How to plan a weekend in Ningbo

 Need to recharge after long months of work and lockdowns? Then it is time to treat yourself to a weekend getaway which can include relaxation, recreation and exploration! An ideal destination for this would be the port city of Ningbo in China along Hangzhou Bay. You can plan a weekend getaway (though ideally look to stay longer) and here are some insights and options on how to make the most of your stay.

Find Central Accommodation

A centrally located place to stay is key for your weekend since you can minimise travel and enjoy more time for sightseeing, shopping and more. Look to find a property within easy reach of sites such as Dongqian Lake and Ningbo Cultural Plaza and which also provides river or city views from the room.

To make your stay more memorable, choose a Ningbo hotel which also offers a range of contemporary comforts be it complimentary Wi-Fi, a variety of restaurants, a swimming pool, spa and entertainment options too.

Visit Cultural Sites & Temples

If you are looking to soak up some local culture and visit historical attractions there are many sites to add to your itinerary. One of the key attractions in Ningbo is the 16th century Tianyi Pavilion which is considered Asia's oldest library, while the Tang Dynasty Drum Tower is worth seeing too.

Also of note are the Baoguo Temple, Tiantong Temple and the Temple of King Ashoka, all within easy reach of the city. Don't forget to take a stroll along the charming Ningbo Old Bund (older than the one in Shanghai); it features fascinating western-style buildings dating back to the Opium War, while also being home to plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Spend Time at Dongqian Lake

The Zhejiang Province's largest freshwater lake, this site is ideal for those looking for a scenic spot to unwind or enjoy some activities as well. Easy to reach from the city centre and properties such as Pan Pacific Ningbo, Dongqian Lake is set amidst picturesque mountains backdrops and is the perfect place to add to your weekend sightseeing list. One will find various Buddhist sites, historical buildings and cultural relics around the lake, while it is also a popular spot for riding bikes (bike rentals are available).

Consider Other Attractions

           Romon U-Park ZhengHe | Image via Wikimedia Commons

If you are the type of traveller who wants to pack as much as you can into a weekend, then there are plenty of other things to do in Ningbo. Those travelling with kids can head to Romon U-Park which is a huge indoor theme park with outdoor elements too as well as places like Ningbo Zoo and Ningbo Ocean World.

For more insights into local culture consider a visit to the Ningbo Museum, while art lovers are bound to enjoy the modern works on display at the Ningbo Gallery. Other sites such as the Ningbo Science Exploration Centre and the Qing'an Guildhall where one will find a museum dealing with maritime history and folk customs are also worth mentions.

Get in Some Shopping

Does your ideal holiday include getting in some much-needed retail therapy? Then plan a weekend with reduced sightseeing and increased shopping in Ningbo! The Ningbo Cultural Plaza is an ideal place to start at and is home to various shops, boutiques and entertainment options. Other popular retail hubs include Wanda Plaza, Ningbo Qianhu Lifespace Shopping Plaza and Tianyi Square, while the street known as Gu Lou provides more traditional shopping experiences.

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