Summer’s gates are about to swing open—have you decided where to go? On the afternoon of July 1st, the launch ceremony of the 2025 "Visit Ningbo · Summer Thrills" cultural tourism series kicked off at the "Keep Running Theme Park" in China Movie World Pacific Park. Centred around five themes—"Aquatic Adventures," "Culinary Delights," "Trendy Entertainment," "Educational Escapades," and "Cool Retreats"—the event links over 100 themed activities, extending a warm invitation to visitors with the slogan: "Ningbo, Where Joy Finds You."

The Summer Cultural and Tourism series kicks off. (Photo by Xie Shuyi)

A wave of water parks is set to make a splash.

Water fun is summer’s eternal theme, and this season promises Ningbo’s most concentrated opening of aquatic playgrounds yet.

Currently, Ala’s Sea Water Park has opened, featuring summer activities like the "Mega Wave EDM Festival," "Family Carnival Days," and "Night Light Shows" that blend excitement with relaxation. Beilun’s Zone 0 Water World debuts with 10,000 rubber ducks for guests to catch for free. Ningbo Daren Village’s Dayu Water Fortress makes its fresh debut, while Lianghuang Mountain Scenic Area (Ninghai) launches its own "Water World" with 20+ aquatic attractions.

Water-splashing festivities are essential. This summer, Romon U-Park hosts a Water-Splashing Season where visitors dance to music amid fountains. Xiangshan Film City offers giant water gun battles, bubble parties, water obstacle courses, and performances like Dai ethnic water-splashing dances and poolside EDM parties. Ningbo Wildlife Park’s splash zone opens free of charge, featuring water festivals and open-air movies.

Meanwhile, premium aquatic experiences await at Ningbo Bay Tourism Resort (Tianfei Lake), Dongqian Lake Waterfront Camping Zone, and Dapeng Mountain Tourism Resort. Ningbo Ocean World combines "off-season icy adventures" with gamified science exhibits, letting visitors embrace glacial charm amid summer heat...

Beilun No. 0 Water World. (Photo by Han Mengting)

Xiangshan Film City. (Photo by Wu Zhouyang)

Savour Ningbo’s summer-flavoured revelry.

How to dine in summer? From seafood stalls to intangible cultural heritage snacks, Ningbo delights the taste buds with its culinary offerings.

Night markets are must-visit hubs: Feast on seafood at Yinzhou’s iPN Fishery Factory, savour lobster at Xianxiang’s Hengshan Wharf, or relish chilled desserts in Fenghua—gather friends for a seafood feast! Seasonal fruit picking also takes centre stage: harvest honey peaches in Fenghua or grapes in Yuyao, with more fruit-themed activities delivering summer-exclusive sweetness.

Also noteworthy: In July, Ningbo Old Bund fuses Middle Eastern European cuisine with local street food, enhanced by busker performances and summer cocktails for an art-meets-gourmet experience. August brings Cicheng Ancient Town’s immersive heritage market, featuring traditional snacks like Cicheng niangao (rice cakes) and huizhi tuan (alkaline-water rice balls), alongside Hanfu parades, Song poetry games, and ancient magic shows.

Ningbo Culinary Delights. (Photo by Xie Shuyi)

Youth-centric thrills.

As summer’s protagonists, what exclusive experiences await the young?

For kids: Join museum adventures like the "Southwest China Bronze Civilisation" and "Liangzhu Culture" exhibitions at Ningbo Museum, showcasing blockbuster relics from the Sanxingdui and Liangzhu civilisations. The "Exploring Shanxi" study camp decodes Shanxi culture through lectures and exhibits.

Bond through interactive learning: Tianyi Pavilion Museum’s "Little Scholars Program."

Dive into maritime history: China Port Museum’s "Secrets of Ancient Ships" exhibit and "Maritime Wisdom" study camp.

New Summer Exhibitions Keep Rolling Out. (Photo by Yongpai)

For youth: Catch concerts by stars like Hu Yanbin and Jane Zhang at Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre.

Hang out at iPN Fishery Factory for riverside markets, live music, and DJ sets; join Songlan Mountain Coastal Resort’s music carnival with camping and art installations; or enjoy celebrity meet-ups and water gun battles at Romon U-Park.

Which concert is your pick? (Photo by Yongpai)

Extended hours ignite summer nights.

Who says Ningbo lacks nightlife?

This summer, after-dark scenes sizzle: Cicheng Ancient Town’s Song-dynasty fantasy nights, Old Bund’s summer bazaars, Dongdan Beach camping, and Xianxiang Aviation Camp’s seaside music carnival. The citywide "Food Crawl" gathers 500+ eateries, while the "Bai Xian Qian Wan" program promotes local delicacies through culinary showcases and masterclasses, inviting you to discover Ningbo’s vibrant nightscape through gastronomy.

Dive into immersive after-dark adventures: Songlan Mountain Summer Concert, East Sea Half Island Tide-Watching Music Fest, Dongdan Beach All-Night Stage, and iPN Fishery Factory Sanjiangkou Lifestyle Season. Mega concerts by stars like Hu Yanbin and Chen Linong light up the Olympic Sports Centre. Ningbo Fantawild Adventure’s summer bash features giant robot parades and fireworks, while Xiangshan Film City’s "Tang-Song Dynasty Night" offers an immersive Legends of Deification experience. These trendy, cool activities promise nonstop summer revelry...

Ningbo's Dazzling Nights. (Photo by Yongpai)

This summer, Ningbo beckons with mountain-sea grandeur, culinary artistry, family joy, and nocturnal beauty, inviting you to embrace the ultimate summer adventure!

Source: Yongpai

Author: Xie Shuyi

Editors: Ye Ke, Zhou Shengli (intern)