Lying in the east of Zhejiang, Ningbo sits at the mid-point of the Chinese coastline, towards the south of the Yangtze Delta. It covers an area of 9365 square kilometers (3616 square miles), of which 1033 square kilometers (399 square miles) constitutes the city's bustling urban centre.
Ningbo is one China's oldest cities, and has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. It also represents the birthplace of Hemudu Culture, which itself has a history of over 7000 years. These early civilizations lived and thrived in the area, and have contributed greatly to make Ningbo what it is today; an economically-developed, modern city with a profound cultural foundation.
Ningbo is a city with strong Buddhist connections and boasts a number of visually-impressive, historical temples. The 1700 year-old Asoka Temple houses the rare Buddhist relics of Sakyamuni, who is the founder of Buddhism; the Tiantong Temple, with a history of over 1600 years, is renowned for its fantastic scenery and subtle architectural style; and the Baoguo Temple boasts one of the best-preserved wooden structures of its type in China. Other Buddhist temples in the city include the Qita Temple, the Tianfeng Pagoda and the Xiantong Pagoda.
Due to its location in the coastal region, an area with a subtropical monsoon climate, Ningbo is subject to temperate and humid weather. The mean annual temperature is 16.2
C (61.16F). The region has four distinct seasons which guarantee tourists a different holidaying experience depending on the time of year they visit. Season-specific resorts such as the Tianhe Scenic Area in Tiantai Mountain and Xuedou Mountain Scenic Area in Xikou Town cater for the summer season, while resorts such as the Nanxi Hot Springs are suited more to winter visits. However, to the north of Ningbo run a series of beautiful lakes, including the Dongqian Lake, the West Lake and the Tai Lake, which are perfect for year-round visits.
Although the city is striving towards modernization, the passion of the local people for producing traditional handicrafts remains undiminished. Hand-plaited bamboo vases, screens and animal figurines are particularly popular. The ancient Gu Mu Xiangqian, bamboo root carving and bamboo sculpture all reveal the local characters of craft in Ningbo.
Ningbo has been an important port city for foreign trade since the Song Dynasty (960-1279). After the Opium War (1840-1842), it became one of the top-five ports in China, successfully utilizing its favorable location for water transport. Today, despite its well-developed economy and infrastructure, it remains surrounded by charming natural scenery.
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Travelers' Voices on Ningbo
1.
Jun. 26,2009 05:34 Reply
Mrs.MARY said:
Hi,from the university of nottingham,is there any station nearby? If i want to go to hangzhou or shanghai, pls give me the bus or train reference and at what time will be the first departure to Hangzhou (interested to visit the west lake . Thanks in advance
Jun. 27,2009 02:09
Mr.Shan replied:
Hi, are you in UK or in Ningbo now? I guess Ningbo, right? Well, for the train information, you could search details at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
As for bus, both of the buses to Shanghai and Hangzhou could be taken at Ningbo South Bus Station. The bus to Shanghai is in operation from 06:00 to 20:00 with an interval if about 20 minutes. To Hangzhou, the first one leaves at 5:50 and the last one is at 19:50, the interval is about 10 minutes.
2.
Jun. 14,2009 13:34 Reply
Mr.PRADEEPSETH(United Kingdom) said:
Where is HE PU island in Ningbo City OR nearby??
Jun. 16,2009 01:40
Mr.Sam replied:
Very confused by this name in Chinese pinyin? Could you give its name in Chinese character?
3.
Jun. 9,2009 23:56 Reply
Mr.R.KUMAR(INDIA) said:
IS THERE A SEA LINK BETWEEN SHANGHAI AND CIXI ( NINGBO ) ?
IS IT CONVENIENT TO TRAVEL BY SHIP ?
FURTHER :
FROM WHERE I CAN GET NAME/ADDRESSES /E-MAIL ADDRESSES OF COMPNIES IN CIXI MANUFACTURING
FABRIC FOR JACKETS AND ALSO MADE-UP JACKETS FOR GENTS ? WHICH ARE THE MAIN MARKETS FOR THESE
PRODUCTS ?
REGARDS
R.KUMAR
Jun. 10,2009 22:36
Ms.Lily replied:
Hi, seems there is no ship from Shanghai to Cixi. You may consider go there by coach from Shanghai South Bus Station.
4.
Jun. 6,2009 06:51 Reply
Mr.R.KUMAR(INDIA) said:
I WISH TO VISIT CIXI FOR BUSINESS TRIP AND NEED FOLL INFMN ::
- HOW FAR FROM SHANGHAI AND MODE OF TRANSPORT ?
- ACCOMODATION IN CIXI ?
- VEGETARIAN FOOD I CIXI ( OR INDIAN RESTURANT ) ?
- IS THIS CITY IN ZHEJIANG PROVIANCE ?
