Tianyi Pavilion is the oldest surviving private library in China. Originally constructed in 1516, its owner, Fanqin, was the Minister for War during the Ming Dynasty. It is well preserved and some parts have been beautifully restored for the benefit of visitors. Chinese history enthusiasts should certainly visit the pavillion. It also houses an amazing collection on mah jong sets.

 

 

 

Practically adjoining the Tianyi Pavilion is Moon Lake. Moon Lake is 96.7 hectares of water and parklands with many beautiful gardens and walkways. In existence for nearly 1400 years, the lake is surrounded by many old pavilions and buildings. Moon Lake is a great place for a picnic, stroll, or a paddle around the lake in one of the boats available for hire.

 

 

 

One of the unusual sites in Ningbo that marks the entrance way to Gu Lou is the Drum Tower. Located on Zhongshan Road (yes, every city in China seems to have one) it is directly opposite the junction with Zhenming Rd. The area at the base of the Tower is part of the original old city wall from the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty a pagoda was built on top of the wall. It was named the Drum Tower, because every day at dusk a large drum placed in the tower was beaten to give the correct time. This was a common Ming Dynasty practice, and similar towers are found in many in other cities in China. The drum has since been replaced by a clock tower the juts from the top of the Ming pagoda.

 

 

 

Located on Baizhang Road, the temple is named for the seven mini pagodas that line the street in front of the temple. Built in 858 AD, it is a beautiful Buddhist temple with many historical buildings and carvings. Seven Pagoda Temple is regarded as one of the major Buddhist temples in East Zhejiang.

 

 

 

This is another of one the many beautiful parks in Ningbo. Located behind Gu Lou, it consists of Zhongshan Square and lovely scenic parklands, which houses a lovely tea house, gazebo and the former residence of general Zhang Cangshui, a local hero at the end of the Ming Dynasty. His tomb is located at West Lake in Hangzhou.

 

 

 

It is not possible to visit Ningbo without a stop at Laowaitan. It has almost everything a tourist could want: history, restaurants, bars, river views (beautiful day or night), and a 200 year old church. The church alone is worth the visit. Laowaitan is also the home to two modern venues well worth visiting. Ningbo City Exhibition Hall, features an exhibition featuirng Ningbo's past, present, and future. Alongside the Exhibition Hall is the Ningbo Museum of Art, with some simply beautiful...