Not in Jeju Island but in Ninghai, an underrated treasure city

Don’t go to Jeju Island! A guide to 5 hidden gems in Ninghai, Ningbo: Blue Sea Ancient Village + Mountain Buddhist Pagoda for ultimate healing 🌊

Want to avoid crowds and enjoy the sea and ancient villages? Ninghai, Ningbo in Zhejiang is definitely an underrated weekend getaway! This small city with over 1,700 years of history hides blue seas, ancient villages, and waterfalls. Enjoy the blue sea on sunny days, admire mountain waterfalls in the rain, and unlock off-the-beaten-path experiences with this guide~

【Attraction Guide 1: Qiangjiao Town — Ningbo’s version of “Little Jeju Island”】

- Detailed address and transportation: Located in Qiangjiao Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City. Recommended to drive (about 30 minutes from Ninghai County seat) or take Ninghai bus route 206 to Qiangjiao Town Government stop, then walk 10 minutes to the seaside 🌊
- Highlights: On sunny days, Qiangjiao Town boasts a healing blue sea, every photo looks like it’s taken in Jeju Island! Must-visit “Folk Song Uncle coffee·beer” — sit on the outdoor terrace with the blue sea as your backdrop for drinks and portraits, 100% photogenic 📸 In the evening, go to the pier to watch fishing boats return, the sunset dyes the sea golden red, and you can buy freshly caught seafood and have local restaurants cook it for you — incredibly fresh!
- Other useful info: Open all day, free admission, “Folk Song Uncle” average spend 30-50 RMB per person, seafood cooking fee about 20-30 RMB per serving.
- Tips: Be sure to visit on a sunny day! The sea water turns murky on cloudy days; it’s windy by the sea, so bring a light jacket; strong UV rays in summer, remember sunscreen and a hat.

【Attraction Guide 2: Longgong Ancient Village — A 900-year-old hidden ancient village】

- Detailed address and transportation: Located in Longgong Village, Shenjuan Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City. About 40 minutes by car from Ninghai County seat. Roads inside the village are narrow; park at the village entrance parking lot and walk in 🚗
- Highlights: This 900-year-old village preserves many Ming and Qing dynasty ancient houses and bluestone paths. Walking in the village feels like traveling through time 🏠 Must-see is the uniquely shaped “Dragon Tree,” with branches winding like a giant dragon, considered the “treasure of the village” by locals, perfect for ancient-style photos. The carved window frames and stone-paved alleys are full of charm. When tired, sit under the old tree at the village entrance and listen to villagers share stories about the ancient village.
- Other useful info: Open all day, free admission, 1-2 simple farm inns in the village offering home-style dishes.
- Tips: Some ancient houses are private residences; get permission before visiting; stone paths are slippery when wet, wear non-slip shoes; do not touch ancient building components to protect cultural relics.

【Attraction Guide 3: Xiyou Temple — A thousand-year-old secluded Buddhist site in the mountains】

- Detailed address and transportation: Located on Xiyou Mountain, Shenjuan Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City. About 15 minutes by car from Longgong Ancient Village. The last section is a winding mountain road, drive carefully. There is a small parking lot at the temple entrance.
- Highlights: This temple with over 800 years of history is secluded in the mountains. The pagoda and Buddha statues built on the mountain are stunning! Although under renovation, the core area is open for visits. Yellow walls and red tiles paired with green mountains and trees create a very Zen atmosphere 🙏 Standing beside the pagoda overlooking the valley, when mist swirls, it looks like a fairyland, perfect for atmospheric photos. The temple is very quiet, ideal for sitting quietly and feeling inner peace.
- Other useful info: Open 8:00-17:00, free admission, free incense available inside (take moderately to avoid waste).
- Tips: Construction areas have signs, do not enter casually, stay safe; no loud noises or littering inside the temple; dress neatly and modestly, avoid overly revealing clothes.

【Attraction Guide 4: Qiantong Ancient Town — The “Little Lijiang of Jiangnan” with flowing water】

- Detailed address and transportation: Located in the center of Qiantong Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City. About 25 minutes by car from Ninghai County seat, or take Ninghai bus routes 602 or 603 to Qiantong Ancient Town stop, then walk 5 minutes to the entrance.
- Highlights: The ancient town uses the Bagua principle to channel creek water into the village, “every house has carved beams, every household has flowing water.” It’s one of Zhejiang’s few low-commercialized ancient towns 🌿 Walking on bluestone paths with creek water flowing in front of doors, the wooden and brick carvings on ancient houses are exquisite. Must-visit “Tong Family Ancestral Hall” to see magnificent Ming dynasty architecture; take a black-awning boat ride (about 50 RMB per boat) to experience the unique “water flowing around the village” layout from the water perspective. Try the town’s specialty “Qiantong Three Treasures” (old tofu, hollow tofu, dried tofu) with fresh and tender taste.
- Other useful info: Open 8:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30), admission 50 RMB per person, half price for students with ID.
- Tips: It’s recommended to hire a guide (about 80 RMB per session) for deeper understanding of the town’s history; avoid holidays for fewer crowds and more tranquility; do not litter in the creek to protect water quality.

【Attraction Guide 5: Yancang Mountain Waterfall in Ninghai — A hidden gem for rainy days】

- Detailed address and transportation: Located on Yancang Mountain, Dajiahe Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City. About 35 minutes by car from Qiantong Ancient Town. There is parking at the entrance; a 15-20 minute mountain walk is required to reach the waterfall.
- Highlights: This little-known waterfall is hidden deep in the mountains, with few visitors and beautiful scenery. Be sure to visit on rainy days! When rain is abundant, the waterfall flows fiercely, cascading from high above with mist everywhere — truly spectacular 💦 Green plants grow along the mountain path, the air is fresh, perfect for hiking and breathing oxygen. There is a shallow pool below the waterfall where you can step in on sunny days (be careful on rainy days and avoid getting too close). Use a wide-angle lens to capture the waterfall’s grandeur.
- Other useful info: Open all day, free admission, no streetlights on the mountain path, recommended to descend before 17:00.
- Tips: Mountain paths are slippery when wet, wear non-slip hiking shoes; bring rain gear (raincoat recommended, umbrellas are inconvenient in the mountains); do not go alone, best to go with companions; mountain signal is weak, inform family of your itinerary in advance.