How to Plan a Weekend in Ningbo – A Splendid Getaway in China

The historic and cultural city of Ningbo is located in China’s Zhejiang Province. One of the province’s three main economic centres, this city is a treasure trove of attractions. An important harbour city in China for decades, Ningbo is a hub to learn about the 7000-year rich history of the Hemudu Culture and China’s importance as the world’s first rice cultivating nation. Learn more about the fascinating city in this article on how to plan a weekend in Ningbo.

The Best Time to Visit Ningbo

The area in which Ningbo is located enjoys a sub-tropical weather pattern. This monsoonal climatic condition offers the place a lovely ambience. And average temperatures here are around 16 Celsius degrees, with summer temperatures measuring around 28 Celsius degrees. Summer starts in June with spring taking place in late March. And by late September, autumn arrives at Ningbo. When planning a visit to Ningbo, the best time to choose is spring and autumn. During these seasons, there is less UV damage to worry about and temperatures are just fine for exploring the area. In May and September, Ningbo can get quite sunny, so when planning to visit the area then, do take along your sunglasses.

Getting to Ningbo

The Ningbo Lishe International Airport is only 12 kilometres from downtown Ningbo. It welcomes daily flights from all major cities in China. Thus, planning a quick weekend getaway to the city is easy even when you are on a holiday in the country. International flights from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Osaka, and Jeju Island arrive at the city’s international airport.

You can also plan to take the bullet train to Ningbo from major cities in China. Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Nanjing, and other popular Chinese cities all offer links by railway to the city. Hence, transferring to your Ningbo hotel too is a breeze. And if you choose accommodation at places like Pan Pacific Ningbo, travelling and sightseeing in the city will be convenient.

Top Attractions in Ningbo

As a culturally and historically rich city, Ningbo has many attractions to explore. A few include,

• Tianyi Pavilion – Constructed in 1560, this library in downtown Ningbo is a treasured heritage site.
• Ningbo Museum – Learn more about the city’s rich history at this museum. The building is a design of internationally acclaimed architect Wang Shu. He won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2012. Inside are artefacts dating back centuries, chronicling the city’s proud heritage as the first rice-producing nation.
• Nantang Old Street – This one is for the foodies. The vintage shops of this pedestrianised street are noted for their array of mouth-watering traditional dishes
• Hemudu Ruins Museum – Another one for the culture buffs, this museum cum architectural site was excavated in 1973. It is lauded as one of the first discovered sites from the Neolithic Age.
• Tiantong Temple – This shrine was established in the Jin Dynasty. It is a tranquil complex you must visit to savour mystical vibes

There are many more wonderful sites to explore in Ningbo such as the 1700-year-old Asoka Temple and the pretty Dongqian Lake district.

Activities to Enjoy in Ningbo

Apart from heading out on a cultural tour of the area, you can indulge in a foodie tour of Ningbo. The place is well-known for its array of cuisines. And hot favourites include sesame rice dumplings, lotus leaves, and steamed pork.

You can also indulge in a variety of activities like cycling in Ningbo. The weather and surroundings are highly conducive and perfect for outdoor activities to help rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Be a Part of the Vibrant Ningbo Night Attractions

The city comes alive as the dusk falls, lighting up in a thousand twinkling lights. The harbour area, especially, is a lovely place to explore when it’s lit up in a myriad of lights. The best area to wander about at night in Ningbo is the Sanjiangkou area.

Enjoy your time in Ningbo!