Cixi City Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Cixi City and explore its culturally important attractions, natural sites, food scene, and more with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Cixi City

Cixi City is a beautiful and historic city located in the east of Zhejiang Province, China. It is situated on the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay and is only 50 kilometers away from Ningbo. Cixi City has a rich history and is known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional culture, and friendly locals. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s numerous museums, hiking in beautiful natural parks, or experiencing the local cuisine, Cixi City has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Cixi City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Cixi City is rich in history, and there are several museums and historical places worth visiting, including:

  • Cixi Museum: This museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Cixi City. The museum has four exhibition halls that showcase the traditional culture, folk customs, and natural resources of the region. The museum also has a collection of ancient artifacts, including pottery, jade, and bronze objects.
  • Kuahuqiao Relics: These relics are a testament to the rich history of the ancient Kuahuqiao culture, which dates back more than 7,000 years. The relics include a large number of ancient tombs, pottery, and jade objects.
  • Xijie Tou Culture Site: This is another important historical site in Cixi City. The site includes ancient tombs, which contain a variety of cultural relics. One of the most famous relics is a bronze mirror that is over 3,000 years old.

Natural Attractions of Cixi City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cixi City has beautiful natural scenery and numerous outdoor adventure opportunities. Here are a few of the best natural attractions to explore:

  • Fishing Island: This is a beautiful island on Hangzhou Bay that is famous for its stunning views and fresh seafood. Visitors can take a ferry to the island, where they can enjoy fishing, swimming, and other water activities.
  • Yinxian Resort: This resort is located on the banks of the Yinxian River and is a great place to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Cixi City. The resort features beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Shanglin Lake: This is the largest freshwater lake in the region and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking. The lake has several scenic spots, including Moon Bay, Sunset Island, and Green Island.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cixi City

Cixi City has several beautiful hiking and biking routes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few of the best routes to explore:

  • Xiangshan Mountain Trail: This trail starts from the Xiangshan Temple and winds its way up Xiangshan Mountain, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains along the way. The trail is about 12 kilometers long and takes approximately three hours to complete.
  • Nanxi Hot Spring Trail: This trail starts from the Hot Spring Park in Cixi City and follows the Nanxi River through a beautiful valley. The trail is about 10 kilometers long and takes approximately two hours to complete.
  • Cixi Wetland Park Trail: This trail winds its way through the beautiful Cixi Wetland Park, offering stunning views of the wetlands and the surrounding mountains. The trail is about 10 kilometers long and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Cixi City: Activities and Tours

Cixi City is full of exciting activities and tours that are perfect for all types of travelers. Here are a few of the best things to do in Cixi City:

  • Take a Boat Tour: Cixi City is surrounded by water, and there are several boat tours available that offer a great way to explore the city’s beautiful natural scenery.
  • Visit the Local Markets: Cixi City has several local markets that are a great place to find traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs.
  • Experience Local Cuisine: Cixi City is known for its delicious seafood and other local dishes. Be sure to try the famous Cixi rice cake, braised eel, and Ningbo-style dumplings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cixi City

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for Cixi City:

  • Day 1: Explore the city’s historical attractions, including the Cixi Museum and Kuahuqiao Relics.
  • Day 2: Take a boat tour of Hangzhou Bay and Fisherman Island.
  • Day 3: Visit Yinxian Resort and enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.
  • Day 4: Experience the local cuisine and visit the local markets for souvenirs.
  • Day 5: Hike the Nanxi Hot Spring Trail and visit the hot springs.
  • Day 6: Take a bike tour of the Cixi Wetland Park.
  • Day 7: Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery in and around Shanglin Lake.

Food and Drink Scene of Cixi City

Must-Try Dishes

Cixi City is known for its delicious seafood and other tasty local dishes. Here are a few must-try dishes:

  • Braised Eel: This is a famous dish in Cixi City that is made with fresh eel, soy sauce, and other local spices.
  • Cixi Rice Cake: This is a traditional snack in Cixi City that is made with glutinous rice and white sugar.
  • Ningbo-Style Dumplings: These dumplings are a popular dish in the Ningbo region and are made with pork and leeks, and served with vinegar and ginger.

