From a meteorological standpoint, it belongs to the subtropical monsoon zone, and is under the influence of perennial southeast winds.

In 689 AD, as Empress Wu Zetian rose to power, Ninghai's administrative status was once more restored to county level, with its seat placed at Guangduli (the present Chengguan Town).

In the Southern Song dynasty, the Privy Council Secretary Zheng Lin, the Right Prime Minister Ye Mengding, the historian Hu Sansheng and the litterateur Shu Yueyang took official posts in the Court, together with the powerful minister Jia Sidao.

After Zheng Lin was killed by Jia Sidao, Ye Mengding, Hu Sansheng and another official named Shu Yuexiang renounced their governmental posts and devoted themselves to academic studies.

Ninghai sits at the foot of the Tiantai Mount (Chinese: 天台山) facing the East China Sea.

Xu Xiake mentions the Lianghuang Mountain, located in the western part of the county, in the first chapter of his travels stories.

In the south, the Shouning Temple is where famous Monk Jian Zhen lived during the Tang dynasty, before sailing off to Japan.

A national forest park, deep gorges in east Zhejing, the Liantou Mountain and a number of antique buildings in the town of Qiantong make worthy scenic spots, where culture and nature combine.

Further Ninghai counts with trade centers, complete with cultural and entertainment facilities, besides 11 hotels suitable for foreign tourists, two of them ranked at four stars.

From its flanks, one enjoys a full view of the Zhejiang Grand Canyon (浙江大峡谷) and of the Baixi Reservoir (白溪水库).