Touristy Places to See in Ningbo – A Charming Eastern Escape

Found along the southern boundary of Hangzhou Bay and just off the eastern shorelines of the Zhoushan Islands is the imposing Mount Putuo. Back during the reign of the Tangs, Mount Putuo served as central hub and seat for Chinese Buddhism. The importance of it only rose after the emergence of the famous Silk Road. Most of the large temples that were built along the mountain are still around today. This includes the iconic Puji Chan Temple, the famous Fayu Chan Temple, and the secretive Huiji Chan Temple. All in all, you can find up to 20 ancient temples here, meaning it has one of the largest assortments of preserved temples found anywhere in the world. Mount Putuo is also the site of several major festivals that hold an important place in the lives of the locals. In November, the Cultural Festival of Nan Hai Guan Yin is held here. In March, the mountain celebrates the Spring Festival and the Incense Festival. While a visit to Mount Putuo can be fantastic in its own right, if you arrive during one of these festivals, you're sure to be in for a truly memorable experience.

This is considered to be one of the busiest areas in Ningbo and as such, it's a great place to observe and immerse yourself in the local culture. Inside the square, you will see the musical fountain, charming water curtains, the region's largest Catholic church, and a bevy of other fantastic attractions. The best part about Tianyi Square is that it's incredibly easy to reach. If you're staying at one of the centrally located Ningbo apartments in China – say, for example, the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Ningbo – you're just a few minutes away from the square.

Found right next to pristine Moon Lake – a wonderful attraction in its own right – the Tianyi Pavilion Museum is the first distinct library of China! Built during the mid-16th century under the patronage of the Ming Dynasty, the Pavilion, and its extensive collection artefacts have survived through the centuries right up to today.

Found around 10 kilometres away from the Ningbo city centre, Chicheng Town is an ancient settlement with a long and storied history. Referred to as "the Most Charming Ancient Town South of the Yangtze River", Chicheng is famous for its scenic landscapes, historical relics, and a plethora of authentic traditional buildings.

If you're looking to get some shopping done while you're here in Ningbo, Temple Market is the place to be. There are many local shops lined up here, each selling a variety of different items at bargain prices. You can get your hands on everything here, from clothing and fabrics to souvenirs and electronics.