Secret Monitor Shrine and Song Dynasty Korean Embassy ruins. Rest at the lakeside teahouse with a cup of Longjing tea, watch the black-awning boats row by, and enjoy the elegance of “half the city hidden in one lake.” · Evening: Take a taxi to Old Bund (about 15 minutes). This was Ningbo’s earliest foreign trade port, 20 years older than Shanghai’s Bund. At night, the Old Bund is brightly lit with a great atmosphere. Walk along the riverbank to admire historic buildings like foreign consulates, Catholic churches, and banks. Dinner can be at a nearby restaurant or back near your accommodation. Day 2: Dongqian Lake Natural Scenery · Morning: After breakfast, take Metro Line 4 directly to Dongqian Lake Station or taxi from downtown (about 60-80 RMB, 30-40 minutes). Dongqian Lake is Zhejiang’s largest natural freshwater lake, praised for its “Xizi charm and Taihu grandeur.” Upon arrival, visit Xiaoputuo Scenic Area, stroll along the long lake embankment, and enjoy the sparkling lake views. Small pavilions on both sides offer rest and photo opportunities. · Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near Dongqian Lake, tasting local lake delicacies. Recommended to try the “Four Treasures of Qianhu”: river snails, green fish, fish swim bladders, and crispy winter melon. · Afternoon: After lunch, head to Hanling Old Street, a quaint street with blue stone slabs and wooden buildings full of Jiangnan water town charm. Shops sell handicrafts and local snacks. Visit Hanling Art Museum to experience the fusion of a thousand-year-old water town and modern art. If time permits, visit the Southern Song Stone Carving Park (60 RMB ticket) to admire over 200 warrior stone statues and capture ancient-style photos in the evening light. · Evening: Dine at Hanling Old Street or near Dongqian Lake, then return to the city. If energetic, visit the Old Bund bar street again to experience Ningbo nightlife, and try the local yangmei wine cocktail. Day 3: Cultural Arts and Shopping Experience · Morning: After breakfast, visit Ningbo Museum (free, closed Mondays). Designed by architect Wang Shu, its “tile wall” architecture is an artwork itself. The “Oriental Ark” exhibition hall is a must-see, showcasing Ningbo’s 7,000-year history from Hemudu bone whistles to Tang and Song dynasty celadon. The museum’s rooftop terrace offers views of the new city skyline, highlighting the contrast between ancient and modern. · Noon: Have lunch near the museum or return to downtown, choosing restaurants near Tianyi Square to try Ningbo local cuisine. Recommended: · Ninghai Restaurant: Try raw marinated crab (“Eighteen Cuts”) and ten-year aged yellow wine. · Lao Yong Shang Ming Zao or Amao Restaurant: Both serve Ningbo local dishes, affordable and popular with locals. · Afternoon: After lunch, shop for Ningbo specialties at Tianyi Square or Nantang Old Street as souvenirs or gifts: · Fried dough sticks: Ningbo specialty snack, crispy and tasty. · Liangnong rice cake: Traditional pastry, sweet but not greasy. · Ningbo glutinous rice balls: You can buy frozen Gang Ya Gou rice balls to take home. · Dried seafood: For market shopping, visit Lulin Market but remember to bargain. Then head to the airport or train station according to your departure time. 💡 Practical Information · Transportation: · Airplane: Ningbo Lishe International Airport · High-speed rail: Get off at Ningbo Station, where you can directly take Metro Line 2 · City transport: Use Alipay to get the electronic card “Ningbo Rail Transit” for metro rides; buses also accept Alipay QR code scanning · Money-saving tips: · Students and seniors aged 60-69 with valid ID get half-price tickets at Tianyi Pavilion. · Use shared bikes for cycling at Dongqian Lake to avoid high rental fees in the scenic area. · Buy dried seafood at Lulin Market for better prices than tourist spots, but bargain hard. · Caution tips: · “Ningbo specialty shops” at attraction entrances often overcharge; it’s best to eat but not buy there. · “Celebrity autograph photos” at Xiangshan Film City entrance are mostly fake; don’t trust them (if you visit Xiangshan). · The stone slab roads at Wulongtan are very slippery after rain; wear non-slip shoes (if you visit Wulongtan). Hope this guide helps you have a pleasant and fulfilling holiday in Ningbo! Ningbo is a city that combines rich history and culture with modern charm, boasting profound cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and delicious food. We believe you will fall in love with this city. Have a great trip!
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Aug 31, 2025
_ti***df
1 person found this moment helpful
Submit
1
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Tianyi Square

4.6/52099 reviews | Night view
Ningbo
No. 11 of Night Attractions in Ningbo
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Tian Yi Ge Museum

Ningbo Nanny-Level Guide to Explore Stunning Attractions

Indira%
Cicheng Old Town

Why is Jiangnan the most abundant city travel guide that is underestimated?

SilverMoon999
Ningbo Songlanshan Coastal Tourist Resort

2025 Ningbo Top Family Travel Guide! 3 Days of Kid-Friendly Fun Without Mom Getting Tired, Check Off Haijing City + Beach

Chloe Genevieve
Nantang Street

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

Grace.Butler@63
Cicheng Old Town

Ningbo Three-Day Tour

EvelynReynolds97
Yuhuang Mountain Scenic Area

Don't just know West Lake in Zhejiang! Complete guide to 6 cities' popular activities + pitfall avoidance tips for hidden gems

DanielHolm
Nantang Street

🌟 Ningbo Nantang Old Street Food Tour 🌟

LiCandy
Dongqian Lake

Dongqian Lake, perfect for couples' vacations, family and child activities, and weekend getaways with girlfriends!

GlobeTrottingSoul
Hanling Art Museum

Dongqian Lake finally has a luxury hotel that 99% of people don’t know about

beadlikebrianna
Tianyi Square

Ningbo travel must not miss Tianyi Square after the rain

Foster Ethan42Ethan
Tian Yi Ge Museum

Ningbo... Spend the morning at Tianyi Pavilion enjoying the air conditioning, ride the greenway and eat iced yellow wine at Dongqian Lake in the afternoon, and at night

Whimsical Noah~Mitchell27
Tianyi Square

Who’s offering a hidden gem at Ningbo Grand Hotel! I live at 145 Zhongshan East Road and I’m laughing out loud

Harper75 Cook - Harp