​Zhaobao Hill Scenic Area

Zhaobao Hill Scenic Area

Located near the north bank of the Yongjiang River at the east end of Zhenhai district, Zhaobao Hill Scenic Area (招宝山旅游景区) was rated as a national 4A-level tourist spot, the second highest level recognized by China's National Tourism Administration in 2008.

Zhaobao Hill is an integrated scenic area in northern Ningbo, incorporating sea scenery, human landscape, and the ruins of coastal defense along with religious and cultural activity. As the access route to Yongjiang River, it faces the East China Sea on the east, connects the ancient seawall on the west and stands opposite to Jinji Hill across the Yongjiang River. The area is a vital passage to Zhejiang Province, and enjoys the reputation of "Yumen Pass’’ in the east of the province where it has always been of strategic importance.

The scenic area consists of many scenic spots. such as the One-Hundred-Pace Causeway, No 1 Mountain Tablet, Mid-Hill Pavilion, Qi Zhi Ping, Wei Yuan Cheng, Stone Tablet of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Baotuo Temple, Blockhouse in the War of Resistance against Japan, the Immortals Cave, Tablet Pavilion, Aozhu Pagoda, Yue Cheng, Dengyunlu Memorial gateway, Black Bamboo Grove, Cliff Carving, and the Historical Memorial Hall of Coastal Defense.

Sanskrit scripts were found on the cliff of Zhaobao Hill in the south of Nanlingyun Road during a cleaning process of mountain scenery in 1984.

The Immortals' Cave (also named Xianren Cave, Chaoyin Cave and Kuan-yin Cave), is one of the 12 attractions in the scenic area. Within the cave is a Guanian (Waves Watching) Covent, which is named after the huge waves outside the cave. There are grotesque rocks inside and a doorway to the sea. Two massive rocks stand opposite to each other and form a one-line sky. There is a spring giving musical sounds. It is said the water from the spring is sweet, cool and refreshing. Previously there was a cliff inscription by Lu Tang, which read "The First Pass Resisting Japanese Pirates".

Opening hours: 8:30 am -4:00 pm

Ticket price: 80 yuan ($12) for adults, groups with more than 20 people can enjoy a 80 percent discount

Add: No 10, Zhaobaoshan Road, Zhenhai district, Ningbo, Zhejiang province

Tel: 0574-86272900

Transportation: Bus No 541, 371, 341, 378, 385, 376, 375, 374