Ningbo is an integration of traditional culture south of the Yangtze River and of fashionable elements of modern cities. Here, traditional handicrafts, passed down for hundreds of years, reveal special cultural connotations belonging only to this ancient coastal city. Shopping malls and department stores also satisfy people's need for modern goods.

With its thousand-year-long history, Ningbo boasts many traditional handicrafts. One of them is Gu Mu Xiangqian, which became a tribute offering early in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) for its delicacy and elegance. Ivory, sheet copper, boxwood or shells are processed into vivid flowers and birds, charming natural scenery or pretty girl, which are inlaid into rosewood. The mosaic rosewood is made into traditional Chinese handicrafts which are useful and can appreciate in value.

Ningbo also offers handicrafts made of bamboo:
Fanhuang Bamboo Sculpture first appeared during the years 1875-1908. 'Fanhuang' is a specific process: first, remove the green coat and joints of the bamboo; second, boil the bamboo until it becomes soft. Press it flat; then, affix the flat bamboo to a wood or bamboo sheet (this sheet is the semi-finished handicraft); finally, polish it and adjust the shape. After 'Fanhuang', the bamboo is engraved with vivid animals or lively figures and paint. The finished products become vases, boxes and other decorations.

Xiangshan Bamboo Root Carving derived from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ningbo people carve the various natural forms of bamboo roots into interesting figures such as josses and animals. Ningbo Mat is also called 'Ming Mat' or 'Yong Mat'. It is a famous local product of the Ningbo. It is smooth and clear with fine grasses and weaving. With highly elastic grass, this mat will wear for 20 or 30 years.

In addition to these typical bamboo handicrafts, Ningbo also has many delicate products of woven bamboo.

Recommended Place for Shopping
Tianyi Square (Centre Business District) extends from Chejiao Street in the east, Kaiming Street in the west, East Zhongshan Road in the north and Yaoxing Street in the south. It is a well-designed business center including various shops, department stores and super markets. Here, you can find clothes, cosmetics, home appliances and even small trinkets. Prices range from high to modest.

Chenghuang Temple Pedestrian Street (the City God's Temple Pedestrian Street) is an integration of shopping, amusement and food. Goods from clothes, to headgear to cosmetics are all available here.
Address: Xianxue Street, Haishu District

Department Store:
Intime Department Store
Tianyi Branch
Address: No.188, Zhongshan Road, Haishu District
Opening Hours: 10:00~22:00
Dongmen Branch
Address: No.238, Zhongshan Road, Haishu District
Opening Hours: 09:00~21:30 (from Sunday to Thursday)
09:00~22:00 (on Friday and Saturday)

Ningbo New World Department Store (Huimei Branch)
Address: No.137, Zhongshan East Road, Haishu District

Jinguang Department Store
Address: Jiangdong North Road, Jiangdong District

Super Market:
Metro:
Address: No.1, Metro Road, Yin County
Opening Hours: 06:00~22:00

Hy-Mall:
Address: Tianyi Square, 188, Zhongshan East Road, Haishu District

Carrefour:
Address: No.246-248, Zhongxing Road, Jiangdong District
Opening Hours: 07:45~22:00 (from Monday to Sunday)
07:45~22:30 (on festivals)
Bus Route: 8, 9, 353, 517, 518, 522, 83, 809, 515, 215, 370, 2, 101, 508, 366, 390, 529, K901

Wal-Mart:
Address: No.999, Siming Mid Road, Yinzhou District