Check out our guide to life in Ningbo
Ningbo is one of China’s oldest cities. It lies between mountains to the south west and the East China Sea and Hangzhou Bay to the east and north respectively. This dynamic port city’s name literally means “serene waves”. Its thriving export industry dates back to the 7th century but these days Ningbo is a major exporter of food, electrical goods, textiles, and industrial tools. Most Chinese know Ningbo best for its abundance of seafood. You’ll also find a large number of native English speakers to socialise with in Ningbo, as it’s home to the University of Nottingham’s China campus.
Ningbo Fast Facts
Prefecture-level and Sub-provincial city
Established – 4800 BCE
Population – 7,639,000
Ningbo Weather
Hottest Month August (28 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (6 °C avg)
Wettest Month June (225.0 mm avg)
Windiest Month July (10 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 1499.1 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Ningbo
Hangzhou Bay Bridge
Drive across one of the longest sea-bridges, over 35kms with a service centre in the middle!
Dongqian Lake
Gorgeous paths, statues and gardens, and scenic drives surround this huge natural lake.
Tiantong Temple
A stunning and expansive Buddhist temple complex nestled in Taibai Mountain.
Ningbo Museum
Stunning buildings designed by Wang Shu, with fascinating museum exhibits and displays.
Baoguo Temple
Serene surroundings and the historic wooden Buddhist temple make this a calming site.
Xiangshan Film and Television Town
Watch filming in progress, see film and TV sets, enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining.
Moon Lake
Explore this man-made lake with historic bridges, shrines, temples, houses and statues.
Xuedou Mountain
Take a cable car to see the enormous Buddha statue, waterfalls and amazing views.
Qing’an Guildhall
Expand your knowledge with exhibits on maritime affairs, folk customs, art and crafts.
Drum Tower
Beyond the tower you’ll find great shopping, souvenirs and sensational traditional cuisine.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 60 | 6.85 | 12.52 | 124.78 |
| Water | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Beer in a bar | 20 | 2.28 | 4.17 | 41.59 |
| Beer in a shop | 9 | 1.03 | 1.88 | 18.72 |
| Coke | 3 | 0.34 | 0.63 | 6.27 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 22 | 2.51 | 4.59 | 45.75 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 40 | 4.57 | 8.34 | 83.18 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 100 | 11.41 | 20.86 | 207.96 |
| Gym per month | 200 | 22.83 | 41.72 | 415.92 |
| City bus | 2.50 | 0.29 | 0.52 | 5.20 |
| Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 340 | 38.81 | 70.92 | 707.06 |
| Loaf of bread | 9 | 1.03 | 1.88 | 18.72 |
