A Hidden Lakeside Vacation Gem

As the largest lake in eastern Zhejiang, Dongqian Lake is indeed a perfect place to relax and vacation. With a 3-day itinerary and a budget of 3,000 RMB, you can enjoy a very comfortable trip. I have prepared a guide that balances beautiful scenery, culture, and cuisine, hoping to help you create an unforgettable lakeside journey. 🏞️ Ningbo Dongqian Lake 3 Days 2 Nights Essential Travel Guide ✨ Highlights · A blend of lake and mountain scenery with millennium-old Song Dynasty charm: Paddle or cycle on a lake three times the size of West Lake, and explore the cultural treasures of the Southern Song stone carvings. · High cost-performance quality travel: Carefully selected experiences throughout, with an average budget of about 750 RMB/day per person, covering transportation, accommodation, tickets, and dining. · A mix of active and relaxed deep experiences: One day cycling and roaming, one day cultural exploration, one day free choice, with a comfortable and leisurely pace. 📝 Basic Information Overview of Dongqian Lake: Dongqian Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang, about three times the size of West Lake. Known as the "Oriental Geneva," it combines lake and mountain scenery, Southern Song culture, and water activities. Best Travel Seasons: · Spring (March-May): Pleasant climate, cherry blossoms in full bloom, ideal for cycling around the lake. · Autumn (September-November): Clear skies and calm lake surface, perfect for photography. Budget Allocation (for 2 people, about 1,425 RMB per person): Expense Category Economy (RMB) Comfortable (RMB) Accommodation (2 nights) 600 900 Dining (3 days) 450 600 Transportation 200 300 Tickets & Activities 300 450 Miscellaneous 100 150 Total Approx. 1650 Approx. 2400 🗓️ Itinerary Overview Here is the overall arrangement for the 3-day itinerary for your quick reference: 🚴‍♀️ Detailed Itinerary 🏡 Day 1: Lakeside Cycling and Zen at Little Putuo Island · Morning: Take Metro Line 4 from Ningbo city center directly to Dongqian Lake Station. Upon exit, you will see the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. Rent a bicycle (about 20 RMB/hour) or an electric bike (about 50 RMB/hour) at the visitor center and start cycling around the lake. Recommended clockwise cycling route: Visitor Center → Water Park → Qianhu Secret Realm → Lakeside Causeway → Little Putuo Island. Don’t miss photo opportunities on the wooden plank bridge on the Lakeside Causeway and the water forest boardwalk; aerial shots are especially stunning. · Noon: Cycle near Little Putuo Island and have lunch at Qianhu Fishing Port or Grandma’s Bridge Lakeview Restaurant, costing about 80-120 RMB per person. Must-try Dongqian Lake Three Treasures: White carp head tofu soup, braised mixed fish platter, and spring bamboo shoots with pork. · Afternoon: Visit Little Putuo Scenic Area (ticket 30 RMB), take a boat to the island to explore the Southern Song ancient temple Xiayu Zen Temple, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this millennium-old Guanyin sanctuary. The “Putuo Cave Heaven” stone cave inside the temple is also worth seeing. · Evening: Enjoy the sunset at the Lakeside Causeway or lakeshore, then check into your guesthouse. · Night: Have dinner at the guesthouse or nearby restaurant, savor local lake delicacies, and rest early to recharge for the next day. 🏮 Day 2: Southern Song Culture and Ancient Village Charm · Morning: After breakfast, head to the Southern Song Stone Carving Park (ticket 40 RMB) to explore the most complete existing Southern Song tombstone stone carving group in China, feeling the solemn grandeur of 800-year-old statues of civil and military officials. · Noon: Dine near the park or return to the main scenic area. Try the local flavors at a small mountain village restaurant, about 60 RMB per person. · Afternoon: Take the lake sightseeing bus or taxi to Hanling Old Street, one of Ningbo’s oldest markets. Stroll among Ming and Qing style buildings, visit handmade craft shops and cafes. Don’t forget to visit the Hanling Art Museum designed by renowned architect Wang Shu. If time permits, try sailing or kayaking (sailing about 198 RMB/person) to experience the lake from a different perspective. · Evening: Enjoy an authentic dinner on Hanling Old Street, recommended dishes include Qianhu River shrimp and Qianhu’s Kiss (snails), savoring local specialties. After dinner, slowly return to your accommodation. 🌊 Day 3: Free Choice and Departure On the third day, choose one of the following routes based on your interests: · Route A: Scenic Viewpoint - Go to Fuquan Mountain, climb to the summit for a panoramic view of Dongqian Lake, with spectacular tea fields and sea of clouds. · Route B: Water Fun - Experience kayaking (about 120 RMB/person) or SUP stand-up paddleboarding (about 150 RMB/person) at the water activity center, easy for beginners. · Route C: Cultural Exploration - Visit Taogong Island (ticket 20 RMB), learn about the legend of Fan Li and Xi Shi’s retirement, and visit the God of Wealth Ancestral Temple. Have your last meal at Dongqian Lake at noon, and try Qianhu Mochi as a dessert. In the afternoon, pack your bags, take your purchased souvenirs, and head home satisfied. 💰 Budget Details (per person) Accommodation · Economy: Choose a lakeview guesthouse, about 300 RMB/person for 2 nights (shared double room) · Comfortable: High-end lakeview hotel, about 450 RMB/person for 2 nights (shared double room) Dining · Daily budget: about 150-200 RMB/person · Recommended dishes: Dongqian Lake Three Treasures, Qianhu River shrimp, Qianhu’s Kiss (snails), Qianhu Mochi Transportation · City to Dongqian Lake: Metro Line 4 one-way about 7 RMB · Lake sightseeing bus: single ticket 6 RMB · Bicycle rental: about 20 RMB/hour · Taxi/ride-hailing: about 30-50 RMB per trip between attractions Tickets & Activities · Little Putuo Scenic Area: 30 RMB · Southern Song Stone Carving Park: 40 RMB · Taogong Island: 20 RMB · Sailing experience: 198 RMB/person · Kayaking: 120 RMB/person Other Expenses · Souvenirs: Dongqian Lake lotus root powder, handmade dried fish, Southern Song stone carving cultural products, about 100 RMB · Emergency reserve: about 100 RMB 💡 Practical Tips 1. Transportation advice: The lake sightseeing bus runs 4 times daily (8:30, 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 from the Lakeside Scenic Area). Tickets can be booked via the "Ala NB Ba" WeChat mini program. 2. Accommodation recommendations: · Luyuan Guesthouse: Prime lakefront view, strong design sense, attentive service. · Dongqian Lake Yuan Resort Hotel: Full lakeview private rooms, intelligent control. · Dongqian Lake Shanshui Junlan Hotel: Countryside resort style with half-mountain open-air forest hot springs. 3. Money-saving tips: · Visit on non-weekend days for better accommodation prices. · Use the lake sightseeing bus instead of taxis to visit multiple spots. · Some guesthouses offer free bicycle use; inquire when booking. 4. Photography spots: · Wooden plank bridge on Lakeside Causeway · Water forest boardwalk · Qianhu Secret Realm lawn · Southern Song Stone Carving Park at dusk This guide balances budget control with a rich travel experience, allowing you to flexibly adjust according to your energy and interests. The lake and mountain scenery and millennium-old culture of Dongqian Lake will surely leave you enchanted. Wishing you a pleasant trip!