Ningbo Cruise Ship Port runs along 220km of East China Sea coastline, with three terminal complexes and 191 berths.
For other China Cruise destinations check out our China Cruise Ports Guide page.
You’ll find plenty of amenities like duty-free shopping, places to grab a bite, and spots to exchange your cash.
Getting around is a breeze with metro connections, cheap buses, and taxis that’ll take you to cool spots like Ningbo Museum and Moon Lake Park.
Need a place to crash? Take your pick from the fancy Sheraton to the wallet-friendly Hanting Hotel.
Stick around for some local tips that’ll make your Ningbo cruise stop way better than the average tourist experience.
Map of Ningbo Cruise Ship Port
Port Location and Getting There
Ningbo Cruise Ship Port runs along 220 km of gorgeous East China Sea coastline in Zhejiang Province. This natural deepwater port sits at the southeastern tip of Hangzhou Bay, about 150 km southwest of Shanghai.
Getting to the port is a breeze. Metro Lines 1-4 will take you there, and cheap city buses (ÂĄ1-2) connect to all the major spots. Taxis start at only ÂĄ8, and you can hop on free shuttle buses between transport hubs. Coming from Shanghai Pudong Airport? Direct buses make the 2.5-hour trip for ÂĄ99. Or take the high-speed train from Shanghai (2.5 hours) or Hangzhou (just 1 hour).
Cruise Terminal Facilities and Services
Ningbo’s cruise operations center around three impressive terminal complexes with 191 berths, including 39 deepwater spots capable of handling massive ships over 400,000 DWT. If you’re looking to dock your cruise, head to Port Zhoushan on the southern coast of the island.
Getting through the terminals is pretty straightforward – you’ll get bar-coded wristbands, your luggage will be sorted by deck level, and security is thorough but efficient. While you’re waiting, check out the duty-free shops, grab a bite at one of the eateries, swap your currency, or chill in a VIP lounge if that’s your thing.
The E-channel clearance cuts down time spent in customs and immigration, and the whole place is set up with wheelchair-friendly paths so everyone can move around easily.
Transportation Options From the Port
Transportation Options From the Port
Just cleared the terminal? You’ve got plenty of ways to get around from Ningbo’s port. If you want hassle-free travel, go for a pre-booked private transfer. These come with drivers who speak English, no surprise fees, and you can choose anything from a regular car to a big minibus that fits 37 people.
Watching your wallet? Hop on a public bus to downtown Ningbo – they run every 15-20 minutes. Take routes 1, 8, 11, 13, or 20 and you’ll be there in 25-60 minutes for about RMB15-25.
Want to check out other cities? You can grab transfers to Shanghai (takes 3 hours) or Hangzhou (about 2.5 hours). Or if islands are your thing, catch a ferry to Putuoshan from Daxie Terminal.
Nearby Accommodations and Dining
Nearby Accommodations and Dining
Need a place to crash or grab a bite after your cruise? No worries – Ningbo has tons of options near the port, from fancy hotels to dirt-cheap stays.
- If you’re feeling fancy, check out the Sheraton (just 3 blocks from CBD) or the massive Marriott with its 32 floors and killer Cantonese restaurant
- Traveling on the cheap? Hanting Hotel has beds starting at only $8/night close to the port
- For real Ningbaoese food, hit up Dongfuyuan Chinese Restaurant
- Hungry for local stuff? The drunken crab and braised eel at Zhejiang spots are must-tries
- Missing food from home? Ganesha serves decent Indian, and O’Reilly’s has pub grub and beers
See what’s on offer from the Port of Zhoushan for a different China Cruise destination.
Must-See Attractions Within Easy Reach
When you dock in Ningbo, you’ll be just a stone’s throw from some amazing spots. Check out the cool Ningbo Museum with its unique blue brick design, or wander through the Old Bund where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Europe.
Moon Lake Park has some gorgeous gardens that are worth a look, and don’t forget to catch the impressive water show at Tianyi Square’s fountain. If you’re into something different, head to the African Trading Port near the water to see some striking metal artwork.
Got extra time? Make a day trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town or jump on the fast train to Hangzhou to see the stunning West Lake – it’s a UNESCO site for good reason!
Practical Travel Tips for Cruise Passengers
Ready to make the most of your Ningbo stop? Here’s the nitty-gritty stuff that’ll save you headaches:
- Scope out when you can actually get off the ship – those VIP passengers always get first dibs
- Snag a port map as soon as you can – you’ll want to know where the bathrooms are!
- Ditch your heavy bags at the terminal storage spots – who wants to lug those around?
- Skip the taxi haggling by arranging one ahead of time or download Didi if you’ve got a local SIM
- Double-check what you need for getting back on board – nothing ruins a day like being stuck at the gate fumbling for your passport
Pro tip: Figure out the shuttle situation between port and downtown before you’re standing there confused with the other tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free Wi-Fi Available Throughout the Cruise Terminal?
No, the Ningbo Cruise Terminal doesn’t offer free Wi-Fi throughout the building. You should probably sort out your internet before you get there, or just check with your cruise company to see what’s available when you arrive.
What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available at the Port?
The port has basic medical facilities with staff trained for emergencies. If something serious happens, they’ll stabilize you and then transfer you to proper hospitals in Shanghai or Hangzhou. Definitely get travel insurance though – medical evacuations can cost a fortune!
How Does the Port Handle Cruise Ship Delays During Typhoon Season?
During typhoon season, we’ll keep you in the loop with SMS and email updates whenever your cruise gets delayed. After the storm passes, we make sure your ship gets priority docking. Most delays run about 48-72 hours, but when you finally get off the boat, we’ll fast-track the whole disembarkation process to get you on your way.
Are Luggage Storage Services Available for Passengers With Late Flights?
Good news! Ningbo has luggage storage options for those late flights. Check out Eelway’s storage service – they don’t have time restrictions and most spots stay open around the clock. This means you can ditch your bags and go explore the city without dragging everything around before your flight takes off.
What Sustainable Initiatives Has the Port Implemented to Reduce Environmental Impact?
The port’s going all-in on green initiatives! They’ve set up shore power so ships can turn off their engines while docked, installed solar panels around the facility, switched to electric vehicles, launched some solid recycling programs, and created protected zones for marine life. All this helps cut down on pollution and environmental damage during your visit.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Haikou Cruise Ship Port.
