Ningbo

Wang is not alone in his efforts to modernise the urban landscape of China. Internationally renowned architect Ma Qingyun fashioned this grand central plaza to have a distinct European vibe. Several maze-like paths radiate outwards from Tianyi Square and the buildings alongside them – mostly low-rises limited to three or four storeys – bring together shopping, dining and businesses into one area.

Situated by the historic Chenghuang Temple, this pedestrian walk is a food hub where you can find a variety of classic Ningbo street snacks and small local shops. Visit art and handicraft shops and Asia Plaza, the largest shopping centre in Ningbo.

Long before the Ningbo Museum took shape, Tianyige Museum was the focus of architecture and culture in Ningbo. Founded in 1561, it is one of the three oldest private libraries in the world and originally served as the private library of Fan Qin, an official during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Today, it retains 300,000 ancient volumes and manuscripts, including 80,000 rare books. The architectural style of the compound is that of a traditional southern Chinese scholar’s home and garden. Its focal point is the elegant library building, offset by a classic garden, a pavilion, artificial mountains, fish ponds and a bamboo forest. 

Visit this scenic lake not far from the city centre of Ningbo. Legend has it that Tao Gong Island, an islet of the lake, was where politician Fan Li retired with renowned beauty Xi Shi during China’s Spring and Autumn Period (722BC-481BC). With a surface area of some 20 square kilometres, it is the largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang Province.

This area was one of the first Chinese ports opened to foreign trade in the 19th century. Once known as Ningbo Old Bund, the cluster of newer buildings at the “New Bund”, designed by architect Ma Qingyun, has rejuvenated the area, endowing it a more modern aesthetic with shades of nostalgia. Comparable to Shanghai’s fashionable Xintiandi district, it offers a great selection of bars, nightclubs and pubs.

Enjoy the picturesque Xuedou Mountain, some 30 or 40 kilometres from Ningbo city centre, while tracing the history of Chiang Kai-shek, the late leader of China’s Nationalist Party. Step into Fenggao House, the traditional Chinese-style house where both Chiang Kai-shek and his son, Chiang Jing-guo, were born, or visit the two-storey Western-style house where Chiang Jing-guo lived after his return from the Soviet Union in 1937.