Plan at a glance
Location, ticket and opening hours
Ashoka Temple is at 1999 Wuxiang East Road, Wuxiang Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, near the foothills of Taibai Mountain. Admission is free and no advance reservation is required. It is usually open from 6:00–17:00 from April to October and 6:00–16:30 from November to March.
Entrance and visit time
The New Mountain Gate on Wuxiang East Road is the recommended entrance. The Old Mountain Gate may be closed or used only for a specific passage. Allow about 1–1.5 hours for the main courtyards; for a first visit including the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, the East and West Pagodas and Maoshan Academy, allow 2–3 hours. The rear-hill hike requires additional time and energy.
What kind of visit this is
Ashoka Temple suits a half-day visit combining historic buildings, temple etiquette and quiet walking. Families can choose a shorter route inside the temple, but should still allow for steps, respectful behaviour in the halls and changing weather.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
The gate, Wanggong Pool and old trees
The Ashoka stone pillar in front of the New Mountain Gate is about 8 metres high. Wanggong Pool, a Song-period release pool, and the surrounding old trees are good early stops after entering. The pool can reflect the gate and historic buildings; light from 9:00–10:00 is usually useful for observing the water and architectural details, although the result depends on the weather that day.
The Sharira Hall and East and West Pagodas
The Sharira Hall, East Pagoda and West Pagoda are representative buildings and worship spaces within the temple. Visit the Sharira Hall according to temple etiquette, and follow the on-site photography instructions. The West Pagoda is a Yuan-period remnant and suits visitors interested in ancient pagodas and the sense of age in historic architecture.
Who should choose this visit
Visitors who enjoy old-temple layouts, pagodas, inscriptions and tree-filled surroundings can focus on walking between the courtyards and observing the buildings. Those seeking a quiet temple visit can take the 1–1.5-hour short route; families with children can add the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats or Maoshan Academy according to their energy, with rest time along the way.
Build your day
The 1–1.5-hour courtyard route
Enter through the New Mountain Gate, then visit Wanggong Pool, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Sharira Hall and the West Pagoda before leaving through the exit. This route stays within the main courtyards and suits visitors with limited time, leaving room for a later city itinerary.
The 2–3-hour full temple route
A fuller sequence is the New Mountain Gate, Wanggong Pool, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Sharira Hall, Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, East and West Pagodas, Buddha Footprint Stone and Maoshan Academy. If vegetarian food is served that day, leave time for a meal between 11:00 and 13:00; availability, entry and dining rules follow the same-day arrangement.
An extended rear-hill hike
Visitors with good stamina can add the rear-hill trail to the temple route. It is better to complete the rear-hill hike in the morning and return to the temple afterwards. Shorten the route after rain or when the steps are slippery, and stay within the area open that day.
Get there
Metro and buses
Take Ningbo Metro Line 1 to Baogong Station, Exit D, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the temple gate. You can also take bus 758, 759, 790, 787, 155 or Mini Bus 53, getting off at the “Ashoka Temple” or “Yuwang” stop. After getting off, use the New Mountain Gate as the arrival target.
Driving and navigation
By car, search for “Ashoka Temple Parking” or “Ashoka Temple Ground Parking at the Mountain Gate.” Do not navigate to “Ancient Ashoka Temple,” which is a different location. Parking position, capacity and fees follow the same-day arrangement; after arriving, the New Mountain Gate is the more reliable entrance.
Know before you go
Etiquette and photography
Dress appropriately and wear flat, comfortable shoes. Remove hats and sunglasses before entering the halls, and do not step over thresholds. Do not photograph statues, monks or worshippers inside the halls; turn off the flash when photographing incense. The exact photography area follows the on-site signs.
Vegetarian food, supplies and mosquitoes
If open that day, Shusheng Zhai usually serves vegetarian food from 11:00–13:00 on the west side of the mountain gate. Availability and dining rules follow the same-day arrangement; take only what you need and clear your tableware afterwards. The temple has extensive greenery, so bring water and insect repellent, and prepare sun protection in summer.
Visiting with Tiantong Temple
Ashoka Temple and Tiantong Temple can be two temple options in eastern Ningbo, but each has its own entrance, visit scope and on-site management conditions. If visiting both on one day, decide how long to spend at each before arranging the transfer. Treat the two temples as separate stops rather than compressing them into one fixed loop.