Joanna James
An old-time city with seven-thousand years' worth of tales to weave, despite its contemporary amenities for well-heeled business and recreation pursuits, Ningbo is a must-visit destination for all brands of travellers. Here are its chief allurements.
Whether you're travelling as a family, a honeymooning couple, or on a bi-leisure getaway, China's living relic of a city is surprisingly rich in modern attractions blended with its classical atmosphere. If you're fantasising about the ultimate retail escapade, head over to Tianyi Square, an award-winning public art construction boasting 300 shops dedicated to merchandise, electronics, eateries, and more. The Ningbo Qianhu Lifespace Shopping Plaza is another fantastic stop for upmarket finds, hosting artisan boutiques, signature stores, and picturesque cafés.
A true testament to Ningbo's innovative side, the Romon U-Park is a breathtaking medley of multimedia wonders and historic spectacles that will take you on a journey complete with 4-D effects of water screens, fire bursts, and full-colour laser projections. If your heart craves a more outdoorsy adventure, the Ningbo Harbourland theme park sports thrilling rides for all ages, as well as a myriad of diverse architectural marvels and immersive 3-D theatre.
Ningbo is well supplied with scenic hideaways, from the Ninghai Forest hot spring infused in rejuvenating minerals and reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius in lush mountain verdure to the soothing splendour of Dongqian Lake. For an inner-city nature encounter, Tiangong Manor combines airy botanical gardens and an interactive kids' station with graceful traditional architecture. If you're looking for plush serviced apartments in Ningbo offering prime access to the city's diverse allurements, venture no further than Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Ningbo.
Head over to China's most ancient library, Tian Ye Ge, majestic against its backdrop of luxuriant gardens and rich with the tangible echoes of an epic history.
Tengtou Village is a blissful sanctuary that enables visitors to get intimately involved in the lifestyle of the locals, from picking harvests of fruits and flowers and concocting delicious rice cakes to the art of fish forking and listening to local tales.
While Ningbo is plentifully endowed with museums, the Ningbo Historical Museum is a unique architectural phenomenon in its own right, housing ample fascinating curios within its otherworldly stone façade.
Just 10 km away from Ningbo's CBD is the untouched haven of Cicheng; enveloped by mountain vistas and winding rivers and brimming with heritage relics and craftsmanship. Here, you can soak up the ancient grandeur of the Ming and Qing dynasties, roam the gorgeous countryside, and stockpile local artisan souvenirs.
Take an early morning stroll down Nantang Old Street for some time-honoured snacks from crispy salty-sweet Youzanzi; a pretzel-like twisted dough to freshly made flaky pastries. Stop by Gang Ya Gou Restaurant for some delectable dessert dumplings with plenty of options for the savoury inclined. Other wholesome and piquant local delicacies include steamed turtle soup, river eel fried to golden perfection, and chicken broth with a twist of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and (edible) tree fungi.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
