Ningbo is an ancient city in Zhejiang Province, China. It was originally founded during the Hemudu culture around 4800 BC, but its importance as a slightly larger city did not begin until about 2,000 years ago. During the Tang Dynasty, Ningbo was known as Mingzhou, and it became an important port for the region’s foreign trade. During the Song Dynasty, Arab merchants settled in Ningbo, which became a truly international trading city. During the Ming Dynasty, Ningbo became known in Europe as Liampó, and Portuguese traders established a significant presence in the area.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Ningbo underwent significant changes and developments. In 1843, the city was opened to foreign trade as a treaty port after the Opium Wars. This led to a period of economic growth and increased international trade, although the city was later overshadowed by Shanghai, which became the primary trading city in the region. During the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, Ningbo continued to be an important trading center. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Ningbo officially became a city and experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. The city became an important economic hub in Zhejiang Province and has since developed into a modern metropolis with one of the world’s busiest ports.

There are a number of attractions in Ningbo, and you can start at the central square called Tianyi Square/天一广场. The square was completed in 2002 and was designed by architect Qingyun Ma. Tianyi Square covers an area of ​​20 hectares and is surrounded by a number of European-style buildings, among other things. In the middle of the square is an area that offers pools and a musical fountain, which opened as the tallest in Asia with a height of 40 meters. The fountain can change shape and style according to different flowers. Tianyi Square is also a central place for shopping, cafes and restaurants in the city.

One of the buildings near Tianyi Square is the Catholic Cathedral, Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral/圣母升天天, which is the main church of the Diocese of Ningbo. The beautiful church building was built in 1853 and later rebuilt into the current cathedral. Close to the church, you can see the Ningbo City God Temple/宁波城隍庙, a Taoist temple with a nice atmosphere. The temple was originally built during the Ming Dynasty and is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, from whom it takes its name. The Ningbo City God Temple is known for its beautiful architectural details, and you can experience religious ceremonies in the active temple. It is a good way to learn about Taoist traditions and participate in some of the many festivals and events held here.

In the same neighborhood, you can see the Tianfeng Pagoda (天封塔), which was built in 695 during the Tang Dynasty. At 51 meters high, the pagoda is known as the tallest ancient structure in Ningbo. The hexagonal building is seven stories high and is surrounded by a red wall and guarded by two stone lions, giving the complex an atmospheric atmosphere. Visitors can explore the interior of the pagoda, where a number of finds from the area are on display, and can also climb to the top of the structure for stunning views of Ningbo. Today, the pagoda is a tourist attraction, but it originally served as a lighthouse for sailors navigating the city’s ancient harbor areas.

Another of the most notable attractions in Ningbo is the Tianyi Ge/天一阁, also known as the Tianyi Pavilion. The site is a library founded in 1561 by Fan Qin, an official during the Ming Dynasty. As such, Tianyi Ge is the oldest existing private library in China and houses an extensive collection of ancient books and manuscripts. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and traditional Chinese buildings, Tianyi Ge is a peaceful place to explore. You can both enjoy the beautiful surroundings and learn about China’s literary history.

Another interesting place to learn about Ningbo and the region’s history is the Ningbo Museum/宁波博物馆. It is a museum that has exhibitions with deep insight into the city’s history and culture. There are some interesting themes in the museum such as finds from the Hemudu culture, ancient ceramics and artworks from different periods in Ningbo’s history. During a visit, you can also notice the museum building, which opened in 2008. It was designed by the famous Chinese architect Wang Shu, and the building is known for its unique architecture, combining modern design with traditional elements. You can also take a walk in the Yinzhou/鄞州区 neighborhood around the museum. There are large squares, modern buildings and green spaces in Yinzhou Park/鄞州公园.

There are several other recreational places in Ningbo. For example, you can take a walk along the city’s river promenades, which provide a good view of the modern city center. You can also walk immediately west of the center, where Moon Lake Park/月湖公园 is located. It is a beautiful park with picturesque lakes, lush gardens and traditional Chinese pavilions. Moon Lake Park is also a popular place for locals to practice tai chi, so you can experience and try that here as well. The area around the park’s lake is also home to several historical buildings and monuments, which you can see on a walk through the park.