Another modern-day triumph for Ningbo: the Ningbo Museum was designed by Wang Shu, who became the first Chinese citizen to clinch the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2012.

Take a moment to appreciate its unique design, which encapsulates Ningbo’s journey through the centuries. Each design element was conceived to pay tribute to the city’s geographical features, as well as the significance of maritime trade in its development.

Form aside, the museum’s content is similarly impressive—over 60,000 exhibits dating back to the Hemudu Neolithic Culture (5500–3300 BC) are on display. These include gold, silver, bronze, and ceramic wares; bamboo carvings; jade artefacts; calligraphic works; and paintings.

To be where the locals congregate, visit Tianyi Square—a shopping belt designed by prominent architect Ma Qingyun, who is believed to have modelled his work after city squares in Europe.

Familiar brands such as Apple (which opened its Tianyi Square store in September this year) line the main streets. Venture out from the square and you will soon be rewarded by the sight of clothing markets, rumoured to be some of the best in the city.

For luxury goods shopping, turn your attention to Heyi Avenue instead, home to high-end retailers such as Tiffany & Co and Gucci.

For a taste of the nightlife in Ningbo, spend an evening in Laowaitan (Zhongma Road, Waima Road), which is populated by bars and restaurants that spring to life at dusk.

Travellers in China have bemoaned the fact that many of its “ancient” or “traditional” towns have undergone extensive reconstruction, sacrificing authenticity in the process. Cicheng, a rural town located about 10km away from Ningbo’s city centre, appears to be the exception, as some of its historical relics have been left undisturbed.

Visitors to Cicheng can also soak in the scenery—the town is bounded by mountains and offers an idyllic view of the Yaojiang and Cijiang rivers. During your visit, take the opportunity to support Cicheng’s local artisans, who showcase and occasionally teach visitors the skills of embroidery, pottery, and kite making.

To reach Cicheng by bus, take bus 331 from Dong Men Kou at the city centre, near Tianyi Square.

Many Ningbo travellers plan a day trip to the town of Xikou, which is almost an hour’s drive away. Once there, prepare to be awed by the 1,700-year-old Xuedou Temple—a flight of over 300 steps will bring you before an imposing 57-metre statue of the Maitreya Bodhisattva, or the “Laughing Buddha,” as he is affectionately known. The largest of the Maitreya statues around the world, the Buddhist icon is believed to bestow harmony and prosperity on those who seek him.

Travellers recommend lunching at the vegetarian restaurant in the vicinity of the temple, and dedicating time for hiking at the Xuedou Mountain (view a suggested itinerary here). Contact the Xikou Tourism Centre for more assistance and information on these scenic spots.

Enjoy your trip to Ningbo by staying at the well-appointed Pan Pacific Ningbo Serviced Suites, designed for the corporate traveller in mind. Alternatively, you may speak to our team at Pan Pacific Ningbo to discuss your accommodation and sightseeing needs.

Well acquainted with the region, our friendly bilingual staff can offer advice on more things to do and tourist attractions in Ningbo. Here are five of their favourite places to wine and dine:

1. Evolution Cocktail Bar
This is located at No. 18 Tianjing Alley in Moon Lake Sheng Yuan—an antique building in the Ningbo city centre, near Tianyi Square.

2. Muggle’s Bar (麻瓜酒吧)
Believe it or not, there are Harry Potter fans in this Chinese city. Be enchanted by their brews at No. 1043 Ning Nan Bei Lu (宁南北路1043号).

3. Ninghai Restaurant (宁海食府)
A chain restaurant for Ningboese cuisine and seafood, Ninghai Restaurant at 77 Xiaowen Street (孝闻街77号) is where locals go to fill their tummies.

4. Mei Yan (美宴)
A popular restaurant for Ningboese cuisine at No. 87 Huai Shu Lu (槐树路87号) or No. 236 Zhen Ming Lu (镇明路236号) in Moon Lake Sheng Yuan.

5. Zou Ma Lou Restaurant (走马楼饭庄)
A restaurant for Ningboese and Cicheng cuisines at No. 117 Min Quan Lu (民权路117号) in Cicheng.