Ningbo In-Depth Travel Guide | A Poetic Collision of Mountains, Sea and History

🌟 Highlights at a Glance 1. Natural Wonders: Dongdan Village's Enchanted Forest Trail, Xufuyan (Ivory Mountain) Via Ferrata and Waterfall 2. Cultural Journey: Explore 7,000 years of civilization at Yuyao Hemudu Site 3. Island Charm: "Ningbo's Altay" at Wangjia Lan Prairie and Xiangshan Fishing Port 4. Culinary Delights: Ningbo seafood, Yuyao farm cuisine, Xiangshan fishermen's feast 🗺️ 4-Day 3-Night Essential Itinerary Day 1: Exploring Ningbo City Culture 🌅 Morning: Tianyi Pavilion Museum China's oldest existing private library. Stroll through the Hui-style garden and experience the fusion of literary heritage and ancient architecture. Recommended to visit early morning to avoid crowds and capture the serene images of red walls and bamboo shadows. 🌇 Afternoon: Cycling around Dongqian Lake Rent a bike for a lakeside ride, with key stops at Xiaoputo Scenic Area and Hanling Old Street. Enjoy tea at a lakeside teahouse in the evening as the sunset colors the lake red. 🌙 Accommodation Recommendations: Park Hyatt Ningbo (lakefront rooms with mountain and water views) or Hanling Floral Retreat (old town charm). Day 2: Dongdan Village + Wangjia Lan Prairie 🌿 All Day: Dongdan Village Enchanted Forest Hike the Youmateng Trail through a forest of uniquely shaped vines, like stepping into an enchanted world. In the afternoon, head to Dongdan Beach for sailing, surfing, or waiting for sunset. Camp under the stars at night. 🐑 Evening: Wangjia Lan Prairie Just a 10-minute drive away, see herds of cattle and sheep with yurts dotting the landscape—"Ningbo's Altay." Recommended outfit: white long dress with a straw hat for highly photogenic results. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: Seaside guesthouses in Dongdan Village, especially "In the Sea Breeze" which includes a seafood barbecue dinner. Day 3: Xufuyan (Ivory Mountain) Adventure ⛰️ Morning: Xufuyan Glass Walkway Walk on a glass skywalk 200 meters above ground overlooking a 100-meter waterfall, feeling the cool mist on your face. Those afraid of heights can choose the Cloud Ladder trail to Rainbow Pool instead. 🧗 Afternoon: Via Ferrata Climbing Challenge yourself on the cliff-side steel cable route, taking about 2 hours (advance booking with an instructor required). Physically demanding—bring energy bars and sun protection. 🌄 Evening: RV Campsite Afternoon Tea Enjoy outdoor barbecue and stream-chilled fruit at the Xufuyan RV Resort, with mountains and waterfalls as your Instagram-worthy backdrop. 🚗 Accommodation Recommendations: Xufuyan RV Campsite or hotels in Fenghua Xikou Town. Day 4: Yuyao Hemudu Civilization Tour 🏺 All Day: Hemudu Site Museum Explore this 7,000-year-old Neolithic civilization, focusing on the reconstructed stilt house buildings and the famous "Two Birds Facing the Sun" ivory carving. Recommended to use the AR guide for an immersive experience of ancient life. 🌾 Afternoon: Siming Mountain Bamboo Sea Drive to the northern foothills of Siming Mountain and walk through bamboo forest trails, encountering mountain streams and azaleas. For the energetic, challenge the Baiyan Mountain Wind Farm Road for panoramic views of Yuyao. 🍜 Before Returning: Try "Yellow Croaker Noodles" and "Liangnong Rice Cake" in Yuyao City, recommended at "Yuyao Old Flavors" restaurant. 📸 Photography Guide 1. Dongdan Village: Use wide-angle lens to capture the depth of the vine forest; shoot silhouettes against backlight on the beach 2. Wangjia Lan Prairie: Low-angle shots of windmills against the blue sky; use drone at dusk to capture where prairie meets coastline 3. Xufuyan: Aerial shots of the entire waterfall from the glass walkway; capture dynamic moments during via ferrata climbing 4. Hemudu: Focus on ivory carving details in the museum; use slow shutter speed for silky water effects on bamboo forest trails 🍜 Local Food Guide: Hits and Misses ✅ Must-Try Recommendations Xiangshan Port "Eighteen Slices": Swimming crab paired with yellow rice wine, soul-stirringly fresh and sweet Yuyao Yellow Croaker Noodles: Handmade noodles in a milky-white broth made from yellow croaker Xufuyan Bamboo Tube Rice: Freshly cut bamboo tubes filled with glutinous rice and preserved meat, charcoal-grilled with bamboo aroma ❌ Warning Tips Be cautious with "viral seafood restaurants" near tourist areas; recommend fishermen's family feasts in Dongdan Village instead Convenience stores at Xufuyan peak have inflated prices; bring your own drinking water ⚠️ Essential Tips 1. Transportation: Recommended to rent a car (about 300 yuan per day) from Ningbo city to various attractions; drive carefully on the winding mountain roads in Xiangshan 2. Seasonal Highlights: Hydrangea blooms in Dongdan Village in May, red maples in Siming Mountain in September, ginkgo trees at Xufuyan in November 3. Packing List: Non-slip hiking shoes (Xufuyan trails can be slippery), polarizing lens (to eliminate water reflections), mosquito repellent (dense vegetation in Dongdan Village) 4. Cultural Respect: No touching exhibits at Hemudu Site; ask permission before photographing ethnic minority costumes The beauty of Ningbo lies in the thousand-year-old ivory carvings of Hemudu, the misty waterfalls of Xufuyan, and the rising cooking smoke from fishing villages in Dongdan. This guide takes you through mountains, sea, and time to unlock the diverse charm of this "port that connects to the world"!