HomeNingboGuide

The Old Bund

宁波老外滩

Plan The Old Bund with church and street heritage, riverside walking, venue hours and evening return advice.

riverfrontheritagearchitecturecity-walkFamily-Friendly

Plan at a glance

District scope and access

The Old Bund is on Zhongma Road in Jiangbei District, Ningbo. The public streets are free and can be walked throughout the day. Jiangbei Catholic Church, Ningbo Art Museum, the former customs site museum, shops and restaurants have their own hours; an open street does not mean every indoor venue is open at the same time.

Entrances and visit time

Jiangbei Catholic Church Square and the riverside area near Ningbo Art Museum are practical arrival points. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the church, the old streets and the riverside walk. Add 3–4 hours if you include the art museum or another independent venue.

What kind of visit this is

The Old Bund suits daytime architecture viewing, an evening riverside walk and nighttime views across the river. Night lighting, the church interior, bars and the art museum all operate separately, so the district’s 24-hour public access does not set the hours for every service.

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.com

Choose your visit

The church and historic streets

The clock tower, brick walls and square around Jiangbei Catholic Church are the main architectural sights. Zhongma Road’s old streets are easy to explore on foot, while cafés, shops and other indoor spaces open according to each business.

The art museum and riverside walk

Ningbo Art Museum is beside the river and can be treated as a separate cultural stop. The riverside path at the Three Rivers Junction is useful around sunset. Wind, weather and visibility affect the view, so do not build the route around a fixed light show or performance time.

Who should choose this visit

Visitors interested in city architecture, historic streets and riverside walking can plan a 1.5–2-hour short route. If you want an exhibition or a longer riverside stop, plan the venue hours, food and nighttime return separately.

Build your day

The 1.5–2-hour public-street route

Start at Jiangbei Catholic Church Square, walk through the old streets along Zhongma Road, then follow the riverside path towards the Three Rivers Junction before leaving from the metro or bus side. This route mainly uses public space; entering the church or another venue is optional and depends on that day’s opening.

The 3–4-hour cultural walk

Visit Ningbo Art Museum first, then walk along the river through the wharf and old streets before finishing around the church square and the former customs site museum. Each indoor venue has its own admission time and ticket arrangement, so adjust the order according to the day’s opening status.

An evening and night route

Reach the riverside before sunset, watch the light change and then walk around the church and old houses after dark. Decide whether to stay longer according to the actual lighting and shop openings. A fixed light show, performance or bar visit is not required for a complete evening walk.

Get there

Metro and bus

Take Metro Line 2 to Waitan Bridge Station, Exit C, and walk about 5–8 minutes to the church area. Bus routes 1, 19, 20 and 370 also stop at The Old Bund. After getting off, walk towards the church square or the art museum according to your route.

Driving and parking

By car, search for The Old Bund Underground Parking or Ningbo Art Museum Underground Parking. Weekend and holiday spaces, fees and entrance queues may change. Public transport usually gives you a more predictable arrival time.

Moving around the district

The Old Bund is best explored on foot, and there is little reason to keep moving the car between the river, old streets and venues. At night, watch for steps, the riverside edge and crowds. Follow the temporary passage around any barrier or event setup.

Know before you go

Different hours for venues and the church

The public streets can generally be entered throughout the day, while Ningbo Art Museum, the church and museums have their own opening hours. The art museum is usually closed on Mondays, and other venues may also change their schedules. Check the on-site notice if a venue is your main reason for visiting.

Photography and riverside safety

The church, river views and old houses are useful subjects around sunset, but do not enter closed areas, climb guardrails or block other people. River wind, wet paving and low visibility at night all affect walking safety.

Night spending and return

Bars, restaurants and cafés set their own prices, seating rules and hours. Read the menu before ordering. If you stay late, confirm the last metro, bus or taxi option before settling in.

More Ningbo Attractions