Ninghai Bay

Ninghai Bay

Located at the tail end of Xiangshan Harbor, Ninghai Bay is the calmest and clearest blue bay along China’s eastern coastline, often referred to as the "Thousand Island Lake of the Sea." Blessed with both mountain and sea scenery, Ninghai Bay is surrounded by mountains on three sides, featuring crystal-clear, waveless waters free of sharks, and is home to 12 small islands. As early as the Han Guangwu era, it became a strategic maritime hub, leading to the establishment of Jieqi Pavilion. Now it serves as a “China’s Eastern Ninghai Bay” and “China’s Phuket,” offering a perfect blend of island leisure, seaside sightseeing, coastal vacations, fishing culture, spa wellness, and land fitness activities, along with an abundance of seafood.

The small line of islands before your eyes, like sprites inlaid in a piece of jade, are the Qiangjiao Islands. They consist of 12 small islands extending from the Qiangjiao Peninsula, and the narrow bay enclosed by these islands is the mysterious Xiangshan Harbor. The unique and slender shape of the harbor allows the incoming seawater to gradually calm down within the bay.

The meandering Tiantai Mountain Range connects with the Qiangjiao Peninsula, diving and surfacing as it extends into the sea, followed by trickling streams that converge into natural mountain spring reservoirs. These streams also yearn for the blue sea, flowing quietly through unknown woods along steep cliffs, before secretly spilling into the harbor.

The Qiangjiao Islands, also known as the "Thousand Island Lake of the Sea," are a rare group of green coastal islands along the southeast coast. Covering a marine area of approximately 20 km², Qiangjiao has been renowned since ancient times for its “Eight Maritime Scenic Views,” including the Moonlight over West Mountain, the Tidal Sounds of Xiashan, the Precipitous Cliffs and Immortal Rocks, Layered Stone Walls, Twin Isles Linked Together, Fishing Boats Sailing in Formation, the Turquoise Pujiang River, and the Emerald-Hued Peaks.

Watch as the fishing sails drift away, the smoke of battle fades, the fisherwives gaze toward their husbands, and celebrities leave the harbor... Countless tales of travelers from all directions have been left behind here, captivating so many and making them linger with nostalgia...

To experience the beautiful azure hues of the bay, head to the Qiangjiao Islands. Among these small isles, Tongshan Island is the most peculiar, with its mysterious and diverse rocks; Zhongyangshan Island is the most fragrant, blooming with flowers and fruit; Baishishan Island is the largest, boasting nine hectares of flat land; Danyu Island is the smallest, barely enough room for three people standing together; while Hengshan Island, known as the “Little Putuo,” is the most beautiful, as viewed from different angles at sea, it resembles an inverted Chinese character “山” (mountain), hence the ancient name “Hengshan Island.”

Hengshan Island – as charming as a blue beauty in Ninghai Bay. Gazing into the distance, it seems as though the sea is the sky and the sky is the sea, and the point where they meet is Hengshan Island. The bay’s waters are as tame as a domesticated wild horse, and the whistling sound of the speedboat by your ear is like a galloping horse across the vast grassland, giving you the sensation of flying. Towering camphor and pine trees shade the island, bamboo forests are dense, and shrubs provide cooling shade. A 700-year-old mulberry tree, hibiscus tree, and Zhenfu Temple are all treasures of the island.

The most famous attraction on the island is the “Zhenfu Temple,” built during the Ming Dynasty but still well-preserved to this day. In front of the temple stands an ancient mulberry tree, known as the “No. 1 Mulberry Tree in Zhejiang,” which is over 700 years old. The temple’s caretaker says the tree had been dead for many years but unexpectedly sprouted new green leaves in the spring of 1998 and now flourishes with lush branches and leaves. The island’s bamboo possesses an extraordinary beauty. Though not as dainty as the purple bamboo of Putuo Mountain, it has a graceful charm facing the sea. Though not as romantic as the Xiangfei bamboo of Mount Emei, it holds a natural and unrestrained elegance. Because of the temple and the bamboo, the island carries a spiritual vibe similar to that of Putuo Mountain – perhaps this is why the people of eastern Zhejiang call it the “Little Putuo.”

Each small island has its own beauty and legends. The deep blue seawater crashes against the reefs, playing the most enchanting melody. No matter what song it sings, and whether you can understand it all or not, just listen quietly, immerse yourself in the beauty of the melody.

Standing on the small island, let the sea breeze caress your face, let the waves dance, and let your thoughts wander. Open your arms and call out to the sea affectionately: the sky is blue, the sea is blue, and the island is blue too... At this very moment, the noise of the city, the pressures of work, and the constraints of the mind all vanish, leaving only the blue essence surrounding you.

Major Attractions: Hengshan Island, Qiangjiao Islands, and the Old Boat Cruise.

Location: Qiangjiao Town, Ninghai, Ningbo (next to Xiashan Guohua Power Plant).

Local Specialties: Primarily seafood, with major aquatic products including blue crab, razor clam, shrimp, blood clam, sea bass, sea eel, black porgy, Japanese conger, swimming crab, yellow croaker, and red snail.

Inquiry Phone: 0574－65199626

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:30

Ticket: Hengshan Island Scenic Area 20 RMB/person + boat ticket 20 RMB/person

Self-driving Route: Take the Shenhai Expressway → Exit at Ninghai → Head toward Xiangshan → Turn toward Guohua Power Plant → Arrive at Qiangjiao Town → Xiashan Wharf

By Bus: From Ninghai Bus Terminal → Take a local bus to Qiangjiao → Arrive at Ninghai Bay

Accommodation & Dining:

Xiashan Seafood Restaurant 0574-65199988

Global Hotel 0574-65198999