Ningbo's hidden Jiangnan secret, more tranquil than West Lake!
### **Complete Dongqian Lake Travel Guide, Ningbo: Lake views, culture, and cuisine all in one**
Dongqian Lake, Ningbo's "back garden," is the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province, with an area equivalent to 3 West Lakes! It not only has vast lake views, but also a rich history and culture, as well as many popular attractions and authentic cuisine. This guide covers transportation, attractions, food, accommodation, and more to help you explore Dongqian Lake!
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## **📌 Basic Information**
📍 **Location**: Dongqian Lake Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo City
🎫 **Tickets**: Most areas are free, with separate charges for some attractions (such as Xiaoputuo and Fuquan Mountain)
🚗 **Transportation**:
- **Self-driving**: About 30 minutes from downtown Ningbo, 2 hours from Hangzhou, and 3 hours from Shanghai (navigate to "Dongqian Lake Visitor Center")
- **Subway**: Ningbo Metro Line 4 to "Dongqian Lake Station," then transfer to bus or taxi
- **Bus**: Routes 901, 906, 907, etc. are available
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## **🌿 Must-See Attractions**
### **1. Xiaoputuo (Xiasi Temple)**
- **Features**: A small island in the center of the lake with a water Guanyin and Xiasi Temple. You can take a boat or walk across the floating bridge.
- **Tickets**: CNY 30 (including the floating bridge)
- **Recommended Activities**: Stroll around the lake, pray and take photos, and watch the sunset
### **2. Hanling Old Street**
- **Features**: A literary and artistic block transformed from an ancient village with a thousand-year history, preserving Ming and Qing architecture, with many popular stores, cafes, and handicraft shops
- **Recommended Spots**:
- **Hanling Art Museum** (the architecture is very well-designed)
- **Muxin Cafe** (amazing lake view)
- **Old Street Snacks** (Youzanzi, Mochi, Nian gao dumplings)
### **3. Southern Song Dynasty Stone Carving Park**
- **Features**: A national cultural heritage site with stone carvings from the Shi family tomb passage of the Southern Song Dynasty, full of historical significance
- **Tickets**: CNY 45
- **Suitable for**: History buffs and photography enthusiasts
### **4. Fuquan Mountain**
- **Features**: Overlooking the panoramic view of Dongqian Lake, tea gardens + forest hiking, with super fresh air
- **Tickets**: CNY 25 (including sightseeing bus)
- **Recommended Activities**: Hiking, tea picking experience (best in spring)
### **5. Dongqian Lake Cycling Tour**
- **Features**: Beautiful greenway around the lake (approx. 30 km), where you can rent bicycles or electric vehicles
- **Recommended Route**: Visitor Center → Xiaoputuo → Hanling Old Street → Water Park → Taogong Island
- **Rental Locations**: Dongqian Lake Subway Station, South Bank Line Visitor Center
### **6. Ningbo Wildlife Park (formerly Yageer Zoo)**
- **Features**: The largest wildlife park in East China, suitable for family trips
- **Tickets**: CNY 130
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## **🍜 Must-Eat Food Recommendations**
You definitely can't miss the lake delicacies and Ningbo snacks at Dongqian Lake!
### **1. Lake Delicacies**
- **Qianhu River Shrimp** (super fresh when boiled in clear water)
- **Snails** (stir-fried with sauce for great flavor)
- **Péng yú (bullhead)** (braised or stewed in soup)
- **Green Fish Tail** (Ningbo specialty)
### **2. Authentic Snacks**
- **Mochi** (soft, glutinous, and sweet, can be pan-fried or coated with sesame seeds)
- **Nian gao Dumplings** (must-eat in Hanling Old Street)
- **Youzanzi** (Ningbo version of fried dough twists, crispy and fragrant)
- **Roasted Vegetable Nian gao** (savory and flavorful)
### **3. Recommended Restaurants**
- **Qianhu Fishing Port** (high-end lake delicacies, great environment)
- **Hanling Renjia** (authentic Ningbo cuisine in the old street)
- **Aying Restaurant** (recommended by locals, cost-effective)
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## **🏡 Accommodation Recommendations**
### **1. High-End Resorts**
- **Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa** (amazing lake view, luxurious experience)
- **Cordis Hotel, Dongqian Lake, Ningbo** (family-friendly, living by the lake)
### **2. Featured Homestays**
- **Hanling House of Flowers** (literary and retro, right in the old street)
- **Xin Su Fuquan** (Zen homestay in the tea garden)
### **3. Budget-Friendly**
- **Chain hotels around Dongqian Lake** (such as Ji Hotel and Atour Hotel)
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## **📅 Itinerary Suggestions**
### **One-Day Tour (Highlights)**
Morning: Xiaoputuo → Hanling Old Street (lunch)
Afternoon: Cycling around the lake/Fuquan Mountain → Relax at a lakeside cafe
Evening: Return to the city or stay by the lake
### **Two-Day Tour (In-Depth)**
**Day 1**: Xiaoputuo → Southern Song Dynasty Stone Carving Park → Hanling Old Street (overnight stay in Hanling or Park Hyatt)
**Day 2**: Fuquan Mountain hiking/tea picking → Cycling around the lake → Wildlife Park (optional)
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## **💡 Useful Tips**
1. **Best Seasons**: Spring and autumn (March–May for cherry blossoms, October–November for autumn colors), summer for water activities
2. **Sun and Mosquito Protection**: The UV rays by the lake are strong, so it is recommended to wear a hat and apply sunscreen
3. **Avoid Weekends**: There are more people during holidays, so it is recommended to go on weekdays
4. **Free Attractions**: Lakeside Park, Taogong Island, Xiasui Wetland, etc. are all free to visit
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Dongqian Lake is perfect for a weekend getaway! Whether you want to take photos, hike, cycle, eat lake delicacies, or just relax, you can find your way to have fun. Save this guide and set off! 🚴♀️🌅