Day Trips from Ningbo. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

Discover historical sites and natural beauty just a short journey from Ningbo.

Booking day trips beforehand can ease your travel plans. Find day trip options here.

Popular Day Trip Destinations

Xikou Scenic Area: Ancestral home of Chiang Kai-shek, featuring Mount Xuedou and Xuedou Temple.
Putuoshan Island: A sacred Buddhist mountain, featuring temples, beaches, and hiking trails.
Shaoxing: A historic city known for canals, wine, and Lu Xun's former residence.
Cicheng Ancient Town: A well-preserved traditional town with ancient architecture and temples.

Transportation & Planning

Transportation Options

Various means of transportation connect Ningbo to its surrounding attractions.

Travel Modes

Buses: Direct tourist buses from Ningbo South Bus Station for Xikou; long-distance coaches for other destinations.
High-speed Train: Efficient for travel to Shaoxing from Ningbo Train Terminal.
Taxis/Private Car: Available for Xikou and Cicheng, offering direct travel.

Tour vs. Independent Exploration

Choose the travel style that is in line with your preferences.

Planning Your Visit

Organized Tour: Offers convenience, covering transportation and ticketing, ideal for Xikou or Putuoshan.
Independent Travel: Allows for flexible schedules and a personal pace, suitable for Shaoxing or Cicheng.
Time: Xikou (8-10 hours), Putuoshan (10-12 hours), Shaoxing (8-10 hours), Cicheng (4-6 hours).

Natural Landscapes & Seasonal Features

Nature Reserves

Dongqian Lake: A large freshwater lake ideal for cycling, boating, and scenic walks.
Siming Mountain: Offers serious walking paths and remote natural beauty.
Xiangshan County: Features rugged coastline and local beaches for seaside exploration.
Rural Villages: Try traditional Zhejiang life around Cicheng and Siming Mountain.

Seasonal Delights

Autumn Leaves: Siming Mount and Xikou feature beautiful the changing leaves in fall in late autumn.
Hairy Crab Season: A food-related highlight in autumn, best enjoyed fresh from local sources.
Scenic Landscapes: Mountainous regions in the west and south of Ningbo showcase lush green views and waterfalls.
Tea Plantations: Picturesque settings for photography and quiet reflection.

Cultural & Multi-Day Extensions

Shaoxing Cultural Immersion:Lu Xun's Residence, Shen Garden, canals.
Cicheng Ancient Town:Confucian Temple, traditional homes.
Pilgrimage Sites:Putuoshan, Tiantong Temple, Asoka Temple.
Rural Charm:Villages near Dongqian Lake and Siming Mountain.

Hangzhou Extension:West Lake, tea plantations (1-1.5 hrs by train).
Yellow Mountains (Huangshan):Stunning peaks, sea of clouds (3-4 day trip).
Regional Travel Route:Ningbo → Shaoxing → Hangzhou → Shanghai.
Discovering The natural world Route:Ningbo → Xikou → Huangshan.

Travel Insight

High-speed rail connects Ningbo to Hangzhou and Shanghai, offering efficient travel for multi-day trips.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen cultural comprehension with excursions to historical and spiritual sites outside Ningbo.

Shaoxing Exploration

Discover Lu Xun's Former Residence, Shen Garden, East Lake, and Anchang Ancient Town in this historically rich city.

Cicheng Ancient Town

Visit the Confucian Place of worship and traditional homes, gaining insight into ancient governance and domestic life.

Rural Villages

Explore small villages around Dongqian Lake or in mountainous regions for a glimpse into rural Zhejiang life.

Major Pilgrimage Sites

Experience profound spiritual journeys at significant Buddhist locations.

Spiritual Destinations

Putuoshan: A major Buddhist pilgrimage island, ideal for a profound spiritual experience.
Tiantong Temple: A significant Buddhist temple near Ningbo, important for worship and history.
Asoka Temple: Another historical Buddhist temple within easy reach, a key center for devotion.

Multi-Day Travel Options

Extend your Ningbo visit with trips to renowned regional destinations.

Regional Highlights

Hangzhou: "Paradise on Earth" with West Lake, tea plantations, and classical gardens.
Yellow Mountains (Huangshan): UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning peaks and clouds.
Suggested Route: Ningbo → Shaoxing → Hangzhou → Shanghai for diverse urban and scenic experiences.

Transportation Connections

Ningbo to Hangzhou:1-1.5 hours by high-speed train.

Ningbo to Shanghai:2-2.5 hours by high-speed train.

Huangshan (from Ningbo):Train to Huangshan North, then bus.

Connectivity:Excellent high-speed rail links to major cities.

Regional Focus:Hangzhou and Shanghai are logical next stops.

Travel Efficiency:Multi-day trips are convenient and efficient.

Further Exploration

Plan for an early start for destinations like Putuoshan due to travel time.
Consider independent travel for local towns like Cicheng for a flexible pace.
High-speed rail offers quick transit for city-to-city segments.
Verify operating hours for attractions and transportation schedules.
Always check local weather and road conditions before embarking on mountain excursions.

Multi-Day Extensions

Expand your journey beyond Ningbo with these recommendations.

Hangzhou: Paradise on Earth

Explore the iconic West Lake, serene tea plantations, and classical gardens of Hangzhou, approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ningbo by high-speed train.

Highlights

West Lake boat rides and beautiful walks.
Longjing tea plantations for an experience of the local culture.
Lesser-known gardens and temples.

Yellow Mountains Huangshan

A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning granite peaks, uniquely shaped pine trees, and mystical sea of clouds. Typically a 3-4 day trip from Ningbo.

Experiences

Ascending iconic peaks for panoramic views.
Witnessing the breathtaking "sea of clouds" phenomena.
Photography opportunities amidst unique rock formations.

Logical Next Destinations

Hangzhou and Shanghai present the most logical and accessible next stops for your travel.

Travel Flow

These urban areas form a popular "Golden Triangle" itinerary in the Yangtze River Delta.
A diverse array of urban and scenic experiences are waiting.
Shanghai offers a modern metropolis contrast.

Suggested Longer Regional Travel

Regional Paths

Cultural & Urban: Ningbo → Shaoxing (day) → Hangzhou (2-3 days) → Shanghai (3-4 days).
Nature Focused: Ningbo → Xikou (day) → Huangshan (3-4 days).
Excellent high-speed rail connections facilitate smooth journeys.

Visual Inspiration

Experience the attraction of nearby cities through stunning photography.

Shaoxing Canals

Traditional canals define the historic city of Shaoxing, a short journey from Ningbo.

Hangzhou West Lake

The iconic West Lake in Hangzhou, an UNESCO World Heritage site, captures scenic beauty.

Huangshan Peaks

Majestic granite peaks and unique pine trees characterize the Yellow Mountains landscape.

Plan Ahead

Consider booking high-speed rail tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods, for smooth multi-day extensions.

Day Trips from Ningbo