Ningbo's Dongqian Lake: A 2-Day, 1-Night Relaxed Getaway from Shanghai

🌟 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Xiaoputuo (Lake Views + Zen Temple) → Fuquan Mountain (Tea Garden Retreat) → Hanling Old Street (Night Market) Day 2: Southern Song Stone Carving Park (Historical Exploration) → Lakeside Cycling → Shangshui Tent Camp (Sunset by the Lake) ✅ Efficient Route: Centered around East Lakeside Road, connecting north-south attractions without backtracking ✅ Leisurely Pace: 2-3 key attractions per day with ample time to enjoy nature and culture 🏯 First Stop: Xiaoputuo (9:00-12:00) 📍Address: Huxin Dyke, Dongqian Lake Resort 🎫Ticket: CNY 30 (Half-price for students/seniors, free under 1.2m) 🚗Transport: Navigate to Xiaoputuo Parking (CNY 10/day) 📸Must-See: Xiayu Zen Temple: Ancient temple with lake views, bustling Guanyin Pavilion Water Guanyin: White jade statue; best photos from mid-dyke Misty Lake Dyke: 2km walk showcasing "West Lake charm, Taihu grandeur" 💡Tips: Best photos during morning mist Electric carts available (CNY 20/hr) Temple vegetarian noodles (CNY 20/bowl) 🌱 Second Stop: Fuquan Mountain (13:30-16:30) 📍Address: Southeast Dongqian Lake 🎫Ticket: CNY 25 (includes shuttle) 🚗Transport: 20min drive via South Lakeside Road 🌿Highlights: Wanghai Peak: Panoramic lake views, distant Xiangshan Bay Phoenix Lake Tea Plantation: 3600-acre fields (tea-picking season ends May) Wutai Sunrise: Prime sunrise spot (check times) 💡Tips: Shuttles every 30min (last at 16:00) Mountain tea house (CNY 30/cup) with snacks (CNY 15/set) Wear non-slip shoes for steep paths 🏮 Third Stop: Hanling Old Street (17:30-20:00) 📍Address: South Dongqian Lake 🎫Free entry 🚗Parking: Underground lot (CNY 5/2hrs) 🍢Must-Eat: Qingyi Rice Cake Shop: Stuffed rice cakes (CNY 7) Wujia Pancakes: Crispy meat pies (CNY 6) Chinei Restaurant: Signature eggplant rice cakes (CNY 48) 📸Night Lights: Water Street Light Show: 19:00-20:00 Kengo Kuma-designed Hanling Art Museum 💡Tips: Shops close by 19:30 - eat first Stay at waterside B&Bs like "Shujia Zhifu Southern Song Courtyard" 📜 Fourth Stop: Southern Song Stone Carving Park (Next Day 9:00-11:30) 📍Address: East Lakeside Road 🎫CNY 30 (student/senior discounts) 🚗10min drive 🔍History Highlights: 200+ Southern Song stone figures/animals Shi Family Tombs: "Three Prime Ministers" burial site Museum: Southern Song social reconstructions 💡Tips: Audio guides (CNY 20) Limited shade - bring sunscreen 🚲 Fifth Stop: Lakeside Cycling (13:00-16:00) 🚲Routes: Classic: Hanling→Shangshui→Shilixiang→Taogong Island (15km/2.5hrs) Best Section: Shangshui to Taogong Island (lighthouse views) 🚴‍♀Rentals: Giant Bikes: Near Metro Exit E (CNY 40/day road bikes) Hanling Rental: Family bikes (CNY 60/hr) 💡Tips: Avoid midday heat Rest stops with snacks available 🌄 Sixth Stop: Shangshui Tent Camp (16:30-18:30) 📍Address: Shangshui Village 🎫Free entry 🚗10min bike/taxi 🌅Sunset Activities: Lakeside picnic (BYO or CNY 298 BBQ set) Sailing (CNY 200/hr, book ahead) Photo ops: White tents + reeds at golden hour 💡Tips: Arrive by 16:30 for best sunset views Bring mosquito repellent 🍴 Dining Options Fuquan Mountain: Tea Garden Restaurant: Tea-oil chicken (CNY 88), tea-scented shrimp (CNY 68) Hanling Old Street: Baozhong Restaurant: Beef rice cakes (CNY 38), signature eggplant (CNY 32) Cycling Route: Asan Restaurant: Bamboo shoot dishes (CNY 48-58) 📍 Transport Links Public Transit: Xiaoputuo→Fuquan: Bus 966 (30min intervals) Fuquan→Hanling: 25min bus 🚗Driving: 30km total, 10-20min between sites