Sight Overview

Though best known as a training port, Ningbo still has some noteworthy attractions for the visitors.

The Tiantong Temple is one of the largest temples south of the Yangze, with over 700 halls and over 100 monks. The Tiangtong attracts many Japanese visitors. Known as the second holiest shrine of the Zen sect, it has sent many teachers to Japan.

Founded in the third century, the Ayuwang Temple, the temple of King Asoka, is about 20km east of town. It is notable for its miniature stupa which allegedly contains a bone of Sakyamuni. The famous Buddhist monk Jianzhen once lived there after he failed for the third time to reach Japan in the Tang dynasty.

If the weather is good, Moon Lake is a pleasant place to have a walk. There is also the old Portuguese Catholic Church near to the passenger ferry terminal which is well worth a visit. The Tiangyige Library, completed in 1561, has more than 300,000 books which can be traced back to the eleventh century. The Bao Guo Temple, built in 1010, is the oldest extant wooden structure south of the Yangze. Also of interests are the Tianfeng Pagoda, a place for scholars to gather to compose poems, the Hemudu, located in Hemudu village in Yuyao city with a history of 7000 years.

If you have enough time, Putuo Shan is a charming island just a few hours boat ride away.