Ningbo (宁波) is an ancient port city on the eastern coast of China, just 2 hours from Shanghai, yet full of its own character that most travelers overlook — from the oldest wooden library in Asia to a Buddhist temple that is the birthplace of Japan's Soto school. This city is more than an industrial port — it is a cultural treasure tucked in the shadow of Shanghai.
#1 Tianyi Pavilion
The oldest privately built library still fully intact in Asia, built in 1561 by a Ming dynasty official named Fan Qin. It holds more than 300,000 ancient volumes, including rare Ming-era printed editions. The building itself is a beautiful piece of wooden architecture, surrounded by a shady Jiangnan garden, ponds that mirror the rooflines, and old brick walkways that give the place a calm, graceful feel.
- Entry is free or low-cost; book tickets ahead during holidays
- Don't miss the upper floor where the real texts are kept — it needs a separate ticket
- Spend at least 30 minutes walking the outer garden
#2 Moon Lake
A crescent-shaped lake over 1,400 years old, first dug during the Tang dynasty in 636. It covers more than 96 hectares, ringed by public gardens, ancient pavilions, 7 bridges, and 10 small islands. It was once a gathering place for famous scholars and poets going back to the Song dynasty, such as Wang Anshi. The atmosphere is quiet and shady, perfect for a stroll or a rest in the heart of the city.
- Free to walk in year-round, open 24 hours
- The evening is gorgeous when the light reflects off the water
- Try hiring a rowboat to explore around the lake — it's cheap
#3 Ningbo Old Bund
Ningbo's Old Bund opened to foreign traders in 1844, 20 years before the Shanghai Bund. It is one of the few surviving bunds in China, where British, French, German and Dutch architecture is still well preserved. Today it's a district of bars, cafes and stylish restaurants, and the night-time atmosphere is very romantic, with the buildings lit up beautifully.
- Come in the evening for the best atmosphere; the bars stay open late
- An old Catholic cathedral is in this district too, free to visit
- You can walk straight to Sanjiangkou — it's very close
#4 Sanjiangkou
Sanjiangkou is where three rivers meet — the Yongjiang, Fenghua and Yaojiang — and it has been the historic heart of Ningbo for over 1,200 years. It was once the terminus of the Grand Canal and the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road to Japan and Korea. Today it has been developed into a riverside public space, with 8 bridges lit up at night and passenger boats for river cruises around the city.
- Take a sightseeing cruise to see the lights at night, departing from a pier near the Old Bund
- By day, walk along the river for views of the bridges and modern towers
- A riverside food market opens in the evening with local snacks
#5 Tiantong Temple
A Buddhist temple first founded in the year 300, and one of the five most important temples of the Chan (Zen) school in China. It is internationally renowned as the birthplace of Japan's Soto school, after the monk Dogen came to study here in the 13th century. The Song-dynasty architecture remains intact, surrounded by pine forest and mountain streams that give it a deeply peaceful feel.
- Set out early to walk in the forest before the crowds arrive
- In autumn the trees around the temple change colour beautifully
- There is a vegetarian restaurant in the temple — try the old-style Chinese vegetarian food
#6 Dongqian Lake
The largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province, covering 20 square kilometres — three times larger than West Lake in Hangzhou. It formed during the Tang dynasty and is dotted with 30 small islands and ringed by 18 hills. The highlight is Xiaoputuo, an island in the middle of the lake with a Buddhist temple, reached by a long bridge to the shore. The most popular activities are cycling around the lake and taking a boat out.
- Rent a bike near the lake entrance and ride around all day
- Take a boat to Xiaoputuo Island to see the Buddhist temple in the middle of the lake
- The lakeside restaurants serve very fresh, delicious freshwater fish
#7 Baoguo Temple
A temple founded as far back as the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220), with the main hall seen today built in 1013. It is the oldest and most complete example of Song-dynasty wooden architecture south of the Yangtze River, and is listed as national cultural heritage. The remarkable part is that the entire wooden structure was built without a single nail.
- Ask a local guide to explain the ancient nail-free wooden joint system
- Walk on to see the gardens and other pavilions in the temple grounds
- Mornings are quiet and calm — good for meditation or photography
#8 China Fishing Village, Xiangshan
The largest eco-friendly seaside resort on China's eastern coast, located at Shipu in Xiangshan District, themed around the fishing way of life and seaside relaxation. It has natural sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and views of sunrise and sunset. The atmosphere is genuine and sees few foreign tourists, and the main highlight is fresh, cheap seafood. A fishing festival is held every year in September–October.
- Go during the fishing festival (September–October) for a very special atmosphere
- Try fresh seafood at the local fish market — much cheaper than in the city
- You should stay at least 1 night, since it's a long way out
Where to stay in Ningbo for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Ningbo — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Ningbo
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Shangri-La Ningbo
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Ningbo Marriott Hotel
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Fortune Bond Hotel Ningbo
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Tours, tickets & activities in Ningbo
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Ningbo — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Ningbo is ideal for travelers who want to experience the real China without dense crowds. Over 1,200 years of history and beautiful nature await you in a single city.