3 Days 2 Nights Ninghai Travel Guide! Forest Hot Springs & Ancient Grottoes

🌟 Itinerary Overview

Duration: 3 days 2 nights

Theme: Mountain-Sea Retreat & Ancient Town Hot Springs

Highlights:

- Explore Zhejiang East Grand Canyon where Xu Xiake's travels began

- Rejuvenate at East China's famous forest hot springs

- Stroll through Qiantong Ancient Town with its Jiangnan charm

- Stay in glass-sea island homestay for sunset views

🗓 Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Mountain Wonders & Hot Spring Therapy

Morning

- Arrive in Ninghai: Take high-speed rail to Ningbo Station, then rent a car (1.5hr drive)

- Zhejiang East Grand Canyon (4A scenic area)

- Explore volcanic canyons, hike cliffside plank roads, visit Flying Dragon Waterfall and Immortal Peak

- Optional Baixi Reservoir cruise (recommended 10:30-14:00)

Afternoon

- Ninghai Forest Hot Springs (National AAAA Forest Park)

- Soak in natural radon springs with 20+ minerals, enhanced by autumn maple scenery

- Recommended to stay at hot spring resort (bring swimwear)

Evening

- Enjoy local specialties like free-range chicken soup and Changjie razor clams at the resort while stargazing

Day 2: Ancient Town & Island Escape

Morning

- Qiantong Ancient Town (4A scenic area)

- Wander stone-paved roads with Bagua water system, visit Ming-Qing architecture and Xu Xiake's ancient path

- Try traditional snacks like tofu pudding and qingtuan rice cakes, perfect for vintage photography

Afternoon

- Qiangjiao Islands·Hengshan Island

- Boat to "Little Putuo" island, explore mangrove forests, photograph glass-sea sunsets (Shenhaiwan Homestay offers transfers)

- Check into Shenhaiwan Homestay with ocean views, try beach camping or activities

Evening

- Seafood dinner at homestay, join bonfire party, overnight in sea-view room under stars

Day 3: Grotto Exploration & Return

Morning

- Wushan Grottoes (4A scenic area)

- Discover thousand-year-old quarry sites across 30+ cave clusters - a real-life "Tomb Notes" adventure

- Ideal for photography, especially in Hanfu costumes

Afternoon

- Free time options:

1. Return to downtown for wedding banquet cuisine at Shili Hongzhuang Cultural Park

2. Drive to Xujiashan Stone Village for volcanic rock houses and handmade tofu

- Departure: Return to Ningbo Station based on flight/train schedule

📌 Tips

1. Transportation:

- Self-drive from Ningbo offers flexibility (30-60min between attractions)

- Hengshan Island requires 20min boat from Qiangjiao Pier

2. Recommended stays:

- Hot Spring: Ninghai Forest Hot Spring Resort (breakfast+hot spring included)

- Island: Shenhaiwan Homestay (sea-view rooms + private beach)

3. Seasonal advice:

- Autumn for maple leaves enhancing hot springs; summer for spectacular island sunsets

4. Tickets:

- Grand Canyon: ~¥120; Hot spring packages from ¥300

- Book Hengshan Island boat+homestay 1 week in advance during peak season

May this itinerary help you experience Ninghai's poetic landscapes and cultural warmth!