China Travel

Situated about 15km (9.32 mi) from Ningbo's downtown area is the Baoguo Temple—China's longest surviving wooden building. The grounds were originally home to another temple which was destroyed. It was later replaced by the current wooden structure in 1013.   If the fact that this wooden temple has survived for nigh on a millennium isn't impressive enough, it was constructed without the use of a single nail. The main hall, circular in design, has proven itself to be quite the enigma. Birds, rodents and insects refuse to nest in the temple. Some purport that it is some form of magic which keeps the temple pest free, some claim the wood gives off an aroma which is offensive to critters. Others suggest that the wind blowing in from outside swirls around in the hall and creates a vortex—making conditions uncomfortable for birds and rodents, all the while ke... more »

Tianyi Pavilion, located by the tranquil shores of Moon Lake (Ming Hu), is thought to be China's oldest library and is probably Ningbo's best known tourist attraction. Construction of the pavilion, which houses a museum and library, began in 1561 under the instruction of Ming Dynasty official Fan Qin. By the time construction was completed, Fan Qin had amassed an enormous collection of literature, documents and records which included some handwritten Confucius originals. Today's remaining collection is only about one fifth of its former size, many volumes having been pilfered by thieves or decimated by age.  In addition to the literary treasures contained within the pavilion, the grounds, featuring quiet bamboo groves, ponds and rockeries, are also worth a look.   more »

Tianhe abounds in natural beauty. Over 200 sq km (62.1 sq mi) of green valleys, cragged peaks, volcanic caves, emerald rivers and waterfalls. The scenic area's main geographical feature is Dasongxi Gorge. The Baixi River cuts a path through the volcanic rock of the gorge and proves a popular spot for tourists to enjoy a lazy boat ride.   There are currently three areas developed for tourism, the Dasongxi Gorge area being one, where you can wander the forested paths or take a hike. The Water Sports Area is where you can take the boat to float down the Baixi River and then there's the Twin Peaks Forest Park, where you can enjoy crisp, clean air and lush green flora (but sadly, no cherry pie).   This is probably the best kept and largest nature reserve so close to the crowded Zhejiang coastline. It makes a great escape from the ever increasing urban landscapes of N... more »

The Nanxi Hot Springs are located at the foot of the Tiantai and Siming Mountains. The geothermic waters bubbling up from deep beneath the earth's crust are sure to sooth away aches and pains. The warm water is clear and pure and rich in minerals and trace elements. It is said that the hot springs also have curative properties and can ease the symptoms of arthritis and cardiovascular ailments. Employees of the hot spings scenic area recommend spending 15 to 20 minutes soaking and claim that afterwards bathers will feel refreshed and their skin will be fully moisturized. There are also a couple of hotels in the area for those wanting to bathe outside regular operating hours.   more »

Ningbo fisherman have earned themselves a pretty sturdy reputation as being some of the best in the land—some even say that they've turned it into an art form. While they may or may not have made fishing into art, they certainly have made it into an amusement park. Located some 100km  from downtown Ningbo city is Shipu Ancient Village and the accompanying China Fishing Village theme park. Although fishing is probably not everyone's cup of earl grey, China Fishing Village manages to capture a fair bit of the region's culture and customs and frames into a sort of pseudo-American style maritime village. It creates an unusual experience, which alone make it almost worth going, but it's probably best for the avid fisherman or those with an interest in maritime culture. Shipu is also the place where Ningbo's annual fisherman's festival is held in September. more »

First built by a French missionary in 1702 (and rebuilt in 1866), this old church, in the south of Tianyi Square is now more popular as a place for wedding photographs than weddings proper. More properly known as the Cathedral of the Assumption, it's a striking building, in mixed Roman Gothic styles, with twin bell towers standing some 66 meters tall. Catholics have been active in Ningbo since at least 1533, though they've been driven out on more than one occasion. From 1953 onward the church was used as a ballroom by the Municipal Shaoxing Opera, suffering damage that required extensive renovations in the 1990s. Today it's an active place of worship once more, with Mass held daily in Chinese and at 10.30am on Sundays in English.   more »