Although Ningbo itself is divided up into district areas, mostly bounded by the three rivers that flow through the city, there are only a few areas the foreign visitor needs to be familiar with. Most are within walking distance of one another or a short taxi trip away if you are feeling lazy.

 

 

 

Tianyi Square is a must visit venue in Ningbo, and a good launching pad for local tourism, shopping, restaurants and bars. In Chinese, the square is pronounced “Tian Yi Guang Chang”. It is a comparatively easy name to remember and is located in the centre of the downtown area.

 

Since its opening in 2001, Tianyi Square has grown to contain more than 800 shops and restaurants. The shops and restaurants surround an open square area adorned by a series of fountains. This is one of the largest recreation squares in China, and at night the impressive fountains light up with colors and music making it a must-see attraction in Ningbo.

 

 

There are both foreign and Chinese restaurants in Tianyi Square from the inevitable KFC, Starbucks, and Pizza Hut to a Brazilian Barbecue restaurant for the carnivores out there. It is a shopping bonanza from the upmarket boutique shopping of Hugo Boss to Hy-mall shopping complex for discounted food and clothing.

 

 

 

 

The entrance to Gu Lou from Zhongshan Rd (中山路) is easily identifiable by the Drum Tower, a major Ningbo landmark (see Tourist Attractions).

 

Gu Lou is a pedestrian-only area whose many restaurants and touristy shops make it worth a visit for those on the tourist circuit. It is easyily within walking distance from Tianyi Square.

 

At the rear of Gu Lou is Zhongshan Square (Park) (中山公园) with a beautiful old teahouse and wonderful park area for strolling day or night (see Tourist Attractions).

 

Tea House Zhongshan Park

 

 

 

 

 

Laowaitan is a recently restored area sometimes referred to as the “Ningbo Bund,” but it shares little in common with its Shanghai counterpart. That said, it is a very pretty “Westernized” part of Ningbo with a fun selection of bars and restaurants, a beautiful 200 year old Portuguese church, cobbled roads, and some superb views of the water.

 

 

Laowaitan sits at the junction of the city’s three rivers and houses the new art gallery as well as the city’s planning exhibition. If you want to immerse yourself in a bit of Western escapism from the sometimes overwhelming Chinese world, then head to Laowaitan.

 

 

An easy scenic walk from Tianyi Square, Laowaitan has three bars, Bourbon Street (with a live foreign band), Le Cargo (French owned), and Shamrock (with Irish beer but not a very Irish atmosphere). A genuine Indian restaurant, Steakhouse and a Subway complete the Western effect. There is a fire and water show on the river each evening and photographers will find plenty of happy snaps here, day or night.

 

Fire and Water Show at Laowaitan