Zhedong Big Bamboo Urban Leisure Base

Known as the "Sea of Bamboo" for its bamboo forest, the base is not for acrophobic types. The theme here is thrilling activities and entertainment. If you are looking for something to challenge the courage, this is a good place. The base offers rafting, speed chute and high altitude zip-line rides.

An 800-meter-long zip line ride has a 100-meter vertical drop as gravity gets riders moving at a fast clip. But the reward is worth it. While gliding across the valley, one can feel the tops of bamboo leaves touching the feet. The return ride is even higher than the first, taking riders from one mountain to another almost in the blink of the eye.

The speed chute is much more relaxing, allowing riders to pass through the forest. The ride covers 1.2 kilometers with riders seated in small sled-like cars that have hand brakes.

At the end of the speed chute, there is a lavender flower garden. The best time to see them is in mid-June. The bamboo forest also has a barbecue area not far from the main entrance.

After the heart pumping and adventurous activities, unwind on a river raft cruise. The 40 to 50-minute leisurely trip includes a few drops over small waterfalls, but nothing dangerous or scary. Rafters may be required to do some paddling at times. Also, remember to use your helmet to start bailing out the water if too much gets in the raft.

The leisure base is in Dalei Village in Yinzhou District. It's a 40-minute drive from Ningbo and sits on the northern side of Siming Mountain.

Xuedou Mountain Scenic Area

The waterfalls in this national park at Sanyin Tan are splendid. Hikers will encounter many waterfalls, large and small, and can get close enough to feel the water splatter gently on the face. The area is divided into three sections — Shangyin Tan, Zhongyin Tan and Xiayin Tan.

The upper section features 216 stone steps and a bridge providing a great view of the magnificent waterfalls. The sound of roaring water is almost deafening. The middle section has winding routes while the lower one has many giant stones.

The hike in Sanyin Tan is slightly more challenging. The mountains are steeper and the stone steps are often wet, which makes them slippery.

Near the top is Miaogao Terrance, an ideal spot for views of the entire area.

Xuedou Temple is in the center of Xuedou Mountain and it was built in the Jin Dynasty (AD 265-420) near Qianzhangyan Waterfall, but was later moved to its current location during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907).

The scenic area in Xikou Town of Fenghua is the highest in the Siming Mountain range at an altitude of about 800 meters.

If you go

1. The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Pack raincoats and umbrellas.

2. Pack additional clothes if you plan to partake in the adventure trek at Danshan Chishui or the raft ride at Zhedong Big Bamboo. You are likely to get wet, especially on the raft.

4. No matter what, safety always comes first. Be careful out there.