Plan at least two days for Xiangshan, let's go!

Xiangshan is a coastal county in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, famous for its seafood, beaches, fishing village culture, and film studios. Here’s a detailed Xiangshan travel guide covering attractions, food, accommodation, and transportation to help you plan your trip effortlessly. --- ### **1. Top Attractions** **1. Xiangshan Film Studio** - **Highlights**: One of China's top 10 film bases, featured in *Nirvana in Fire* and *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, with ancient-style architecture perfect for photos. - **Duration**: 3-4 hours. - **Ticket**: ~¥150 (prices may vary in peak season). - **Tips**: Check performance schedules (e.g., tossing the embroidered ball, martial arts shows). Wearing Hanfu enhances photo ops. **2. Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town** - **Highlights**: A 600-year-old fishing town with well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture and bustling alleys filled with the scent of the sea. - **Must-try**: Visit the "Wengcheng" (urn-shaped city gate) and Fishing Culture Museum, and taste local fried dough twists (*yóuzànzi*). - **Ticket**: ¥60 (free after dusk, but some sites close). **3. Songlan Mountain Coastal Resort** - **Highlights**: Pristine beaches ideal for swimming, camping, and sunrise views. Home to the Asian Sailing Center (2022 Hangzhou Asian Games venue). - **Recommended beaches**: East Beach (full amenities) and South Beach (quieter). - **Fee**: Free; water sports like jet skiing cost extra. **4. China Fishery Village (Huangcheng Beach)** - **Highlights**: A family-friendly seaside park with summer beach festivals. - **Ticket**: ¥60 (includes some facilities like the Ferris wheel). **5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots** - **Hua’ao Island**: Volcanic rock formations, salt fields, and stone forests. Requires a ~30-minute ferry ride. - **Yushan Islands** (reservation needed): Crystal-clear waters for fishing/camping, but limited ferry schedules. - **Dongmen Island**: Facing Shipu across the sea, featuring a lighthouse and Mazu Temple, great for coastal hikes. --- ### **2. Must-Try Food** **1. Seafood Delicacies** - **Red Crab in Brine**: Savory and perfect with rice. - **Scallion Oil Blue Crab**: Plump in autumn, best steamed or with scallion oil. - **Fish Noodles**: Chewy noodles made from mackerel. - **Seafood Noodles**: Try *Old Granny Seafood Noodles* in Shipu—customize with ingredients like yellow croaker or mantis shrimp. **2. Snacks & Specialties** - **Rice Mantou**: Slightly sweet fermented rice cakes. - **Xiangshan Wheat Pancake**: Stuffed with dried shrimp or seaweed, common at street stalls. - **Mugwort Mochi**: A springtime treat, sticky with herbal fragrance. **3. Recommended Eateries** - **Shipu Seafood Street**: Packed with stalls; try *Fisherman’s Wharf* or *Big Fish Restaurant*. - **Dancheng Penglai Market**: Where locals buy fresh seafood (processing available). --- ### **3. Accommodation Tips** - **Shipu Town**: Ideal for exploring the fishing port. Stay at B&Bs like *Shatang Jingwan* or *Facing Mountains, Back to Sea*. - **Songlan Mountain/Huangcheng Beach**: Resorts like *Xiangshan Port International Hotel* suit leisure travelers. - **Near Film Studio**: Budget hotels for early access to the studio. --- ### **4. Transportation** - **Train**: Take a bus from Ningbo Station (~1.5 hours to Xiangshan). - **Drive**: ~3 hours from Hangzhou or 1.5 hours from Ningbo, with scenic sea-crossing bridges. - **Island Access**: Book ferries in advance (e.g., from Shipu Pier to Yushan Islands). --- ### **5. Itinerary Ideas** **2-Day Classic Route** - **Day1**: Film Studio → China Fishery Village (beach fun) → Overnight in Shipu, explore night markets. - **Day2**: Day trip to Yushan/Hua’ao Island (or Songlan Mountain cycling) → Return. **3-Day In-Depth Trip** - Add Dongmen Island or Tantou Island, or join a fishing tour (book at Shipu Pier). --- ### **6. Tips** 1. **Season**: Post-fishing ban (Sept-Oct) offers the freshest catch, but expect crowds. 2. **Sun & Bugs**: Strong UV and mosquitoes—pack sunscreen and repellent. 3. **Weather**: Check typhoon updates (July-Sept) for ferry disruptions. --- Xiangshan is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace—days by the sea, evenings in fishing villages, savoring the coastal charm!