The story of the butterfly lovers is known throughout China. Yangshuo, in Guangxi Province, has a butterfly cave dedicated to this famous couple, but Ningbo’s Gaoqiao Town stakes its claim as the home of this moving story. This “Romeo and Juliet” story of China dates back nearly 2000 years. If you do not know the story, then a visit to this cultural park will answer all of your queries.

 

 

This fascinating site features a Neolithic man dating back to 7,000 years ago. Although not very well promoted and a little difficult to reach, it is well worth the trip to see the innovation and skill of these Chinese ancestors. There is an English language video which describes the site, and a museum. There is also the opportunity to walk around part of the archaeological site, and witness the reconstruction of the lifestyle of these people.

  

China Jade Garden

 

Not far from the Hermudu site is China Jade Garden. This attraction, which contains some wonderful jade carvings, features the Xiyin Temple, made solely of jade stone with magnificent jade Buddhas. The Garden also contains a smaller version of the Beijing Temple of Heaven, called the Southern Temple of Heaven.

 

 

If you enjoy peaceful mountain scenery and tranquil water lakes, then this is an ideal stop. In good Chinese tradition, Siming Mountain is also called “East Zhejiang natural animals and plant Museum” and it lives up to this grand title. The Siming area also marks a famous Taoist site, and Tuoshan Dam, a water conservation program, is nestled within these mountain ranges. Siming Lake is a panoramic vista  displaying the tranquility of nature.

  

 

Simply put, China is the land of the dragon and it pervades every part of history and culture. Five Dragon pools is an excellent example of this old dragon worship. Not only are there lovely creeks and waterfalls and of course, the five wells, but there is also an altar that was dedicated to dragon sacrificial offerings. There is also a 400 year old temple dedicated to both the God of War and the Dragon King.

 

 

 

 

Easily accessible by bus from Ningbo, Xikou is located near Fenghua about 35 kilometres from Ningbo. A four star national tourist site, Xihou is the birthplace of Chiang Kai-Shek, and another centre of Chinese Buddhism. Xikou has every right to be proud of its picturesque scenery and landscape. There is a lovely combination of mountain, springs, plentiful small streams and waterfalls. Historical sites include the tomb of Chiang Kai-Shek’s mother, the Xikou museum, the Wuling Gate Tower and the Xuedou Temple.

 

 

 

Qiantong Town's history dates back more than 800 years and many of its old streets and buildings constructed during the Ming and Qing Dynasties are well preserved. It is located about 10 kilometres from Ninghai, which is easily accessible by bus from Ningbo. Most of Qiantong's families have the surname of Tong.

 

 

Nanxi hot spring, and the surrounding Forest Park, also near Ninghai, form a national scenic and a protected forest area which feature mountain scenery, lovely crystal clear streams, nine waterfalls, and of course, dense forest landscapes.

 

 

 

This picturesque seaside resort is located about 8 kilometres from Dancheng and is easily accessible by bus from Ningbo. There are many quaint local folklore stories about the naming of Mount Songlan from which the beach resort takes its name. It is easy for everyone to find a way to relax here with its sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, caves, and fishing. To quote the government tour guide “Over the blue sea, the nine isles are scattered like a string of pearl necklace.” How could anyone resist a description like that?

 

 

Also located in Xiangshan County, this destination is well worth visiting if you are fascinated by those historical Chinese romance movies. A complete reconstruction of an ancient town and gardens are here for visitors to envision the China of the past.

 

 

Located further south near Shipu Fishing Port, is one of China's major fishing ports. It has also been used for a number of 1930s Chinese films depicting the life of Chinese fisher-folk. The Chinese Fishing Village is China’s biggest seashore tourism project and contains not only the village theme park itself, but encompasses Fishing Culture Folk Custom Street, Song Dynasty Beach, Folk Town, Shipu Fishing Port, Shipu Ancient Street, and Underwater Paradise.

 

 

 

 

Dongqian Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang, and is actually four times bigger than its more famous counterpart, West Lake in Hangzhou. Work on the lake dates back more than 1200 years. In fact there are many similarities between Dongqian and Hangzhou's West Lake. West Lake houses the tomb of Yue Fei a national hero, while Dongqian Lake has King Yue’s Temple, built in 1234 in memory of Yue Fei. Also like West Lake, Dongqian has a central dike linking the centre of the lake to the mainland, although at 1.8 kilometres, Dongqian’s is much longer. The lake is about a 30 minute bus trip from Ningbo. Regular ferry boats take you to the central dike where you can walk out or catch an electric cart. The walk, however, is very pleasant and picturesque.

 

  

 

 

About 10 kilometres from Ningbo, Chicheng is an historic town currently being restored and protected by the Ningbo municipal government as part of its city development plan. One end of the town has a large, interesting and somewhat humorous look at life of scholars preparing for and sitting government examinations. If you like old Chinese dwellings or are interested in Chinese history, then Chicheng is worth a visit. Regular buses leave from South Bus Station.