Ningbo Lakeside Family-Friendly Boutique Stays, the Top Choice for Weekend Outings with Kids
Here comes Ningbo’s hidden gem for weekend family trips! Nanlian Village + Wulian Village offer a one-stop experience with lakeside scenery, light hiking, leisurely cycling, and waterside camping. Family-friendly and beginner-friendly, most activities are free, with fewer crowds, beautiful views, and no over-commercialization. Perfect for a full day of fun with kids 🏞️
🚗 Navigation & Parking Guide
✅ Nanlian Village: Navigate to "Nanlian Village Committee," free parking at the village entrance, public restrooms available, super convenient for traveling with kids
✅ Wulian Village: Navigate to "Wulian Xiangyu Xiye," free parking, right at a popular photo spot, very hassle-free for outings
🚶♀️ Two Family-Friendly Hiking Trails, Easy for Moms
1️⃣ Family Light Hike · Nanlian Changxiling Ancient Trail
About 5.5 km in total, very gentle ascent, clear path, no pressure for kids. Along the way, you’ll see bamboo groves, mountain ponds, free-range lambs, and may even spot wild fruits. At the descent, enjoy panoramic views of Hero Reservoir. It takes 2-3 hours with stops, perfect for hiking beginners and families with kids.
2️⃣ Lakeside Leisure Walk · Nanlian to Wulian
Walk along the Yunhu Red Water Boardwalk, flat and easy, about 3 km. Enjoy the lake breeze and mountain views, passing the Water Resources Museum and Yunhu Kiln Ruins. It’s very soothing for photos, suitable for elderly and young children, and stroller-friendly.
🚴 Family Cycling Fun
The full lakeside loop is about 9 km, a mix of asphalt road and water boardwalk, with gentle terrain and stunning scenery. You can rent family bikes in Nanlian Village or bring your own for more freedom. Cycling in the early morning or evening offers soft light and comfortable lake breezes, perfect for photos, and easy for kids to handle.
🏕️ Family Camping Guide
✅ Free Camping: Shallow lakeside beaches and lake islands in Nanlian Village, shallow lakeside beaches in Wulian Village. Quiet by the water, great for picnics and relaxing with kids. ⚠️ This is a water source protection area; barbecues are prohibited. Only picnic mats and canopies allowed. Please practice leave-no-trace camping.
✅ Paid Camping: Next to Nanlian Station and Wulian Xiangyu Xiye, full camping gear rental available, with coffee and rest areas. No need to bring your own equipment, very convenient for family trips.
❌ Family Pitfall Tips
✔️ Lakeside island camping spots are popular; on good weather weekends, arrive early to secure a spot
✔️ Changxiling has some steep sections; make sure kids wear non-slip shoes and hold hands throughout
✔️ Few supply points along the hike; bring enough drinking water and snacks for the kids
✔️ Driving is more convenient; public transport: take Metro Line 4 to Cicheng Station, then transfer to a bus
Accommodation
🏨 Yunhu Manju Homestay
A lakeside homestay in Nanlian Village, built by Yunhu Lake, fully equipped family rooms, walking distance to hiking trail start, with cycling and camping experiences, very convenient for outings with kids
🏨 Cicheng Ancient County Town Homestay
Boutique homestay in Cicheng Ancient Village, Huizhou architectural style, offers intangible cultural heritage handicraft experiences, 20 minutes by car from Nanlian Village, with rich activities
🏨 Junlanli Hotel
A light luxury hotel in the core area of Cicheng, spacious and comfortable family rooms, with a children’s play area, 15 minutes by car from Nanlian Village, excellent value for money
🏨 Dongqian Lake Hilton Resort Hotel
Top luxury resort hotel by Dongqian Lake, with prime lake views, a large children’s water park and playground, 40 minutes by car from Nanlian Village, full vacation vibe