Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang – Travel Guide

Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang – a region rich in lake and mountain scenery and cultural heritage, home to Dongqian Lake, Ningbo Museum, Southern Song Stone Carving Park, and other well-known attractions. Experience the dual charm of natural ecology and history in a 2-day 1-night trip.

20+
Islands in Dongqian Lake
7000+
Artifacts at Ningbo Museum
500+
Stone Statues at Southern Song Park
40+
Yinzhou Specialty Foods
Panoramic view of Dongqian Lake, Yinzhou, Ningbo
Dongqian Lake Scenery – Landmark of Yinzhou District
Dongqian Lake in Yinzhou, Ningbo, is the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province, praised as having "the charm of West Lake and the grandeur of Taihu Lake". The lake and mountains complement each other, making it a famous scenic tourist resort in Ningbo.

Yinzhou District Two-Day One-Night Lake & Culture Tour

Lake scenery, museum exploration, stone carving heritage, ecological experience

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Dongqian Lake, Ningbo Museum, Southern Song Stone Carving Park, Yinzhou Park, Tiangong Manor
Suitable For
Nature lovers, culture explorers, families, leisure vacationers
Budget per Person
¥600–¥1500
01
Lake & Mountain Scenery and Stone Carving Art
Dongqian Lake · Xiaoputuo · Southern Song Stone Carving Park
Highlights

Morning: Enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of Dongqian Lake. Noon: Visit Xiaoputuo and soak in the Zen atmosphere. Afternoon: Explore the Southern Song Stone Carving Park and appreciate the charm of ancient stone carving art.

Attractions
Dongqian Lake
The largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province, three times the size of Hangzhou's West Lake, known as "West Lake's charm, Taihu Lake's grandeur". The lake is dotted with islands and surrounded by rolling hills, offering stunning scenery.
Xiaoputuo
A peninsula in Dongqian Lake, first built in the Northern Song Dynasty, named for its resemblance to Putuo Mountain. The island features Xiayu Chan Temple, Guanyin Cave, and other attractions, making it one of the core scenic areas of Dongqian Lake.
Southern Song Stone Carving Park
The largest, most numerous, and most exquisitely carved tomb passage stone carving group from the Southern Song Dynasty in China, known as the "Terracotta Warriors of Jiangnan". It serves as important material evidence for studying the history, art, and funeral systems of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Dongqian Lake Resort Hotel
  • Yinzhou Wanda Plaza Business Hotel
  • South Business District Boutique Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Dongqian Lake Fish Head
  • Red Paste Salted Crab
  • Yinzhou Pickled Vegetable Yellow Croaker
  • Qiuao Pickled Vegetables
  • Fermented Rice Ball Soup
Travel Tips
  • Dongqian Lake is large; consider cycling around the lake or taking a boat tour
  • Use sunscreen and stay cool in summer
  • Hiring a guide at Southern Song Stone Carving Park is recommended
  • Bring a jacket as it can be windy by the lake
02
Cultural Experience & Ecological Leisure
Ningbo Museum · Yinzhou Park · Tiangong Manor
Highlights

Morning: Visit Ningbo Museum to learn about Ningbo's history and culture. Noon: Stroll through Yinzhou Park and enjoy the urban oasis. Afternoon: Head to Tiangong Manor for eco-agriculture and leisure activities.

Attractions
Ningbo Museum
Designed by renowned architect Arata Isozaki, the building itself is a work of art. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, showcasing Ningbo's development from the Hemudu culture to modern times, serving as an important window into Ningbo's history.
Yinzhou Park
The central urban park of Yinzhou District, integrating ecological protection, leisure recreation, and cultural display. The park features lakes, wetlands, lawns, and various landscapes, making it a great place for both citizens and tourists to relax.
Tiangong Manor
A comprehensive ecological manor integrating agricultural sightseeing, science education, and leisure entertainment. It features botanical gardens, greenhouses, picking gardens, and other facilities, suitable for family trips and leisure vacations.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Metro Line 3 reaches Ningbo Museum
  • Tourist shuttle buses available to Dongqian Lake
  • Self-driving or bus 117 recommended for Tiangong Manor
  • Taxis are convenient in the city
Ticket Info
  • Dongqian Lake: Free (some attractions charge fees)
  • Xiaoputuo: ¥30
  • Southern Song Stone Carving Park: ¥55
  • Ningbo Museum: Free (reservation required)
  • Tiangong Manor: ¥50
Travel Tips
  • Reservations for Ningbo Museum must be made online in advance
  • Fruit picking experience available at Tiangong Manor (seasonal)
  • Yinzhou Park is ideal for an evening stroll
  • Bicycles can be rented at Dongqian Lake for cycling

Must-Try Foods in Yinzhou District

Dongqian Lake Fish Head

A specialty of Yinzhou District, made from fresh bighead carp from Dongqian Lake, cooked with lake water. The soup is milky white, the meat tender and delicious, making it a signature dish at restaurants around Dongqian Lake.

Qiuao Pickled Vegetables

A specialty of Qiuao Town, Yinzhou District, with a history of over a century. Made from high-quality local potherb mustard using traditional pickling techniques, it appears yellow and glossy with a rich aroma, commonly served as a side dish on Ningbo dining tables.

Red Paste Salted Crab

A classic Ningbo cold dish made from fresh swimming crabs caught off the coast of Yinzhou, salted in brine. The crab meat is tender, the paste bright red, and the taste salty and fresh – a top choice for Ningbo people entertaining guests.

Fermented Rice Ball Soup

A traditional dessert in Yinzhou District, made from glutinous rice flour shaped into small balls and cooked with fermented rice. Soft and sticky, rich in wine aroma, sweet but not greasy – a beloved Ningbo treat.

Yinzhou District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Flowers bloom, ideal for Dongqian Lake outings
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Pleasant weather, great for outdoor activities
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Water activities available at Dongqian Lake
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, suitable for visiting cultural venues
Must-Do Experiences
  • Cycle or take a boat tour on Dongqian Lake
  • Admire the architecture of Ningbo Museum
  • Explore the cultural heritage at Southern Song Stone Carving Park
  • Fruit picking experience at Tiangong Manor
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥150–¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥250–¥800/night
  • Meals: ¥150–¥300/day
  • Transport: ¥100–¥200
  • Total: ¥600–¥1500
FAQ
  • How to get to Yinzhou District? → Take Metro Line 2 and transfer to Line 3 from Ningbo Station
  • How long to visit Dongqian Lake? → About 1 day recommended
  • What special exhibitions does Ningbo Museum have? → Ningbo History & Culture Exhibition, Folk Arts & Crafts Exhibition
  • What souvenirs to buy in Yinzhou? → Qiuao pickles, Dongqian Lake silverfish, gold-lacquer woodcarving

Explore Ningbo Districts & Counties