Hosting international companies from DuPont and Dow to Burberry and Exxon, Ningbo is a major economic and export hub. Yet this busy harbor city offers much more than business: historic sites, lively shopping and varied dining make it a compelling destination that rivals nearby Shanghai.
Begin your day at the Tianyi Pavilion Museum, the oldest surviving library building in China. Set in a tranquil, park-like compound with pools and bamboo groves, its gold-accented wooden halls hold ancient books and tablets, including woodblock prints and handwritten Confucian texts. A short walk away, ascend the seven-story hexagonal Tianfeng Pagoda, the tallest ancient structure in the city, for a broad view of Ningbo’s rooftops and waterways.
From there, visit the Foreign Concession area, the site of the original Portuguese settlement. The Mediterranean-style Portuguese church—dating back to 1628—features a vaulted ceiling and colorful icons. Nearby Lao Waitan, Ningbo’s “mini Bund,” is a revitalized waterfront district where historic buildings now house art spaces, Italian trattorias, Irish pubs and German hofbraus. Stop for a spicy curry at Spices Indian Heritage Lounge or enjoy classic pasta at Da Bossi while watching the harbor activity.
In the afternoon, wander Kai Ming Jie’s lively stalls and shops. Here you can find black “Chanel-style” rubber sandals, embroidered silk purses and sample tangyuan—sweet glutinous rice dumplings filled with ground sesame and sugar. For a more conventional mall experience, Tian Yi Square, the city’s central shopping complex, features department stores, a dancing musical fountain and a popular local gathering spot. For luxury brands such as Gucci and Hermès, stroll along the riverside Heyi Avenue Shopping Center.
Ningbo’s growth as an international business center has fueled a culinary revival. Hotel buffets like the Sheraton’s Café Soo showcase a wide range of regional and international dishes. To taste local seafood traditions, try Yong cuisine at Ningbo Shipu Grand Restaurant or Sunward Fishery; adventurous eaters can sample the regional specialty of mud snail soup. Meiyan, set in a stylish 1930s brick house with crystal chandeliers, serves refined Chinese dishes, while Lake House on Moon Lake offers visually appealing fusion cuisine alongside pleasant water views.
As evening falls, return to the fashionable Lao Waitan for a vibrant nightlife scene. The Office Bar blends local and international patrons in a casual, convivial atmosphere with big-screen TVs and self-serve popcorn. For a quieter, upscale experience, Bar Constellation—modeled on its well-known Shanghai predecessor—features deep leather club chairs, an extensive whiskey selection, more than 100 creative cocktails from award-winning bartenders and a broad range of premium cigars.