- CAN I GET A LOCATION MAP OF CIXI CITY IN ZHEJIAN PROVIANCE ?
YR PROMPT REPLY WILL B E HIGHLY APPRICATED.
REGARDS.
R.KUMAR
Jun. 7,2009 01:53
Mr.Qi replied:
Hi, Mr. Kumar,
1. Shanghai is about 2-3 hours from Cixi. South Bus Station has many buses to the city.
2. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/cixi-hotels.htm Or buget hotel, like Rujia
3. no idea
4. Yes, It belong to Ningbo city of Zhejiang Province
5. I have no idear if you can get a English version of the map.
Hope its help and good luck~
5.
Feb. 17,2009 12:22 Reply
Mr.zulfiqar(Pakistan) said:
I propose to visit ningbo for a few days. What are some of the cheap hotel addresses and resturants where muslim food is available.
Apr. 16,2009 21:37
Mr.wang replied:
It a bit difficult to find muslim food in ningbo....
Jun. 4,2009 07:22
Ms.Lynn(SG) replied:
Ningbo Dongyishun Service Co. Ltd
Ningbo Dongyishun Service Co. Ltd., founded in October 1995, is the only Muslim restaurant in Ningbo. The restaurant serves mainly the Western or Chinese fast food, the mutton used for the stew dishes are cooked strictly under the Muslim's method. Smoking is forbidden inside the restaurant.
Up till now, the restaurant has received altogether 12,200 Muslims from Arab countries and other Islamic states that came to Ningbo either for investment, tour or study. Due to the low price of the cuisine, warm and thoughtful service and elegant dining environment, it is awarded by the government of Ningbo and the municipal tourism bureau as the "Civilized Sample Window in the Tourism Industry" and appointed as a foreign-related tourist unit.
I guess this is th eonly MUSLIM restaurant available in Ningbo!!
6.
May. 31,2009 03:15 Reply
Mr.Joe(usa) said:
Where are the most romatic places in Ningbo to visit or go out at night to?
Jun. 2,2009 04:44
Mr.Shan replied:
You may stay in an ancient town in Ningbo, quiet and leisurly. I like these water town in South China so much. Alternatively, you could take an excursion to the Putuo Mountain close to the Zhoushan Island, or the Zhujiajian Island, very beautiful seashore:)
7.
May. 29,2009 11:25 Reply
Mr.Ramesh(India) said:
Hi Ramesh here,
How far is Xian from ningbo? what are the mode of travel from Ningbo to Xian,
Jun. 2,2009 04:35
Mr.Shan replied:
Well, the distance is about 1,600 kilometers. There is only one train running from Ningbo to Xian everyday, taking 24 hours on the way. So, please consider taking a flight from Ningbo Airport or the larger Shanghai Airport to Xi'an. The timely flights could be searched at: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/
8.
May. 29,2009 11:16 Reply
Mr.Ramesh(India) said:
Hi , Iam Ramesh,
Iam visiting ningbo next week, How far is shangai from their. How many hours it will take to reach shangai give me more details
Jun. 2,2009 04:29
Mr.Sam replied:
The distance between these two cities is over 250 kilometers. It takes about 2.5 hours by bus and 4~5 hours by train.
9.
May. 28,2009 01:20 Reply
Ms.canan(turkey) said:
Hi, I'm Canan
How is going to Ningbo from Shanghai airport the way cheapest and fast.
Which hotel I can stay in Ningbo , cheap and clear..
thanks in advance for your answers.
Jun. 2,2009 04:27
Mr.Sam replied:
The cheapest way should be taking train from Shanghai to Ningbo. However, there are only 8 trains leaving for Ningbo and take over 4 hours. So, going to Ningbo by bus is suggested.
Will you arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport? If yes, you could take the airport shuttle Line7 to its terminus-Shanghai South Railway Station. It takes 20yuan and 30~40 minutes. The Shanghai South Bus Station is also located here, where you could catch a bus to Ningbo with a fare of 99yuan. It will take you about 2.5 hours.
As for hotel, see here: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/ningbo-hotels.htm
So many choices, I think the other people's comments may give you good advices.
10.
May. 8,2009 05:59 Reply
Ms.Margret(Iceland) said:
Hi,
I am going to study at Ningbo University, International College, and I will be staying for 10 months (studying Chinese). Does anyone have any helpful tips for me ;) ? I have some allergies, would I have problems with the air in Ningbo ?
May. 10,2009 22:54
Mr.Jerry replied:
I am in Xian. So the climate in Ningbo is humid and better, comparatively. As to your allergies, you should take care in spring and winter. It may cold and drier in winter. There will be pollen, or something like that. Good Luck!
May. 27,2009 06:04
Ms.Alexandra replied:
I am goin to study chinese at Ningbo University too... Maybe we will meet there :D