Back from Xiangshan, not recommended in January

Hey guys 👋, in January, Xiangshan is a place where the sea breeze gently caresses, the sun shines softly, and a unique tranquility and beauty can be found. I just came back from there, and I'm excited to share a super detailed guide with you all! 🌆 Xiangshan is located on the southeast coast of Ningbo, Zhejiang, and consists of the eastern part of the Xiangshan Peninsula and 608 islands and reefs along the coast. Here, the mountains and the sea are intertwined, the scenery is beautiful, and the fishing resources are abundant, making it a treasure city full of oceanic atmosphere. The Shipo Fishing Port is filled with thousands of boats, the sand at Songlan Mountain Beach is delicate, and the mysterious Yushan Islands are all breathtaking. In January, Xiangshan is free from the hustle and bustle of the peak tourist season, allowing you to experience its unique charm more deeply. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: You can fly to Ningbo Lishe International Airport first. There are direct buses from the airport to Xiangshan, which take about 1.5–2 hours. There are many buses, and the schedule is adjusted according to flight dynamics. You can also choose to go to downtown Ningbo first, and then transfer to a bus to Xiangshan. There are buses to Xiangshan from both Ningbo South Bus Station and East Bus Station, making transportation very convenient. 🚄 By High-Speed Rail: After taking the high-speed rail to Ningbo Station, you can also transfer to a bus to Xiangshan at the South Bus Station or East Bus Station. The Xiangshan Bus Station is not far from the city center, and there are buses, taxis, and other transportation options to various attractions and hotels. Most city buses operate from around 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and some tourist buses may adjust their schedules according to the season and tourist flow. You can check specific information through the local bus app or passenger station before traveling. 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day 1️⃣: Shipo Fishing Port Ancient City - China Fishing Village - Banbian Mountain Scenic Area Day 2️⃣: Songlan Mountain Beach Resort - Xiangshan Film and Television City (Winter is the off-season for filming, creating a unique tranquil atmosphere) 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions 📍 Shipo Fishing Port Ancient City: This is an ancient fishing port with a long history. The streets are lined with wooden old houses, and the mottled walls tell stories of the past. Walking along the stone road, you can see fishermen drying fish, and the air is filled with the smell of the sea. Climbing the ancient city wall, you can overlook the busy scene of the entire fishing port, with the harbor full of fishing boats and masts standing tall, creating a spectacular view against the blue sky 📷 📍 Songlan Mountain Beach Resort: Although you can't swim in the sea in January, the beach is delicate and soft, and the coastline is winding. Walking along the seaside, listening to the sound of the waves hitting the beach, and breathing in the fresh sea breeze, you will feel particularly relaxed. The distant mountains and the sea complement each other, forming a beautiful picture. 📍 Xiangshan Film and Television City: This is the filming location for many TV dramas, and if you're lucky, you might see a crew filming. Walking in the film and television city, it feels like traveling back in time, with various ancient-style buildings, including majestic palaces, bustling markets, and simple residences. You can dress up in ancient costumes and take photos, experiencing the fun of time travel. 📌 Practical Tips 1. Tickets for Shipo Fishing Port Ancient City can be booked online in advance, with some discounts available. There are many specialty shops in the ancient city where you can buy seafood and souvenirs. Be careful when walking, as the roads in the ancient city can be uneven. 2. The wind is strong in the Songlan Mountain Beach Resort in winter, so dress warmly and wear a hat, scarf, etc. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, and the fees are reasonable. If you want to stay by the sea, book a sea-view room in advance to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset. 3. Tickets for Xiangshan Film and Television City include multiple attractions. Check the performance schedule in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid missing exciting performances. There are restaurants and snack stalls in the film and television city, but the prices are relatively high, so you can bring some snacks and water. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🐟 Xiangshan Seafood Noodles: This is one of Xiangshan's signature dishes! The noodles are chewy, and the broth is rich and delicious, made from fresh fish bones and shrimp shells, full of the taste of the sea. The noodles are topped with various seafood, such as fresh shrimp, clams, squid, fish pieces, etc., with rich ingredients and generous portions. Every bite of noodles is soaked in the delicious seafood broth, bringing a sense of happiness 👍 🦀 Red Crab: This dish is a seafood lover's dream! It is made with red crab, marinated in saltwater, with crystal-clear crab meat and full, oily red roe. When eating, dip the crab meat in a sauce made of vinegar and ginger, and it will melt in your mouth. The fresh and tender crab meat and the rich red roe spread in your mouth, leaving a salty and fresh taste that is unforgettable. It is a regular on the dining table in Xiangshan. 🐚 Steamed Mud Snails: Mud snails have tender meat and are small in size. Steamed mud snails retain their original flavor, and with a gentle suck, the tender mud snail meat slides into your mouth, with a smooth texture and delicious taste, with a hint of salty seawater flavor. It is a popular dish to pair with alcohol. 🥟 Seafood Fried Rice Noodles: The rice noodles are thin and chewy, stir-fried with shrimp, squid, shredded meat, vegetables, etc., with a suitable amount of soy sauce and seasoning, fried until the rice noodles are evenly colored and fragrant. The rice noodles absorb the fresh taste of seafood and vegetables, becoming more delicious. It is a perfect combination of staple food and seafood, and can be found in restaurants all over Xiangshan. 🍢 Fish Noodles: Made from fresh mackerel fish meat, shaped like noodles, with a tender and smooth texture. It can be cooked into soup noodles or stir-fried, paired with vegetables, mushrooms, shredded meat, etc., with a delicious taste and rich nutrition. It is one of Xiangshan's specialty snacks, and you will fall in love with its unique texture after just one bite. 🏨 Hotel Accommodation 📍 Near Shipo Fishing Port: Xiangshan Shipo Kaiyuan Hotel, located by Shipo Fishing Port, with a superior location and convenient transportation. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with complete facilities, and some rooms offer views of the fishing port. The hotel's dining is also good, with fresh Xiangshan seafood available. 📍 Songlan Mountain Beach Resort: Xiangshan Golden Coast Hotel, located in the Songlan Mountain Scenic Area, with the beach right outside the door. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with various room types to choose from, and the sea-view rooms offer a wide view of the beautiful sea. The hotel also has a swimming pool, gym, and other facilities, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing time while on vacation. 📍 Near Xiangshan Film and Television City: Xiangshan Film and Television City Hotel, close to Xiangshan Film and Television City, convenient for visiting the scenic area. The rooms are clean and tidy, with reasonable prices, and have a certain film and television cultural characteristic. There are some farmhouses and snack bars around the hotel, where you can taste authentic Xiangshan farmhouse dishes. 💖 Travel Experience During these two days in Xiangshan in January, I felt like I had entered a peaceful and beautiful seaside world. The historical charm of Shipo Fishing Port Ancient City, the vastness of Songlan Mountain Beach, and the wonder of Xiangshan Film and Television City all captivated me. The delicious food also immersed my taste buds in the unique flavors of Xiangshan. In January, Xiangshan is free from the hustle and bustle of summer, but has a sense of tranquility and peace, allowing me to feel the gentleness and inclusiveness of the sea. I am already looking forward to my next visit to Xiangshan to continue exploring this beautiful seaside land 💕