Four days and three nights in Ningbo in December, leisurely exploring mountains, sea, and local life!

In December, Ningbo’s temperature is not too low, with fewer people and peaceful scenery. Mountains and sea coexist, ancient towns are warm and inviting, and art museums stand by the sea. Is there a city better suited for off-peak independent travel than this? This cost-effective itinerary under 3000 RMB for four days and three nights takes you from the nightlife of the Old Bund to the sunrise at Songlan Mountain, spending a warm winter at the southern end of the Yangtze River Delta. --- 🗓 Itinerary (4 days 3 nights) Day 1: Arrive in Ningbo → Nightlife at the Old Bund Take the high-speed train directly to Ningbo Station, then walk 5 minutes to check in at the Old Bund riverside guesthouse 💰680/night × 3 = 2040 In the evening, visit the century-old European-style buildings, their lights reflecting on the river creating a cinematic atmosphere 📸 Must-try dinner: Ningbo-style shredded eel, seaweed rice cake, and three-flavor rice noodles, all for about ¥50 per person to taste authentic "Yong" flavors. Day 2: Cycling at Dongqian Lake + Artsy stroll in Hanling Old Street ✅ Morning: Rent a shared bike to circle Dongqian Lake (free), cycling 30 minutes to Xiaoputuo Island Lake and mountain views with swaying reeds, just the right gentle touch for winter ✅ Afternoon: Explore Hanling Old Street — a thousand-year-old water town reborn, with white walls and black tiles hiding cafes, pottery workshops, and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions Recommended stop: Hanling Art Museum (built by the lake, exquisite exhibitions, ticket ¥30) Day 3: Xiangshan Banbianshan Resort → Relax by the sea watching the sunset ✅ Take a taxi or rent a car for 1.5 hours to Xiangshan Banbianshan Tourist Resort (free) Though swimming is not allowed on the beach, the winter sea view is poetic and vast 🌊 Visit Donghai Divine Stone Park to photograph rocks and waves, then wait for the sunset over Orange Sea Try roasted sweet potatoes and tea by the fire at local fishermen’s homes, about ¥80 per person for a relaxing experience Return the same day or stay overnight at a seaside guesthouse (included in total accommodation budget) Day 4: End with the scholarly atmosphere of Tianyi Pavilion + Return trip ✅ Morning visit to Tianyi Pavilion and Yuehu Scenic Area (ticket ¥30), China’s oldest private library, full of literary charm Stop by Drum Tower Pedestrian Street to buy souvenirs: Youzanzi (fried dough twists), Fenghua layered cake, Ningbo glutinous rice balls Return easily from Ningbo Station in the afternoon --- 💰 Budget breakdown: - Major transport: Round-trip high-speed train ¥600 (from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai) - Accommodation: 2040 (three nights in quality guesthouses) - Tickets + meals + local transport + experiences: about ¥360 ✅ Total: Only 2995 RMB! All-inclusive mountain, sea, and cultural experience --- December in Ningbo is a quiet page hidden in the folds of Jiangnan: with sea breeze gently blowing, the scent of books, and the warm flavor of bustling streets. This winter, come to a city that is unpretentious but truly understands life, and live your days a little slower, then a little slower still.