Located in the eastern part of Zhejiang province and in proximity (and appearance) to cities such as Hangzhou and Shanghai, the history and geography of Ningbo make it something else entirely.
As a coastal city, Ningbo is surrounded by islands accessible to the public for a visit. With a rich history as a port city, a properly planned trip to Ningbo can be the perfect balance between city and nature.
Though the city is still developing, it has plenty of spots to visit, such as the Ningbo Museum (宁波博物管). A great place to explore Ningbo’s history and culture, the museum should not only be appreciated for what’s inside. For the building itself is unlike any other.
A confusing, yet aesthetically pleasing building with the stylings of a traditional Ningbo village, the walls are lined with tiles and bricks, placed using an ancient architectural technique.
The windows are another matter, placed in an intentional disorder. It looks good.
Elsewhere, the physical manifestation of all the history in the Ningbo Museum is located in downtown Ningbo at the Old Bund (宁波外滩). Showcasing the mix between modernity and history, Chinese architecture and western architecture (specifically British and Dutch), I was surprised to learn that it is some 20 years older than its counterpart in Shanghai. It’s also the oldest of its kind in China.
Built during the opium war, the Old Bund now serves as home to many restaurants and bars.
During the day, it’s a nice place for a walk around to look at the statues and buildings; at night it comes alive, and it’s where to be to grab some food, hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.
To discover the local taste of Ningbo, Nantang Old Street (南塘老街) is a pedestrianised street filled with food stores that sell local snacks. It’s a great chance to sample the area’s delicacies and visit today’s trendy stores.
Away from urbanisation, Ningbo also has many natural attractions. The city is home to numerous scenic areas and hiking spots, such as Nine Dragon Lake (九龙湖), which is not only for hikers, but also includes a resort with a pool.
With hiking trails in Nine Dragon Lake more natural than other spots as they are unpaved and without stairs, visitors can choose between a short hike or an all-day version.
Then there are the spots for barbecues and a temple to visit. Tiantong Temple (天童禅师) is just one, although there is an entry fee, the hiking spot is free of charge. Beginning with a paved path and stairs, near the top, the pavement becomes dirt and the path a bit more challenging.
Finally there is the crème de la crème of Ningbo; its islands. A great way to connect with nature during your trip, the Zhoushan Islands are a group of islands located around the city.
Take a bus from Ningbo to Zhoushan Island, the biggest island with the most places to visit. Zhoushan also acts as a gateway to some of the other, smaller islands that can only be reached by ferry, places such as Dongji Island. These don’t require much time to visit as a day can be more than enough to walk around and discover the scenery.
The best time to visit Ningbo is during the spring, specifically the months of March and May. For those who prefer warmer weather, September and October are best.
