Xikou Scenic Area

Historical Overview

• Ming Dynasty Foundations (1368–1644): Jiang Jieshi’s ancestral home and residences constructed, blending Southern Fujian architectural styles.
• Republican Era (1912–1949): Jiang’s family expanded residences; Wenchang Pavilion served as a political hub before its 1939 destruction by Japanese bombers.
• Modern Restoration (1980s–2000s): Post-1978 reforms led to systematic restoration of Jiang’s Former Residence, reopening to the public in 1983.
• Cultural Recognition (1996–2017): Designated a national key cultural relic in 1996 and listed among China’s 20th-century architectural heritage sites in 2017.

Structural Layout

The area comprises two main zones:

1. Historical Town Core:
   • Jiang’s Former Residence: Grouped buildings including Fenghao House, Xiaoyang House, and Yutai Salt Shop, showcasing Qing Dynasty wood carvings.
   • Wuling Old Street: Ming-Qing era commercial street with preserved shops and traditional residences.
2. Natural Landscape Zone:
   • Mount Xuedou: Karst peak forest with Qianzhangyan Waterfall (188 meters tall) and Xuedou Temple (1,700-year-old Buddhist site).
   • Tingxia Lake: Artificial reservoir with surrounding bamboo forests and hiking trails.

Key structures:

• Maitreya Buddha: World’s tallest seated bronze Buddha (33m), completed in 2008.
• Xuedou Temple: One of China’s “Five Great Buddhist Mountains” temples, rebuilt during the Tang Dynasty.

Major Attractions

1. Jiang’s Former Residence: Explore Fenghao House’s carved beams depicting Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Journey to the West motIFS.
2. Mount Xuedou: Hike karst trails to Qianzhangyan Waterfall and visit the Maitreya Buddha statue.
3. Wuling Old Street: Stroll through Qing Dynasty shops and sample Hui’an women’s traditional snacks.
4. Xuedou Temple: Meditate in the lotus pond courtyard of this Tang Dynasty Buddhist site.
5. Tingxia Lake: Kayak on emerald waters flanked by bamboo groves.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   East Gate → Jiang’s Former Residence → Wuling Old Street → Exit
   Highlights: Core historical architecture and cultural exhibits.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   East Gate → Mount Xuedou (Maitreya Buddha) → Qianzhangyan Waterfall → Xuedou Temple → Exit
   Highlights: Natural landscapes and Buddhist heritage.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   East Gate → Jiang’s Former Residence → Mount Xuedou → Wuling Old Street → Tingxia Lake → Exit
   Highlights: Full immersion in history, nature, and local culture.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Xikou-Tengtou Joint Ticket: ¥210 (2-day validity, includes Xuedou Mountain transit).
  • Jiang’s Residence Only: ¥120 (1-day validity).
  • Mount Xuedou Only: ¥150 (includes ¥30 transit fee).
  • Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors (60–70 years); free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70.
• Online Booking: Available via Ctrip or WeChat mini-program “Xikou Scenic Area” (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site Tickets: Limited availability; queues average 15 minutes during weekends.

Transportation

From Shanghai/Nanjing/Hangzhou:

• By Car: G60/G42 Expressway → Ningbo Ring Expressway → Yongjin Expressway → Xikou Exit (3.5 hours total).
• By Bus: Shanghai South Station/Nanjing South Station → Ningbo South Station → Xikou Direct Bus (40 minutes).

From Ningbo City:

• By Bus: Ningbo South Station → Xikou Direct Bus (¥15, 40 minutes).
• By Taxi: Direct ride (30 minutes, ¥60).

Local Shuttle:

• “Xikou Sightseeing Bus” connects major sites (¥30/day pass).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–June (azalea blooms), September–November (clear mountain views).
• Avoid: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (tour group crowds).
• Essentials:
  • Waterproof gear for Qianzhangyan Waterfall mist.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes for Mount Xuedou trails.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching near Tingxia Lake.
• Prohibited Items: Drones (restricted airspace), loudspeakers.
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture Maitreya Buddha’s golden reflection 1 hour before sunset.
  • Long Exposure: Use tripod for Qianzhangyan Waterfall’s silk-like flow.