Private 5-Day Putuo Island and Ningbo Tour From Shanghai

Your journey begins when you land at Shanghai Airport. After a long flight, the last thing you want is to navigate complicated train connections with luggage, so our driver will wait for you at the airport arrival hall and take you directly to Putuo Island by private car. The drive from Shanghai to Zhujiajian Pier takes around 4.5–5 hours. Instead of seeing the journey as just transportation, you'll gradually watch the scenery transform — Shanghai's skyscrapers slowly disappear, replaced by coastal villages, bridges crossing the sea, and the peaceful landscapes of Zhejiang.

During the drive, our driver will help you with luggage, rest stops, and local recommendations. If your arrival time allows, we can arrange a comfortable lunch stop at a local restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood from the Zhejiang coast.

After arriving at Zhujiajian Pier, you'll take a short ferry ride to Putuo Island. The moment you step onto the island, the atmosphere changes completely. The sound of waves, green forests, and quiet temple paths create a peaceful contrast to the busy streets of Shanghai.

After hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the nearby seaside paths or simply take time to settle into the slower rhythm of island life.

After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at your hotel and begin a full-day exploration of Putuo Island. Known as one of China's most famous Buddhist destinations, Putuo Island is not only a place of worship but also a beautiful coastal landscape where temples, mountains, forests, and the ocean blend together.

Your first stop is Puji Temple, the largest and most important temple on the island. Walking through its peaceful courtyards, surrounded by ancient trees and traditional architecture, you'll discover why generations of visitors have traveled here seeking both spiritual connection and natural beauty.

Continue to Fayu Temple, a hidden gem surrounded by lush forests. Compared with the grand atmosphere of Puji Temple, Fayu Temple feels more tranquil, with quiet pathways, elegant halls, and a peaceful mountain setting that invites you to slow down.

In the afternoon, visit Huiji Temple, located on the top of Foding Mountain. You can choose to take the cable car for a more comfortable experience or enjoy a short forest walk depending on your preference. From the top, the panoramic ocean views provide one of the most memorable perspectives of Putuo Island.

Before returning to your hotel, take a relaxing walk along Bai Bu Sha Beach. Watching fishing boats move across the sea while feeling the ocean breeze offers a completely different side of Putuo Island beyond its temples.

To make your visit more comfortable, our team will adjust the sightseeing sequence according to weather conditions, crowd levels, and your walking ability.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on Putuo Island before continuing your journey to Ningbo. Depending on your interests and departure time, you can take a final walk around the island, revisit a favorite temple, or simply enjoy a quiet seaside morning. Our driver will coordinate the timing and meet you after you arrive back at Zhujiajian Pier.

From there, you'll continue to Ningbo by private car. As one of China's oldest port cities, Ningbo has a fascinating history shaped by trade, maritime culture, and traditional Chinese architecture. Unlike the modern energy of Shanghai, Ningbo offers a slower rhythm and a chance to experience authentic local life.

Your first stop is Tianyi Pavilion, China's oldest surviving private library. Walking through its gardens and historic buildings, you'll discover the story of ancient Chinese scholars and their dedication to preserving knowledge.

Continue to Nantang Old Street, a charming riverside neighborhood where traditional buildings, local snacks, and small shops showcase Ningbo's everyday culture.

In the evening, visit Ningbo Old Bund, a beautiful waterfront area combining historic European-style buildings with modern cafes and restaurants. It is the perfect place to enjoy the city lights and reflect on the journey so far.

After breakfast, today you'll slow down and explore a different side of Ningbo — one filled with ancient architecture, peaceful landscapes, and everyday local life.

Your first stop is Baoguo Temple, hidden among the green hills in the northern part of Ningbo. Built over 1,000 years ago, this is one of the best-preserved wooden structures in southern China. Unlike the grand temples of Putuo Island, Baoguo Temple has a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. Walking through the old courtyards, wooden halls, and surrounding forests, you'll feel a sense of history that has remained almost untouched over the centuries.

After exploring the temple, continue to Dongqian Lake, Ningbo's largest freshwater lake and one of the city's favorite places to escape the urban pace. Surrounded by mountains, villages, and traditional landscapes, the lake offers a completely different perspective of Zhejiang's natural beauty. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoy the peaceful views, or simply sit by the lake and watch local life unfold at a slower rhythm.

For lunch, our team can recommend a local restaurant based on your preferences. Ningbo is well known for its fresh seafood and traditional cuisine, with dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the coast. From seasonal seafood to classic local specialties, this is a great opportunity to experience Ningbo beyond sightseeing.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Hanling Old Street, a charming lakeside village near Dongqian Lake. Unlike the more commercialized ancient towns, Hanling keeps a more authentic local atmosphere, with traditional houses, narrow lanes, and a peaceful waterfront setting. Strolling through the old street, you can see how generations of Ningbo locals have lived alongside the lake, with small shops, art spaces, and traditional architecture blending together.

If you are interested in local culture, we can also arrange a visit to a nearby tea house or lakeside café where you can take a break and enjoy the relaxed pace of Ningbo life. Sitting by the water with a cup of tea is a simple but memorable way to experience the city beyond its famous attractions.

After the visit, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Ningbo. Enjoy a comfortable evening at your own pace, whether you choose to have dinner nearby or simply relax after several days of exploring Putuo Island and Ningbo.

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and begin the private transfer back to Shanghai. The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours depending on traffic. With a private vehicle arranged by our team, you can relax comfortably after several days of exploring, without worrying about train schedules, luggage transfers, or complicated connections. If your flight is later in the day, we can adjust the departure time or arrange a flexible stop along the way according to your schedule.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, your driver will drop you off at Shanghai Airport, your hotel, or train station, bringing this relaxing coastal journey to a smooth end.

From the peaceful temples of Putuo Island to the historic charm of Ningbo, this itinerary offers a deeper look at Zhejiang — combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the comfort of private travel.