Ningbo's hidden Jiangnan secret, more tranquil than West Lake!

### **Complete Dongqian Lake Travel Guide, Ningbo: Lake views, culture, and cuisine all in one** Dongqian Lake, Ningbo's "back garden," is the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province, with an area equivalent to 3 West Lakes! It not only has vast lake views, but also a rich history and culture, as well as many popular attractions and authentic cuisine. This guide covers transportation, attractions, food, accommodation, and more to help you explore Dongqian Lake! --- ## **📌 Basic Information** 📍 **Location**: Dongqian Lake Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo City 🎫 **Tickets**: Most areas are free, with separate charges for some attractions (such as Xiaoputuo and Fuquan Mountain) 🚗 **Transportation**: - **Self-driving**: About 30 minutes from downtown Ningbo, 2 hours from Hangzhou, and 3 hours from Shanghai (navigate to "Dongqian Lake Visitor Center") - **Subway**: Ningbo Metro Line 4 to "Dongqian Lake Station," then transfer to bus or taxi - **Bus**: Routes 901, 906, 907, etc. are available --- ## **🌿 Must-See Attractions** ### **1. Xiaoputuo (Xiasi Temple)** - **Features**: A small island in the center of the lake with a water Guanyin and Xiasi Temple. You can take a boat or walk across the floating bridge. - **Tickets**: CNY 30 (including the floating bridge) - **Recommended Activities**: Stroll around the lake, pray and take photos, and watch the sunset ### **2. Hanling Old Street** - **Features**: A literary and artistic block transformed from an ancient village with a thousand-year history, preserving Ming and Qing architecture, with many popular stores, cafes, and handicraft shops - **Recommended Spots**: - **Hanling Art Museum** (the architecture is very well-designed) - **Muxin Cafe** (amazing lake view) - **Old Street Snacks** (Youzanzi, Mochi, Nian gao dumplings) ### **3. Southern Song Dynasty Stone Carving Park** - **Features**: A national cultural heritage site with stone carvings from the Shi family tomb passage of the Southern Song Dynasty, full of historical significance - **Tickets**: CNY 45 - **Suitable for**: History buffs and photography enthusiasts ### **4. Fuquan Mountain** - **Features**: Overlooking the panoramic view of Dongqian Lake, tea gardens + forest hiking, with super fresh air - **Tickets**: CNY 25 (including sightseeing bus) - **Recommended Activities**: Hiking, tea picking experience (best in spring) ### **5. Dongqian Lake Cycling Tour** - **Features**: Beautiful greenway around the lake (approx. 30 km), where you can rent bicycles or electric vehicles - **Recommended Route**: Visitor Center → Xiaoputuo → Hanling Old Street → Water Park → Taogong Island - **Rental Locations**: Dongqian Lake Subway Station, South Bank Line Visitor Center ### **6. Ningbo Wildlife Park (formerly Yageer Zoo)** - **Features**: The largest wildlife park in East China, suitable for family trips - **Tickets**: CNY 130 --- ## **🍜 Must-Eat Food Recommendations** You definitely can't miss the lake delicacies and Ningbo snacks at Dongqian Lake! ### **1. Lake Delicacies** - **Qianhu River Shrimp** (super fresh when boiled in clear water) - **Snails** (stir-fried with sauce for great flavor) - **Péng yú (bullhead)** (braised or stewed in soup) - **Green Fish Tail** (Ningbo specialty) ### **2. Authentic Snacks** - **Mochi** (soft, glutinous, and sweet, can be pan-fried or coated with sesame seeds) - **Nian gao Dumplings** (must-eat in Hanling Old Street) - **Youzanzi** (Ningbo version of fried dough twists, crispy and fragrant) - **Roasted Vegetable Nian gao** (savory and flavorful) ### **3. Recommended Restaurants** - **Qianhu Fishing Port** (high-end lake delicacies, great environment) - **Hanling Renjia** (authentic Ningbo cuisine in the old street) - **Aying Restaurant** (recommended by locals, cost-effective) --- ## **🏡 Accommodation Recommendations** ### **1. High-End Resorts** - **Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa** (amazing lake view, luxurious experience) - **Cordis Hotel, Dongqian Lake, Ningbo** (family-friendly, living by the lake) ### **2. Featured Homestays** - **Hanling House of Flowers** (literary and retro, right in the old street) - **Xin Su Fuquan** (Zen homestay in the tea garden) ### **3. Budget-Friendly** - **Chain hotels around Dongqian Lake** (such as Ji Hotel and Atour Hotel) --- ## **📅 Itinerary Suggestions** ### **One-Day Tour (Highlights)** Morning: Xiaoputuo → Hanling Old Street (lunch) Afternoon: Cycling around the lake/Fuquan Mountain → Relax at a lakeside cafe Evening: Return to the city or stay by the lake ### **Two-Day Tour (In-Depth)** **Day 1**: Xiaoputuo → Southern Song Dynasty Stone Carving Park → Hanling Old Street (overnight stay in Hanling or Park Hyatt) **Day 2**: Fuquan Mountain hiking/tea picking → Cycling around the lake → Wildlife Park (optional) --- ## **💡 Useful Tips** 1. **Best Seasons**: Spring and autumn (March–May for cherry blossoms, October–November for autumn colors), summer for water activities 2. **Sun and Mosquito Protection**: The UV rays by the lake are strong, so it is recommended to wear a hat and apply sunscreen 3. **Avoid Weekends**: There are more people during holidays, so it is recommended to go on weekdays 4. **Free Attractions**: Lakeside Park, Taogong Island, Xiasui Wetland, etc. are all free to visit --- Dongqian Lake is perfect for a weekend getaway! Whether you want to take photos, hike, cycle, eat lake delicacies, or just relax, you can find your way to have fun. Save this guide and set off! 🚴‍♀️🌅