Ningbo

Step back in time at the Old Bund (Laowaitan), where the architectural legacy of Ningbo's cosmopolitan past comes alive. English, French, German, and Dutch-style buildings evoke memories of the 1930s and 1940s in this once-bustling international hub. Today, the area offers a variety of evening venues, many of which operate primarily during the summer months.

For a scenic day trip, head to the beautiful and secluded Yushan Island. Tourist infrastructure is limited here, with only a few resorts and a picturesque lighthouse set against the backdrop of crystal-blue seawater. At night, you might even witness the magical blue tears, a phenomenon of mysterious blue lights spotted along Yushan Island's shores, caused by small crustaceans that are washed up on the island's beaches by the rising tides.

Tiantong Temple, a Buddhist spiritual destination located in a hilly area about an hour's bus ride from Ningbo city, is a perfect venue for a day trip. This temple is a vast complex, with dozens of ochre-coloured plaster and red-painted wooden buildings ascending the mountainside. You can’t miss the reconstructed Wanfo Pagoda! Hiking uphill is a pleasant experience, with the clarity of the air, scenic views, and multiple smaller temples along the way.