Ningbo: The Fourth Largest Port City in the World

Ningbo: The Fourth Largest Port City in the World

Introduction to Ningbo

Ningbo, abbreviated as “Yong,” derives its name from the phrase “When the sea is calm, the waves are peaceful.” Located along the middle section of China’s coastline and at the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta, Ningbo is the only sub-provincial city in Zhejiang Province and ranks as the fourth largest port city in the world.

In the eyes of modern society, prosperous Ningbo stands as a model of advancement and modernity within Zhejiang, having secured its place among China’s quasi-first-tier cities. The city is vibrant, with a skyline dotted by modern skyscrapers, and creative neighborhoods filled with unique shops resembling scattered pearls throughout the urban landscape. The local cuisine is diverse and refined, showcasing Ningbo’s culinary distinctiveness.

Beyond its modern appeal, Ningbo boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Since its establishment as a city during the Tang Dynasty, it has been home to significant landmarks, including the Tianyi Pavilion—the first private library in China—and numerous influential Zen temples. Ningbo also features an old Bund that predates the more famous one in Shanghai.

From a bustling port city to a picturesque water town, Ningbo’s history spans from the “Hemudu Culture” dating back 7,000 years to being the eastern starting point of the “Maritime Silk Road” during the Tang Dynasty. It serves as the mouth of the Grand Canal in southern China and was one of the “Five Major Treaty Ports” in modern times. The city has historically been linked with the renowned “Yameng School” of thought and has a strong connection to the “Ningbo Gang,” which ties Ningbo to various parts of the world.

Recommended Spot: Old Bund

The Old Bund, located at the Sanjiangkou (Three Rivers Mouth), is the earliest foreign trade area established during the “Five Ports of Commerce,” originating from the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842—twenty years earlier than Shanghai’s Bund. It remains one of the few century-old waterfronts in China. Today, the Old Bund retains a wealth of beautiful European-style buildings. The heavy wooden doors creak open, and rusted iron railings stand quietly, silently bearing witness to the passage of time. The intricately carved stone facades tell stories of the past to every passerby.

Along the riverside, foreign consulates, Catholic churches, banks, and ship docks line up, nearly documenting the entire history of Ningbo’s opening to foreign trade. Among the historical buildings, many are over a century old, including the British Consulate, police station, the Japanese Army Water Command, Zhejiang Customs, a Catholic church, the North Jesus Holy Church, Ningbo Post Office, and the Commercial Bank, as well as several private residences like the old “Hongchangyuan,” the merchant’s private house “Yanshi Shanzhuang,” and “Zhu’s House.” These structures showcase rich European styles, representing architectural influences from Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and more.

Strolling through the Old Bund, you’ll find many of these historical buildings transformed into elegant bars and restaurants, creating a charming leisure area.

Address: Next to the Yongjiang Bridge on People’s Road, Jiangbei District.

Treasured Relics | Ashoka Temple

Ashoka Temple is the only millennium-old temple in China named after King Ashoka. Founded during the Western Jin Dynasty, it is renowned for its “Six Auspicious and Eight Blessed Sites” and has consistently ranked among the top five mountains of Zen Buddhism in the country.

Within the temple lies a world-famous pagoda that houses the relics of the Buddha, specifically the true relics of Shakyamuni. Additionally, it contains the only two remaining Yuan Dynasty pagodas in the province, along with inscriptions from the Tang, Song, Ming, Qing, Republic of China, and modern eras. Among these, the “Ashoka Temple Permanent Field Stele,” “Chenkui Pavilion Inscription,” and “Miaohui Spring Inscription” are considered particularly precious.

Dong Qian Lake

Compared to West Lake in Hangzhou, Dong Qian Lake might not be as “well-known,” but as the largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang, its brilliance cannot be overlooked. It’s four times the size of West Lake but attracts less than half the number of visitors, making the experience here much more comfortable.

The Tao Gong Dyke divides the lake into two halves, offering stunning lakeside views. Along the shore, you’ll find attractions such as Xiaoputuo, Tao Gong Island, and the Southern Song Stone Carving Park. There are also various upscale hotels where you can “indulge” in the beauty of the mountains and the lake. If you’re feeling energetic, renting a bike to cycle around the lake is also a delightful way to enjoy the scenery.

Ningbo Tangyuan: Ningbo’s pig fat tangyuan is famous far and wide, and “Gang Yagou” stands out as a shining beacon of this delicious treat. These dumplings are fragrant, sweet, fresh, smooth, and sticky, featuring a clear, vibrant broth. With a thin skin and generous filling, the addition of osmanthus fragrance makes every bite a delightful experience. As you sink your teeth into the skin, a rich, aromatic flavor bursts forth, making it unforgettable with each mouthful.

