Shipu Coastal Reef

Shipu Wreck

Ningbo and Shipu showcase the best of Zhejiang coastal cuisine, with an emphasis on ultra-fresh seafood prepared using traditional techniques that have been refined over centuries. Shipu’s fishing port supplies an extraordinary variety of marine species including yellow croaker, hairtail, mackerel, squid, shrimp, crab, and shellfish that are the foundation of local cuisine. Zhejiang cooking style is characterized by freshness, crispness, and the delicate use of Shaoxing wine, vinegar, and bamboo shoots. Signature dishes include Ningbo tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), steamed yellow croaker with pickled vegetables, and Shipu’s famous dried fish products. The annual fishing festival brings together the best seafood preparations from across the region.

Ningbo Shangri-La Hotel

Shipu Harbor Inn

Ningbo Marriott Hotel

Shipu Seaside Guesthouse

Comfortable water temperatures and excellent visibility.

Cold water requiring thick wetsuits or drysuits.

Good conditions with variable temperatures.

Ningbo and the historic fishing port of Shipu represent the heart of Zhejiang’s coastal diving scene, where temperate marine ecosystems thrive along rocky shorelines and around nearshore islands in the East China Sea. Shipu, one of China’s oldest and most important fishing ports with over a thousand years of maritime history, serves as the gateway to productive dive sites featuring rocky reefs, kelp forest habitats, and artificial reef structures that attract diverse marine communities. The underwater landscape includes granite and sandstone reef formations colonized by temperate corals, sponges, and anemones that provide habitat for sea bass, rockfish, octopus, and commercially important species like abalone and sea cucumber. The region benefits from the mixing of coastal and oceanic water masses, creating productive conditions that support high biodiversity. Seasonal visitors including seasonal ray species and large pelagic fish add excitement to dives during summer and autumn months. Ningbo’s modern city infrastructure, excellent transport connections, and renowned Zhejiang cuisine make it a comfortable base for diving excursions. The annual Shipu China Fishing Festival celebrates the region’s maritime heritage and is one of China’s largest seafood festivals.

Zhejiang – Ningbo & Shipu

Experience China oldest fishing port morning auction and seafood market

Shipu fishing port morning market tour

Attend the annual maritime heritage festival with seafood and cultural performances

Shipu China Fishing Festival (seasonal)

Visit Asia oldest private library and museum with beautiful gardens

Ningbo Tianyi Pavilion museum visit

Boat excursion to the nearshore island with rocky reef diving and coastal scenery

Yuxi Island day trip by boat

Enjoy the historic lake district with temples, pavilions, and gardens

Ningbo South Lake scenic area

Learn to prepare traditional Zhejiang seafood dishes with local chefs

Shipu seafood cooking experience

Fly into Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB) with extensive domestic connections. Shipu is approximately 1.5 hours south of Ningbo by car via the coastal expressway. High-speed rail connects Ningbo to Shanghai (2 hours) and Hangzhou (1 hour).

Where to Stay in Zhejiang – Ningbo & Shipu

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Ningbo City Center

Shipu Harbor

Ningbo South Lake

Coastal Highway

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Ningbo Shangri-La Hotel

Shipu Harbor Inn

Ningbo Marriott Hotel

Shipu Seaside Guesthouse