Local Beverages

Cixi City has several local beverages that are worth trying, including:

  • Yellow Wine: This is a traditional Chinese wine that is made with rice, wheat, and other grains. Yellow wine is often served with meals and is a popular drink in the region.
  • Green Tea: Cixi City is known for its delicious green tea, which is grown in the surrounding mountains and is often served in local restaurants and teahouses.

Where to Stay in Cixi City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cixi City has several accommodation options available, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are a few of the best places to stay in Cixi City:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Cixi: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and features comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar, and a fitness center.
  • Jinjiang Inn Cixi: This hotel is a great budget-friendly option that offers clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant.
  • Cixi Youngor Joyous Hotel: This hotel is located near the Yinxian Resort and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.

What to Buy in Cixi City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cixi City is known for its traditional crafts and local products, which make great souvenirs to bring home. Here are a few of the best things to buy in Cixi City:

  • Cixi Rice Cake: This traditional snack makes a great gift to bring home to friends and family.
  • Ming-style Furniture: Cixi City is known for its beautiful Ming-style furniture, which is made from high-quality wood and is often sold in local markets.
  • Jade Jewelry: Cixi City has a rich history of jade carving, and visitors can find a variety of beautiful jade jewelry and ornaments in local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Cixi City

Cixi City has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional crafts, food, and customs. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, including:

  • Greeting Customs: Visitors should greet locals with a simple nod or a handshake. It is best to avoid physical contact with strangers.
  • Dress Code: Visitors should dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Table Manners: When dining with locals, it is important to wait for the host to invite you to sit and start eating. Do not use chopsticks to point or stab food, and do not leave chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice.

Best Time to Visit Cixi City

The best time to visit Cixi City is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, and the city is less crowded with tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cixi City

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine and sample traditional snacks and dishes.
  • Do take time to explore the city’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.
  • Do be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the environment when hiking or exploring natural sites.
  • Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.
  • Don’t take photographs of people or objects without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cixi City

Cixi City is a relatively safe city, but visitors should still take precautions to avoid petty theft and stay safe. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Keep your belongings close to you and watch out for pickpockets and thieves.
  • Avoid walk alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert when exploring new areas.

Health in Cixi City

It is important to take precautions to stay healthy when traveling to Cixi City. Here are a few health tips to keep in mind:

  • Drink only bottled or boiled water.
  • Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of illnesses.
  • Bring any necessary medications with you and know the location of the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.

Getting to Cixi City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cixi City

The nearest airport to Cixi City is Ningbo Lishe International Airport, which is about 45 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Cixi City.

Bus Stations Near Cixi City

Cixi City has several bus stations that offer service to nearby cities and towns. The main bus station is the Cixi Bus Station, which has regular service to cities throughout Zhejiang Province.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Ningbo Railway Station and then take a taxi or bus to Cixi City.

How to Get Around in Cixi City

The best way to get around Cixi City is by taxi, bus, or bicycle. Taxis are plentiful and affordable, and visitors can also use the local bus system to get around the city. Bicycle rental is also available in some areas, and is a great way to explore the city at a leisurely pace.

Where to Go Next from Cixi City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cixi City is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and several nearby destinations that are worth visiting, including:

  • Ningbo: The nearby city of Ningbo is known for its beautiful temples, museums, and parks. It is only 50 kilometers away from Cixi City and is a great place to continue your exploration of the region.
  • Hangzhou: The beautiful city of Hangzhou is located about 150 kilometers away from Cixi City and is known for its stunning natural scenery and cultural attractions, including West Lake and Lingyin Temple.

Conclusion

Cixi City is a beautiful and historic city that is full of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and friendly locals. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s numerous museums, hiking in beautiful natural parks, or experiencing the local cuisine, Cixi City has something for everyone. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.