How to Plan a Ningbo Trip - Guide to Organizing the Perfect Holiday in Ningbo

Occupying pride of place in the eastern region of Zhejiang province, Ningbo is a historic and cultural epicenter with a heritage that dates back 7000 years. As one of the biggest harbor cities in China, this breathtaking precinct is home to some of China's oldest Buddhist temples and colonial structures. Ningbo is considered a heartland for nature lovers and culture buffs. Here's how to plan a successful getaway to this fascinating and underrated corner of the republic.

1. Timing the Trip

Although Ningbo is a charming holiday hotspot for most months of the year, first-time visitors should understand that the area enjoys subtropical monsoon weather conditions. This means that it's best to avoid the rainy season between May and September, which is the wet season in Ningbo. As far as the best time to visit Ningbo, seasoned travellers agree that the spring and autumn seasons are the best periods to vacation in the city. This means the months of March and April and the fall months of October and November are the perfect time for a trip.

2. Getting There

Tourists who are flying in directly to Ningbo without visiting Beijing, Shanghai or any other popular Chinese city can find direct flights that land at Ningbo Lishe International Airport. Tourists based in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Osaka, Jeju Island and Macau can find plenty of carriers flying nonstop to Ningbo's Lishe International Airport. Bullet trains bound for Ningbo are also accessible from Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Xiamen, Hangzhou and other cities while fast trains from Guangzhou and Chengdu also serve the Ningbo Railway Station.

3. Get Around

Tourists who reserve accommodation at Pan Pacific Ningbo and other centrally located hotels will find that the easiest way to get around the city is via the subway and the public bus network. Those who intend to venture outside the downtown area to take part in some of the top things to do in Ningbo, however, may find that taxis are more convenient for these road trips out of the city.

4. Must-See Attractions

Tianyi Pavilion, Ningbo | Image via Wikimedia Commons

As there are a great many points of interest in the city, it is crucial to create a sightseeing itinerary for the trip so that no time is wasted in deciding where to go on any given day. Apart from the iconic Drum Tower and the Baiyun Manor, some of the must-visit highlights in Ningbo include some of its finest monuments and historical attractions including the TianYi Pavilion and the prehistoric showcases accessible at the Hemudi Site. The Ningbo Baoguo Temple and the Asoka Temple are breathtaking spiritual venues in the city while some of the best museums to tour during a visit include the Ningbo Museum, the China Port Museum, the Ningbo Bang Museum and the Ningbo Museum of Art.

5. Sign up for Activities

Top activities that visitors should engage in during a stay in the city include touring Ningbo Ocean World, one of the largest aquariums in China while a day at the Ningbo Youngor Zoo and the Ningbo Wildlife Park can also be a rewarding experience for animal lovers. Qiantong Ancient Town is another historic area of Ningbo that visitors will find intriguing. Spending time by Dongqian Lake or hiking along the winding paths of Hua'ao Stone Forest are other great ways to spend time in Ningbo's natural surroundings apart from witnessing the majesty of the Ningbo Five Dragon Pool and the Moon Lake.

6. Shopping

Don't forget to pencil in a shopping spree down Cheng Huang Temple Commercial Street, one of the biggest local bazaars in Ningbo. Those on the lookout for more tasteful knick-knacks can head down to the Little Goods Market or stick to the plush department stores.