Ningbo Xiangshan is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don't recommend visiting in August because...

Xiangshan Travel Guide: A Hidden Gem Where Mountains Meet the Sea in Jiangnan (Including Budget Tips) I. Xiangshan Overview Located along the southeastern coast of Ningbo, Zhejiang, Xiangshan gets its name from a mountain northwest of the county that "resembles a crouching elephant." With 600 km of coastline and 656 islands, it's known as "China's Seafood Capital" and "Hometown of Fishing Culture." Whether you're drawn to blue seas and golden sands, ancient fishing villages, film studios, or outdoor activities, Xiangshan fulfills all your coastal getaway fantasies. Best Time to Visit: May–October (swimming in summer; spectacular Fishing Festival in autumn) Recommended Duration: 2–3 days (ideal for weekend trips or short holidays) II. Transportation Guide (Cost Included) 1. To Xiangshan from Other Cities Flight: Nearest airport – Ningbo Lishe International Airport (~1.5-hour drive) Airport shuttle → Xiangshan Bus Terminal: ~¥50/person, limited schedules (check in advance). Taxi: ~¥200–300 (carpooling is cheaper at ~¥80/person). High-Speed Rail: Nearest station – Ningbo Railway Station (South) Ningbo Station → Xiangshan: Bus from Ningbo South Bus Station → Xiangshan Bus Terminal, ~¥35/person, hourly departures. Self-Drive: Car rental ~¥200–400/day (incl. fuel), ideal for groups. 2. Local Transport in Xiangshan Public buses between attractions are limited; taxis or shared e-bikes recommended (some sites offer shuttle buses). Private car hire: 4-seater ~¥300–500/day (great for in-depth exploration). III. Must-Visit Attractions (Ticket Prices Included) 1. Songlan Mountain Resort (4A) Highlights: Xiangshan's "Golden Coast" with fine sand and clear water, perfect for swimming/beach volleyball. Ticket: Free (activities charged separately). Must-Do: Jet skiing: ¥150/10 mins; Beach BBQ: ¥80–120/person (incl. ingredients); Coastal e-bike ride: ~¥30/hour. 2. China Fishing Village (4A) Highlights: Fishing-culture theme park with museum, folk performances, and seafood stalls. Ticket: ¥60/person (~¥45 online). Must-Do: Fishing trip: ¥800–1500/hour (up to 10 people; keep your catch); Bonfire party: ¥100/person (incl. BBQ/performance). 3. Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town (4A) Highlights: 600-year-old port town with Ming-Qing architecture, blending "town on harbor, mountains in town" charm. Ticket: ¥60/person (combo ticket covers multiple sites). Must-Do: Night views (great for photos); Try "Old Lady Seafood Noodles" (¥25/person). 4. Xiangshan Film Studio (4A) Highlights: Filming site for hits like *Nirvana in Fire*; wear costumes and watch stunt shows. Ticket: ¥150/person (~¥120 online). Must-Do: Spot filming crews (check schedules); Photo ops in Republic-era street (costume rental ~¥50/hour). 5. Hua’ao Island (Geological Wonder) Highlights: One of the world’s top three volcanic rock formations, dubbed "Stone Forest at Sea" – ideal for hiking/photography. Ticket: ¥40/person; Ferry from Jin’gaoyi Pier: ¥10/person (15-min ride); Island e-cart: ¥20/person (round-trip). IV. Food Guide (Avg. Cost) As "Seafood Capital," must-tries include: Seafood stalls: Shipu Port/Songlan Mountain seafood street (~¥80–150/person; prioritize blue crabs, mantis shrimp, yellow croaker). Local snacks: Xiangshan rice cakes (¥5; soft/sweet); Wheat flour rolls (¥15; spring roll-like); Fish noodles (¥20/bowl). Upscale dining: Shipu Seaview Hotel/Songlan Mountain Resort (¥200–300/person; great for special occasions). V. Accommodation (Price Ranges) 1. Budget (¥100–300/night) Shipu homestays (e.g., "Shipu Lodge": ¥150–250; traditional style, walk to ancient town). Songlan Mountain hotels (e.g., "Xiangshan Golden Coast Hotel": ¥200–300; good value). 2. Mid-Range (¥300–600/night) Seaview rooms (e.g., "Xiangshan Banshan Resort": ¥500–800; ocean views, romantic). Near film studio (e.g., "Ningbo Xiangshan Spa Hotel": ¥400–600; breakfast included). 3. Luxury (¥800+/night) Beachfront resorts (e.g., "Sheraton Ningbo Xiangshan": ¥1000–2000; private beach/infinity pool). VI. Sample 3D2N Itinerary (Budget: ¥1500–2500/person) Day 1: Shipu Ancient Town + China Fishing Village AM: Arrive, check into Shipu homestay. PM: Explore Shipu (¥60). Eve: Seafood feast at Fishing Village (¥100). Day 2: Songlan Mountain + Film Studio AM: Beach activities (free). PM: Film studio (¥120). Eve: Return to Shipu for night stroll (free). Day 3: Hua’ao Island + Departure AM: Island hike (¥40 + ¥10 ferry). PM: Return to Ningbo/Hangzhou. Budget Breakdown (per person): Transport: ¥300–500; Tickets: ¥300–400; Food: ¥400–600; Lodging: ¥600–1000. Total: ¥1600–2500. VII. Tips (Must-Read!) Fishing ban: May–Aug sees pricier seafood (farmed/frozen options available). Sun/mosquito protection: Strong sun + coastal bugs – pack sunscreen, shades, repellent. Tide times: Check for Hua’ao Island’s "Stone Forest" visibility at low tide. Bargaining: Negotiate for fishing trips/car hires (especially off-season). VIII. Final Notes Xiangshan – a Jiangnan paradise blessed by mountains and sea, blending fishing-village charm with cinematic magic. From ¥1500/person, savor seafood, beaches, and film-set adventures. Use this guide to embrace its coastal allure! 📌 Pro tip: Attractions are spread out; prioritize self-drive/private hire. Short on time? Focus on Shipu + Songlan Mountain + Film Studio.