Ningbo Travel Guide

The seaport of Ningbo is situated south of Hangzhou, on the coast of the East China Sea. It is one of China's oldest cities, dating back to 4800 BC and boasting a long and detailed history.

Worth It?: It is a good daytrip from Shanghai.
What to Do: enjoy the serenity of the parks, shop, sample local food.
Best Time to Go: during the spring or fall (April to June or September to October).
How Long?: One or two days are long enough.
Trivia: Ningbo is one of the oldest cities in China, dating back to 4800 BC.

Despite being swathed in history, the city does not have too much to offer tourists. Its port was opened to trade after the opium wars of the 19th century and has continued to thrive ever since.

There are a few sights to enjoy and an abundance of local restaurants. The views across the bay are stunning and much of the night life is found around this harbor area. There are also some city parks to enjoy which are very relaxing and peaceful, perfect for those who want to escape for a while.

Travel to Ningbo - Getting There

The nearest international airport, Pudong, is in Shanghai and is 3 hours away from Ningbo by road (if you use the toll bridge). For a scenic route, it is possible to drive through Hangzhou but this will take about 4 hours. There are buses and taxis available from Shanghai's Pudong Airport and it is also possible to take the train from in 4 hours.

Ningbo Things to Do

Ningbo Attractions

Tian Yi Square

the main square in the city and home to the biggest shopping mall.

Moon Lake

a beautiful park in the city which dates back to 636 AD.

Tian Yi Library

a stunning garden pavilion which was built in the 16th century.

Lao Waitan

a popular entertainment district brimming with some of Shanghai's popular chain restaurants and nightclubs. There are also many trendy bars and a selection of international restaurants.

Side trips from Ningbo

The islands: there are many islands dotting the horizon off the coast of Ningbo and many of these can be visited on daytrips.