Ningbo's best day trips use the city as a base for the Zhoushan archipelago to the east and the Siming Mountains to the south. The Hemudu Neolithic site in Yuyao to the west is manageable as a half-day excursion. Xikou, Chiang Kai-shek's hometown in the mountains south of the city, combines historical interest with good mountain scenery and takes about two hours each way by bus.
The most popular day trip is Mount Putuo, which requires a ferry from the Beilun terminal — allow a full day, including the ninety-minute ferry crossing each way. Shorter alternatives include Dongqian Lake (forty-five minutes southeast by bus), Baoguo Temple (forty minutes northwest), and Cicheng ancient town (forty-five minutes northwest). All are accessible by public transport.
