Joanna James
Venture into the bustling metropolis of Ningbo, the industrial hub and a major port of the Zhejiang Province of East China. While the city’s significance primarily lies in the industrial aspect, it is also a major holiday home for many tourists. In Ningbo, travellers can discover a host of exciting activities while paying visits to historically and culturally important landmarks. The city can also be a breath of fresh air for the busy traveller who is seeking refuge in China for a laid-back stay. Here are our five top picks to add some flavour to your Ningbo visit.
Easily reachable from a 5-star hotel in Ningbo, the Tiyanyi Pavillion lies mighty and tall, renowned for its standing as the oldest existing library in Asia. A 30-minute ride is all it takes for guests of Pan Pacific Ningbo to reach the library to explore a collection of historical treasures. The pavilion was built back in the year 1566 and hosts over 300,000 volumes of transcripts from the Ming Dynasty, some of which are not discoverable anywhere else. Visitors can also explore bookcases and books, qualifying this spot as a book lover’s haven worth a visit. The structure has been inspired by various themes and includes elements of folk crafts, wood carving, stone carving, gilding and brick carving.
Step into a world of patterns and structures as you explore models of global architecture at the Ningbo Old Bund. With a history that spans 100 years back, The Old Bund is renowned as one of the Five Trade Ports, and the oldest of them all. It was built in the year 1842, following the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing. Featuring a lineup of old European buildings, these historical structures stand mighty and tall along the river.
What better way to explore Ningbo than a leisure stroll at the park? At the centre of Ningbo lies Moon Lake, divided by Liuting Street into two separate parks; the north and south parks. These parks capture the spirit of Ningbo, as the north garden takes the face of a courtyard-like garden while the south park carries features of modernism in every trace. While you stroll beside Moon Lake, be sure to explore the theme museums and scenic spots.
Last, but by no means the least important on the list. Indulging in the flavours of local delicacies is a must-try in Ningbo. Head over to Nantang Old Street where a hundred-year-old stone path will lead you down the pedestrian street which shelters food stores that have been honoured for years. Some of the traditional food that can be savoured here include sweet dumplings, steamed rice cake, seafood noodles and many more.
Visit the largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang. The Dongqian Lake is famed for its appeal to tourists passing by. While it may not be as popular as other naturally gifted sites, the view is still breathtaking and is indeed a hidden treasure of the province. Ideal for sunset viewing, the lake is divided into two parts by the Taogong Causeway. Travellers can also discover several other attractions along the way such as Taogong Island, Small Putuo and Stone Carvings Park.
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