Fresh Meat Steamed Wontons: One of Ningbo’s top ten specialties, these wontons are made with even more precision than fresh meat soup dumplings. They require selecting fresh pork hind leg meat, mixed with seasonings to create the filling. The skin is made from high-quality white flour, and the wontons are then placed in a bamboo steamer to cook. Once they are ready, a drizzle of sesame oil is brushed on top, enhancing the flavor and giving them a delightful sheen.

Ningbo Rice Cake: Ningbo is home to the Hemudu cultural site, which highlights a long history of rice cultivation. During the golden autumn harvest, people use high-quality late-harvest glutinous rice to make rice cakes. The Ningbo rice cake, white as jade and delightfully chewy, offers a warm and soft texture that showcases the rich world of glutinous rice. It’s a beloved traditional treat, perfect for celebrating the harvest and sharing with family and friends.

You Zanzi (Fried Twists): Ningbo’s You Zanzi is what people in Mandarin call “Mahua” (fried dough twists). These delicious treats can be sweet or savory, and the locals have a deep fondness for the freshly fried versions. At Auntie Wenchang’s You Zanzi shop near the Drum Tower and the You Zanzi store on Nantang Old Street, you’ll often find long lines of eager customers waiting to indulge in this crispy delight. It’s a must-try snack that perfectly captures the local flavor!

Mianjie Mian (Noodle Knots): Ningbo’s “Laocangqiao” noodle knot shops could easily fill out a grand food map of the city. With locations on Huayan Street and at the Yuehu Market, it’s hard to tell which one is the oldest or most authentic. However, one thing is clear: the plump and thin noodle knots drenched in scallion oil, paired with a light, non-greasy broth, are beloved by diners. It’s a comforting dish that captures the essence of Ningbo’s culinary tradition!

Qian Ceng Bing (Layered Pancake): Fenghua’s Qian Ceng Bing is a small, square delicacy that features a remarkable 27 distinct layers, each clearly defined and boasting a golden, translucent green appearance. There are two flavor options: sweet sesame and savory seaweed. The pancake is delightfully fluffy and crispy, making it a must-try treat that perfectly embodies the art of Ningbo’s baking tradition!

Fenghua Beef Noodles: In Fenghua, what locals refer to as “ganmian” actually means “noodle soup,” but the “beef ganmian” here is essentially “beef vermicelli.” Fresh beef offal and bones are simmered with aromatic spices over medium heat, and then combined with locally produced red sweet potato vermicelli. The result is a fragrant, savory dish that is both delicious and satisfying, making it a standout in Ningbo’s culinary scene!

Xiangshan Seafood Noodles: In Xiangshan, a coastal town, the locals take their seafood seriously, even when it comes to a simple bowl of noodles. Here, you can choose from an abundance of fresh seafood to top your noodles, and the bowls can be as large as your appetite allows. With this generous serving, it’s hard not to feel envious of such a deliciously indulgent meal!

Yuyao Yellow Croaker Noodles: The secret to Yuyao Yellow Croaker Noodles lies in the freshness of the yellow croaker, which is lightly fried to achieve a crispy texture. The broth is enriched with soy sauce, resulting in a rich and savory flavor. Made with handmade alkaline noodles that have just the right bite, this dish perfectly combines the crispy fish, flavorful broth, and smooth noodles for a delightful dining experience.

Ninghai Wheat Cake: Ninghai Wheat Cakes typically come in three varieties:Plain Wheat Cake: Wrapped with sesame seaweed or dried shrimp flakes.Savory Wheat Cake: Filled with dried shrimp, scallions, or garlic for a salty flavor.Sweet Wheat Cake: Stuffed with granulated sugar, sesame, and lard for a sweet treat.Each variety features its own unique taste and colorful presentation, making them a delightful snack choice!

Accommodation Recommendations in Ningbo

Ningbo offers a wide range of hotels and inns across different price ranges, ensuring visitors can find a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploring.

Areas to Stay:

  1. City Center:
    The best choice for most travelers is to stay in Haishu District, especially near Tianyi Square and Chenghuang Temple. This area is vibrant and provides easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
  2. Around Scenic Spots:
    For those planning to visit nearby areas such as Ninghai, Cixi, or Xiangshan, there are also plenty of hotels available.

Unique Stays:

Ningbo and its surroundings feature numerous picturesque themed hotels and charming guesthouses that offer a unique accommodation experience, appealing to both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for luxury or a cozy local feel, you’ll find suitable options to enhance your stay.