Weekend Escape｜Special Forces Ningbo Two-Day Travel Guide

On a weekend morning, I flew from Guangzhou to Ningbo to start this two-day late autumn journey. This trip focuses on ginkgo viewing, historical culture, and local cuisine. With careful planning, I experienced the essence of Ningbo’s autumn colors and flavors within a limited 48 hours. Accommodation was chosen near Yinzhou Wanda Plaza, which offers convenient transportation, less than half an hour by car from the airport, and a wide variety of dining options nearby, making it an ideal base for a short trip. Itinerary Map and Key Information To make your trip clearer and more efficient, I have organized the core information for the two-day itinerary. Day 1: Exploring History and Autumn · Morning · Chiang Family Residence: Located in Fenghua Xikou, it is the birthplace and childhood home of Chiang Kai-shek. Main highlights include Wenchang Pavilion and small Western-style houses. · Transportation: Take a taxi from near Yinzhou Wanda, about 1 hour by car, with toll fees. · Ticket Reference: Combined ticket for Chiang Family Residence about 120 RMB per person. · Afternoon · Tiantong Temple: A thousand-year-old ancient temple famous for its autumn ginkgo avenue. The best viewing period is from late November to early December. · Transportation: Taxi from Chiang Family Residence, about 1 hour by car. Return to the city takes about 40 minutes. · Admission: Free. Day 2: Urban Autumn Charm · Morning · Yinzhou Park: A large city park suitable for walking and picnicking, to enjoy a leisurely autumn day. · Afternoon · Moon Lake Park · Academician Forest: Located in Haishu District, it is a famous ginkgo spot in Ningbo city, with golden trees perfect for photography. 01 Highlights of the Itinerary: Ancient Temple Ginkgo and Republican Era Stories The ginkgo at Tiantong Temple is the soul of this trip. Arriving in the afternoon, the slanting sunlight edged the “golden corridor” paved by over 200 ancient ginkgo trees in front of the temple. Fallen leaves on the bluestone path 🍂 looked like scattered gold. By Wanggong Pond, the golden ginkgo reflections and the verdant ancient camphor trees complemented each other, creating a serene and majestic scene. Wearing Hanfu or simple elegant dresses to take photos by the red walls and ancient trees makes for stunning shots. Inside the temple, the soft Buddhist chants and strolling around truly convey the Zen charm and beauty of “Donggu Autumn Red.” In contrast, the autumn atmosphere at the Chiang Family Residence carries a different historical flavor. The trees in front are sparse by early December, but the flowing Shan Creek and the Republican-era buildings like Wenchang Pavilion and small Western-style houses still evoke memories of the past. On the second day, I woke up naturally and enjoyed a lazy autumn morning on the large lawn of Yinzhou Park. In the afternoon, I went to the Academician Forest in Moon Lake Park, where the ginkgo was at its peak, the trees dazzling like an oil painting. When the wind blew, yellow leaves fell like rain, one of the most touching moments of the trip. 02 Accommodation and Transportation: Convenience is the Key to Efficient Travel I chose a hotel near Yinzhou Wanda Plaza. This choice is based on three major advantages: · Transportation Hub: Only 20-30 minutes by car from Ningbo Lishe International Airport, very convenient for round trips. · Living Convenience: Within walking distance to Wanda Plaza, Mingzhouli, and other commercial complexes, with many dining options. · Central Location: Taxi rides to city attractions and Yinzhou Park on the second day are all within 15-20 minutes, saving a lot of time. Ningbo City New Elite Hotel is a representative choice in this area. It is within walking distance to Wanda Plaza and offers a rich buffet breakfast to fully energize your day. Taxis are recommended throughout the trip, as Ningbo’s attractions are not close to each other (e.g., about 1 hour from the city to Xikou). Taking taxis saves time and effort, suitable for a tight weekend trip. 03 Food Diary: From Must-Eat Lists to Old Neighborhood Shops Ningbo’s cuisine mainly features seafood. The restaurants I visited each have their own characteristics: 📍 Ninghai Restaurant (multiple branches) A long-standing must-eat restaurant, it is recommended to get a number online in advance through “Delicious Without Waiting.” The signature dish is stir-fried rice cakes with white crab, with rich crab roe and soft, flavorful rice cakes. I also tried pomfret with tofu fish; the tofu fish’s tender texture is quite special. However, some stir-fried dishes lacked a bit of wok hei. The complimentary cantaloupe and cold black fungus salad after the meal were unexpectedly refreshing and tasty. 📍 17-Year-Old Neighborhood Shop (Community Store) A hidden gem near Yinzhou Wanda. Although the stir-fried rice cakes with white crab might use frozen crab, the seasoning is still excellent. Sweet and sour ribs and salt and pepper potatoes are must-orders; the potatoes are crispy outside and soft inside, leaving a deep impression. The flavors of such neighborhood shops often feel closer to local daily life. 📍 Lotus Fragrance Xiangshan Seafood Noodle House You can choose your own seafood combination, and the broth is fresh and delicious. But overall, the experience is average; if time is limited, prioritize the first two restaurants. 04 Exclusive Tips for Late Autumn Travel · Seize the golden moment: Ningbo’s autumn ginkgo viewing period is short. Tiantong Temple is best from late November to early December, and Moon Lake Park’s Academician Forest peaks in early December. Check local news websites for the latest leaf conditions before traveling. · Plan for sunset time: In Ningbo’s autumn and winter, it gets dark very early. Sunset starts around 4:30 PM, and it’s basically dark after 5:30 PM. Plan dinner and nighttime activities in advance. · Avoid peak dining times: For popular restaurants (like Ninghai Restaurant), be sure to get a number in advance or have dinner around 5 PM to perfectly avoid waiting crowds. · Dress and photo tips: It is recommended to wear off-white, camel, brown tones, or Hanfu, which match perfectly with the ginkgo and ancient temple backgrounds. The light after 3 PM is soft and is the golden time for photography.