No-Rush Ningbo Travel Guide: Shanghai to Ningbo at Your Own Pace

When people think of quick escapes from Shanghai, Hangzhou usually comes to mind first. But there’s another city waiting to be discovered – Ningbo, a city where locals also say “Ala” (just like Shanghainese), making it feel surprisingly familiar yet refreshingly different. After getting used to Shanghai’s premium prices, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how affordable everything feels in Ningbo. The attractions are conveniently clustered together, and taxi rides between major sights rarely exceed 10 yuan.

Transportation:
The Shanghai to Ningbo journey is remarkably convenient and perfectly timed for a day trip.
Outbound Journey:
Depart Shanghai around 7:40 AM on train D337 or D3131 from Shanghai South Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Station, arriving at Ningbo Station.
Return Journey:
From Ningbo Station, take train G7506 around 8:50 PM back to Shanghai Hongqiao, or G7572 to Shanghai Songjiang.

Your Ningbo Day Itinerary:
Chenghuang Temple → Tianyi Square (Lunch) → Tianyi Pavilion → Moon Lake → Raffles City (Dinner) → Old Bund

Morning: Ningbo Chenghuang Temple – A Journey Through Life
It is the most complete and largest county temple in eastern Zhejiang. The temple honours General Ji Xin, a loyal Han Dynasty warrior who sacrificed himself to save Emperor Liu Bang from Xiang Yu. Walking through the temple complex feels like experiencing an entire lifetime. Each hall represents a different life stage, starting with the Smallpox God Hall where the benevolent Smallpox Goddess protects children from diseases, lovingly feeding medicine to infants with a spoon. As you continue, you’ll encounter the Wenchang Hall, where parents pray for their children’s academic success – fitting, since Ningbo produces more academicians than any other Chinese city. The God of Wealth Hall buzzes with activity, especially during Chinese New Year when locals flock here on the fifth day for prosperity blessings. The Yue Lao (a God of marriage and love in Chinese mythology) Hall offers hope for finding true love, while the Niangniang Hall blesses couples with fertility and family happiness. The Cihang Hall, featuring the twelve golden immortals including Guanyin, provides protection through life’s middle years. Finally, the Jiazi Hall and the Twenty-Four Departments Hall represent old age and the afterlife’s judgment based on one’s deeds.

Lunch: Authentic Local Flavours
For lunch, head to the legendary Gangyagou restaurant – Ningbo’s equivalent of Hangzhou’s Zhiweiguan or Shanghai’s Xiao Yang Shengjian. While they serve various traditional items like steamed buns, noodles, and spring rolls, Gangyagou’s fame rests on their exceptional tangyuan (sweet rice balls).

Made from premium late-season glutinous rice, these traditional Zhejiang treats offer a perfect soft, sticky, sweet, and fragrant texture. Choose from classic fillings like sesame or osmanthus, or try innovative options like durian, cheese, or mushroom. The overall taste profile resembles Shanghai’s Su Xiaoliu, with various xiaolongbao, soup dumplings, wontons, rice cakes, noodles, and fried rice.

Pro tip: Gangyagou’s flagship store in Tianyi Square tends to get crowded, so arrive before 11 AM on weekdays to avoid lines. If there’s a wait, excellent alternatives include Guitang Yongxianji (specialising in Ningbo seafood), Beijiang Zhige (authentic Xinjiang cuisine with generous portions), and Yongbao Ji (fresh ingredients, handmade dishes, specialising in claypot cooking).

Afternoon: Tianyi Pavilion and Moon Lake Scenic Area
This 5A-rated scenic area blends literary heritage with natural beauty. Tianyi Pavilion, known as the “Southern Book City,” is home to the largest private library in Asia. The main building’s ingenious design reflects ancient Chinese philosophy: the second floor consists of a single large room (symbolising “Tian Yi,” or Heaven One), while the first floor is divided into six sections (representing “Di Liu,” or Earth Six). This layout echoes the I Ching principle, “Heaven One generates water; Earth Six completes it,” symbolising the hope of protection from fire.

Just a five-minute walk away lies Moon Lake (formerly known as Mirror Lake). Its mirror-like surface reflects pavilions and towers, capturing the essence of a classic Jiangnan water town. Stroll along the lakeside paths shaded by weeping willows and cross gracefully arched bridges that meander across the water. This picturesque setting has long inspired literary giants, including Tang poet He Zhizhang, Northern Song statesman Wang Anshi, Southern Song Prime Minister Shi Hao, Song scholar Yang Jian, and late Ming historian Wan Sitong.

Evening: Raffles City Dinner and Old Bund Stroll
For dinner, Shanghai visitors will recognize Raffles City – this upscale shopping complex offers familiar dining options like Tan Yu (fish restaurant), Dayu Huizhou, Steam Pot Chicken, and Zhihan Korean Cuisine. The quality and variety make it perfect for satisfying diverse tastes.

After dinner, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Old Bund for some post-meal digestion. Interestingly, Ningbo’s Old Bund predates Shanghai’s famous Bund by 20 years! The area features a bar street and a striking Gothic-style Catholic church standing 32 meters tall with a distinctive single bell tower on its western facade.

The Old Bund offers spectacular views with beautiful urban light displays. Evening brings bustling crowds and endless entertainment options – from street food to cultural performances, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Beyond the main itinerary, things to do in Ningbo, China extend far beyond a single day. The city offers excellent museums, traditional gardens, Buddhist temples, and modern shopping districts. However, this concentrated day trip captures Ningbo’s essence perfectly – blending spiritual reflection, cultural immersion, culinary adventure, and scenic beauty.