5 trips to Ningbo, here's my guide

Hey guys 👋, Ningbo in January is like a reserved and charming Jiangnan beauty, exuding a unique charm. I just came back from there, and now I'm sharing this super detailed guide with you! 🌆 Ningbo, located in eastern Zhejiang, is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage. It has the gentle charm of a Jiangnan water town and the bustling vitality of a modern metropolis. The ancient Tianyi Pavilion is filled with the fragrance of books, and Sanjiangkou witnesses the changes of the city. In January, Ningbo is slightly cool, but the air is fresh, and every corner of the city exudes a sense of tranquility and peace, making people want to explore its beauty. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: After arriving at Ningbo Lishe International Airport, you can take Metro Line 2 directly to the city center, which is convenient and fast. There are also airport buses to various directions in the city and surrounding cities, with many departures. You can choose the appropriate route according to your destination. 🚄 By High-speed Rail: Ningbo Station has a rich schedule and is a major transportation hub with complete facilities. The surrounding area is convenient for transportation, with buses, subways, taxis, and other transportation options available, making it easy to reach various attractions and hotels. Most city buses operate from around 6:00 to 18:00, and some routes in busy areas or scenic spots may extend their hours. You can pay by mobile phone, and it is recommended to check the bus app for real-time information before traveling. 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day1️⃣: Tianyi Pavilion Museum - Moon Lake Park - Nantang Old Street - Old Bund Day2️⃣: Dongqian Lake Scenic Area - Hanling Old Street 🌟 Must-visit Attractions 📍 Tianyi Pavilion Museum: The oldest existing library in the world, it houses countless ancient books and documents, like a treasure trove of knowledge. Entering Tianyi Pavilion, the ancient architecture and serene environment make you feel like you've traveled back in time, immersed in a rich cultural atmosphere and the long river of history 📷 📍 Dongqian Lake Scenic Area: The largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang, known for its "West Lake scenery and Taihu grandeur." In January, Dongqian Lake is clear, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful scenery. You can choose to cycle around the lake, enjoy the lake and mountain views, or take a boat tour and feel the gentle breeze, which is refreshing and relaxing. 📍 Old Bund: Ningbo's fashion landmark, home to many bars, restaurants, and European-style buildings. At night, the lights come on, full of exotic charm, blending with Ningbo's historical heritage. Stroll along the riverbank, admire the dazzling lights and river views, and feel the city's vitality and romance. 📌 Practical Tips 1. Tianyi Pavilion Museum tickets can be booked online in advance. It is recommended to hire a guide to better understand the history and cultural value of the library. Smoking and loud noise are prohibited in the museum, and visitors should take care of the cultural relics and environment. 2. Dongqian Lake Scenic Area is large, with many activities. You can plan your route and activities in advance and choose the appropriate transportation. The wind is strong by the lake in winter, so keep warm and wear a hat, scarf, etc. 3. The Old Bund is lively at night, but be sure to keep your personal belongings safe to avoid losing them in crowded places. There are many restaurants nearby where you can taste various local dishes and snacks. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🥟 Ningbo Tangyuan: A signature Ningbo delicacy, these glutinous rice balls are large and filled with a generous amount of filling. The glutinous rice skin is soft and chewy, and the black sesame filling is fragrant. Take a bite, and the sesame oil aroma instantly fills your mouth, sweet but not greasy, with a rich taste. In the cold January, a bowl of steaming tangyuan warms both body and heart 👍 🍤 Ning-style Shredded Eel: Eel is cut into strips and stir-fried with chives, ginger, and other ingredients, resulting in a fragrant and rich flavor. The shredded eel is tender and smooth, the chives add a unique aroma, and the sauce is rich and thick. It's perfect for mixing with rice and is a regular on Ningbo tables, leaving a lasting impression. 🥘 Snow Vegetable Yellow Croaker: The yellow croaker is tender, and the snow vegetable is salty and delicious, complementing each other perfectly. The snow vegetable's umami flavor infuses the fish, making it even more delicious. This dish has a rich broth, and the fish melts in your mouth. It's a traditional Ningbo dish that showcases the fresh flavors of Ningbo cuisine. 🍜 Cangqiao Noodles: Noodles wrapped in tofu skin with meat filling, served in a delicious broth. The noodles are tender and smooth, the meat filling is juicy and flavorful, the noodles are chewy, and the broth is rich. With added vegetables, mushrooms, and other ingredients, the taste is diverse. It's a Ningbo specialty snack that can be found in noodle shops on the streets. 🥠 Dragon and Phoenix Gold Dumplings: Made with glutinous rice flour and filled with red bean paste, topped with golden pine pollen. The dumplings are soft and sticky, the red bean paste is smooth and sweet, and the pine pollen adds a unique flavor. They are round and cute, a traditional Ningbo pastry, sweet but not greasy, with a strong Jiangnan flavor. 🏨 Hotel Accommodation 📍 Near Tianyi Pavilion Museum: Ningbo Fubang Hotel, conveniently located near Tianyi Pavilion Museum and Moon Lake Park, making it easy to get around. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with complete facilities and attentive service. The hotel has a restaurant offering Ningbo specialties and other dishes to suit different tastes. 📍 Near Dongqian Lake Scenic Area: Cordis Hotel Dongqian Lake Ningbo, located within the scenic area, with beautiful surroundings and fresh air. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and most offer lake views, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from your room. The hotel also has a gym, swimming pool, and other facilities for a comfortable leisure experience. 📍 Near Old Bund: Atour Hotel Ningbo Old Bund, close to the Old Bund, with convenient transportation and a variety of dining and entertainment options. The rooms are stylish and clean, with attentive service. Staying here, you can easily visit the Old Bund at night to enjoy the night view and experience Ningbo's nightlife atmosphere. 💖 Travel Experience During these two days in Ningbo in January, I felt like I was in a poetic Jiangnan dream. The book fragrance of Tianyi Pavilion, the beauty of Dongqian Lake, and the prosperity of the Old Bund all made me linger. The delicious food immersed my taste buds in Ningbo's unique flavors. Ningbo in January is not as noisy and busy as big cities, but it has a sense of tranquility and elegance, allowing me to feel the gentle charm of Jiangnan water towns and the deep cultural heritage. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Ningbo to explore more of the city's charm and surprises 💕