Blogs from Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, Asia

We drove to Jiangbei, the northern part of Ningbo to go hiking. There are quite a few mountains and trails in this area. It has been about a year since I went hiking in Ningbo and was looking forward to exploring another part of the city. We parked up in the carpark of a very fancy resort hotel, that is next to a lake. The lake is called Sunhu Lake and it looked pretty, but we didn't have time to explore the area around the lake as we were headed for the hills. We followed the road back round. It was really quiet, I know it was a week day, but there weren't too many people about. We passed an army base and lots of fancy houses. I think the houses were for military people and ... read more

China’s development has been remarkable. Not only has the country’s economic progress lifted countless people out of poverty, but also positively influenced global economic growth. But it’s not just these feats that have attracted me to China. It is the cultural heritage that brought me specifically to China andfinding the right balance has led me to Ningbo. Ningbo delights its visitors, especially walking through the city on a pleasant evening. The different neighborhood and unique lighting bring a sense of modernization through its heritage. Despite this Ningbo is not like Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and other congested cities. The leisure lifestyle of Ningbo is a hallmark of the city. Ningbo’s Skyscrapers are not overbearing on the traditional charming features of the city. Dongqian Lake, Ningbo Library, Cicheng and many parks in Ningbo maintain a ... read more

Ningbo is a culturally layered city with a remarkable history. Like other ancient Chinese cities Ningbo offers windows into the many centuries and dynasties of Chinese development. August 23, Ningbo Qiantong Ancient Town Here in Qiantong the authentic historical buildings and relics of the Ming and Qing dynasties have been preserved. The local villagers enjoy life along the canal, children run freely and play in the open space. Senior citizens enjoy the sunset and evenings in the summer. It’s a much welcome contrasts to high density cities like Shanghai and Beijing. There are several folk museums in town that I visited. Arts and crafts, performances, and even a l... read more

Many people mistake China as only being Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The reality is China is massive and its history and culture extend far beyond these metropolises. After a trip to the coastal city of Ningbo I can honestly recommend it to any international visitor. A window into Chinese culture is opened in Ningbo where Asia’s and China’s oldest private library still stands today. Tianyi Pavilion demonstrates the ancestral significance of Ningbo; and it’s just as scenic as its folklore suggests. At Tianyi Pavilion you can directly compare Ming and Qing Dynasties architecture from adjacent building. You can feel the flow of time and history without opening any of the relic scrolls. Despite its cultural roots Ningbo has grown greatly in modern China. The Old Bund, built 20 years before Shanghai’s bund, is full of open-air ... read more

2 Day Trip in August Day 1: Moon Lake Park – Drum Tower The journey has not yet begun and a mouth watering meal of seafood is laid before us. Ningbo crawfish is delicious and one of the best spicey, savory seafood meals I’ve ever enjoyed. Next we visited Ningbo’s massive train station and set off for the Moon Lake Park and Drum Tower. Overlooking the lake there is a romantic sense inspired. There’s all kinds of water sports and fishing alongside the ancient lake buildings with monuments and relics. The Chao Court is full of elegant decorations and a window into the ancient tea culture. Amazing that all these authentic cultural and historical sites are f... read more