Introduction
When you think of Ningde, what comes to mind might be its famous fish farms, tidal flats, and historic covered bridges and ancient towns. While these are certainly charming, they seem to have little to do with Ningde city itself. Compared to its subordinate counties and cities, Ningde city center doesn’t seem to have much presence. However, if you have a day or half a day in your itinerary to spend in Ningde, this article will provide you with a detailed guide to make the most out of your brief stay.
Travel Preparation
- Location: Nanmendou, Jiaocheng District, Ningde City
- Transportation: Get off at “Ningde Station” by high-speed train or motor train, then walk or take public transportation to various attractions in the city.
Recommended Tour Route
- Nanmendou – Starting point for food exploration
- Ningde City Museum – Historical baptism of Eastern Fujian culture
- Jinshetou Village – Experience the charm of a fishing village between mountains and sea
- Catholic Church – Photographic keepsake on the way back
Must-Visit Attractions
- Nanmendou
- Upon arrival in Ningde city, Nanmendou Old Street is highly recommended. It gathers a variety of Ningde’s local delicacies such as fish balls, meat slices, taro buns, etc., making it an excellent place to experience the local culture of Ningde.
- Ningde City Museum
- Located near Nanmendou, the Ningde City Museum shares a building with the Eastern Fujian She Ethnic Museum. The three floors of the museum respectively showcase temporary exhibitions, the development history of the Ningde area, and She ethnic culture. If you’re short on time, a quick visit can give you an initial understanding of Eastern Fujian culture.
- Catholic Church (Eastern Fujian Diocese Bishop’s House)
- This is a beautiful church, suitable for a visit on the way back. There’s no need for a special trip; the first floor features a cultural corridor that introduces the history of Catholicism in China and some distinctive Catholic architectures.
- Jinshetou Village
- As the closest fishing village to the city center, Jinshetou Village offers beautiful coastal scenery and rich fishing village culture. Here, you can enjoy spectacular views of speedboats, sunsets, reeds, and fishing boats along the coastline.
- Jingtai Mountain
- As the tallest mountain in Ningde city, it is said that the night view from there is breathtaking. However, due to weather conditions, it might not be accessible, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast in advance.
Travel Tips
- Ningde City Museum: Closed from 12:00 to 14:00 (winter time: 12:00-14:30) for lunch break. Please plan your visit accordingly.
- Catholic Church: Closes after 5 pm, so if you plan to visit, be aware of the timing.
Activity Suggestions
In addition to the aforementioned sightseeing, Ningde city center is also very suitable for island exploration, sunrise and sunset viewing, hiking, cycling, and camping photography. You can freely plan your itinerary according to your interests.
With this detailed guide, you can spend a fulfilling and meaningful day in Ningde city center, gaining an in-depth understanding of the city’s natural beauty and cultural charm.