Ninghai County, Ningbo, Zhejiang – Travel Guide

Ninghai County, Zhejiang – the starting point of Xu Xiake's Travel Notes, home to Qiantong Ancient Town, Ninghai Hot Spring, East Zhejiang Grand Canyon, and more. A 2-day 1-night journey blending ancient town charm with spectacular mountain and water scenery.

800+
Years of History (Qiantong)
100+
Ming & Qing Buildings
49.5°C
Hot Spring Temperature
30+
Local Specialties
Panoramic view of Qiantong Ancient Town, Ninghai
Qiantong Ancient Town – Landmark of Ninghai
Qiantong Ancient Town is the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty ancient town in eastern Zhejiang, known for its "small bridges, flowing water, and houses" layout and exquisite wood and brick carvings, hailed as the "Museum of Jiangnan Ming-Qing Residences".

Ninghai 2-Day 1-Night Mountain & Ancient Town Journey

Ancient town exploration, hot spring wellness, canyon adventure, bay leisure

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Qiantong Ancient Town, Ninghai Forest Hot Spring, East Zhejiang Grand Canyon, Wushan Grotto, Ninghai Bay
Suitable For
Ancient town lovers, nature explorers, hot spring seekers, families
Budget per Person
¥600–¥1500
01
Ancient Town Charm & Hot Spring Wellness
Qiantong Ancient Town · Ninghai Forest Hot Spring · Xu Xiake Ancient Trail
Highlights

Morning: Stroll through Qiantong Ancient Town and admire Ming-Qing architecture. Noon: Savor local Ninghai cuisine. Afternoon: Explore the Xu Xiake Ancient Trail. Evening: Relax at Ninghai Forest Hot Spring.

Attractions
Qiantong Ancient Town
Founded in the Southern Song Dynasty, it is the best-preserved Ming and Qing ancient town in eastern Zhejiang, famous for its "small bridges, flowing water, and houses" layout and exquisite wood and brick carvings, known as the "Museum of Jiangnan Ming-Qing Residences".
Ninghai Forest Hot Spring
Also known as Tianming Mountain Nanxi Hot Spring, one of Zhejiang's most famous hot springs. Water temperature 49.5°C, rich in minerals, surrounded by mountains and dense forest – ideal for relaxation and wellness.
Xu Xiake Ancient Trail
Named after Xu Xiake, this trail follows the opening route of his travel notes. It winds through forests and connects several ancient villages, making it a perfect choice for hiking enthusiasts.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Qiantong Ancient Town featured B&B
  • Ninghai Forest Hot Spring Resort Hotel
  • Ninghai city business hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Ninghai Razor Clams
  • Qiantong Three Treasures
  • Wheat Pancake Roll
  • Chalu Black Pork Braised in Soy Sauce
  • Changjie Mud Snails
Travel Tips
  • Hire a guide at Qiantong Ancient Town for deeper history
  • Bring swimwear or buy on site for hot spring
  • Wear comfortable sports shoes for Xu Xiake Trail
  • Keep warm in winter at the hot spring area
02
Natural Wonders & Bay Scenery
East Zhejiang Grand Canyon · Wushan Grotto · Ninghai Bay
Highlights

Morning: Explore the East Zhejiang Grand Canyon. Noon: Enjoy fresh seafood. Afternoon: Visit Wushan Grotto. Evening: Head to Ninghai Bay for coastal views.

Attractions
East Zhejiang Grand Canyon
Also known as Baixi Reservoir Scenic Area, featuring canyon scenery, streams, waterfalls, and奇特 peaks. Known as the "No.1 Grand Canyon in East Zhejiang", ideal for hiking, rafting, and sightseeing.
Wushan Grotto
Composed of multiple grottoes, an ancient quarry site formed over 800 years. Unique rock formations inside, surrounded by mountains and water outside, known as the "Bay Grotto Museum".
Ninghai Bay
Also known as Sanmen Bay, a famous bay in Ningbo with pristine coastline and multiple islands. Ideal for sea viewing, water activities, and fishing trips, often called the "Thousand Islands Lake on the Sea".
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Public bus from Ninghai county to Qiantong Ancient Town
  • Self-driving recommended for Grand Canyon & Wushan Grotto
  • Bus route 206 reaches Ninghai Bay
  • Taxi convenient between scenic spots
Ticket Info
  • Qiantong Ancient Town: ¥70
  • Ninghai Forest Hot Spring: ¥198
  • East Zhejiang Grand Canyon: ¥85
  • Wushan Grotto: ¥80
  • Ninghai Bay: Free (boat ride extra)
Travel Tips
  • Summer rafting available at Grand Canyon
  • Watch for slippery floors inside Wushan Grotto
  • Check weather before boating at Ninghai Bay
  • April-May is best season for Ninghai razor clams

Must-Try Foods in Ninghai

Ninghai Razor Clams

A specialty of Ninghai County, certified as China National Geographical Indication product, most famous from Changjie Town. Tender and delicious, can be steamed, stir-fried, or used in soup – a representative seafood of Ninghai.

Qiantong Three Treasures

Traditional delicacies from Qiantong Ancient Town, including old tofu, hollow fried tofu, and dried bean curd. Unique texture and delicious flavor – a signature of Qiantong.

Wheat Pancake Roll

A traditional Ninghai dish, also called "Five Tigers Capture the Sheep". Multiple dishes are wrapped in a thin wheat pancake rolled into a cylinder, rich in flavor – a festive staple for locals.

Chalu Black Pork Braised in Soy Sauce

A signature Ninghai dish made from locally raised black pork, cooked using traditional methods. Tender, not greasy, with a rich flavor – a beloved local classic.

Ninghai Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Pleasant weather, ideal for ancient town tours
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Great for Grand Canyon rafting and bay activities
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clear skies, perfect for outdoor adventures
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Best season for hot spring wellness
Must-Do Experiences
  • Stroll through ancient streets of Qiantong
  • Soak in Ninghai Forest Hot Spring
  • Hike the East Zhejiang Grand Canyon
  • Go fishing at Ninghai Bay
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥350–¥450
  • Accommodation: ¥200–¥600/night
  • Meals: ¥150–¥300/day
  • Transport: ¥100–¥200
  • Total: ¥600–¥1500
FAQ
  • How to get to Ninghai? → ~40 min by high-speed rail from Ningbo Station
  • How long to visit Qiantong Ancient Town? → About 3 hours
  • What's special about Ninghai Hot Spring? → Natural mineral-rich spring
  • Local souvenirs? → Dried razor clams, Qiantong Three Treasures, Ninghai tea

Explore Ningbo Districts & Counties