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Brief Summaries of Ningbo Tourist Attractions

Within Ningbo

Tianyi Pavilion

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Within Ningbo

Tianyi Pavilion

Tianyi Pavilion is the oldest surviving private library in China. Originally constructed in 1516, its owner, Fanqin, was the Minister for War during the Ming Dynasty. It is well preserved and some parts have been beautifully restored for the benefit of visitors. Chinese history enthusiasts should certainly visit the pavillion. It also houses an amazing collection on mah jong sets.
 
Moon Lake
 
Practically adjoining the Tianyi Pavilion is Moon Lake. Moon Lake is 96.7 hectares of water and parklands with many beautiful gardens and walkways. In existence for nearly 1400 years, the lake is surrounded by many old pavilions and buildings. Moon Lake is a great place for a picnic, stroll, or a paddle around the lake in one of the boats available for hire.
 
The Drum Tower
 
One of the unusual sites in Ningbo that marks the entrance way to Gu Lou is the Drum Tower. Located on Zhongshan Road (yes, every city in China seems to have one) it is directly opposite the junction with Zhenming Rd. The area at the base of the Tower is part of the original old city wall from the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty a pagoda was built on top of the wall. It was named the Drum Tower, because every day at dusk a large drum placed in the tower was beaten to give the correct time. This was a common Ming Dynasty practice, and similar towers are found in many in other cities in China. The drum has since been replaced by a clock tower the juts from the top of the Ming pagoda.
 
Seven Pagoda Temple
 
Located on Baizhang Road, the temple is named for the seven mini pagodas that line the street in front of the temple. Built in 858 AD, it is a beautiful Buddhist temple with many historical buildings and carvings. Seven Pagoda Temple is regarded as one of the major Buddhist temples in East Zhejiang.
 
Zhongshan Square (Park)
 
This is another of one the many beautiful parks in Ningbo. Located behind Gu Lou, it consists of Zhongshan Square and lovely scenic parklands, which houses a lovely tea house, gazebo and the former residence of general Zhang Cangshui, a local hero at the end of the Ming Dynasty. His tomb is located at West Lake in Hangzhou.
 
Laowaitan
 
It is not possible to visit Ningbo without a stop at Laowaitan. It has almost everything a tourist could want: history, restaurants, bars, river views (beautiful day or night), and a 200 year old church. The church alone is worth the visit. Laowaitan is also the home to two modern venues well worth visiting. Ningbo City Exhibition Hall, features an exhibition featuirng Ningbo’s past, present, and future. Alongside the Exhibition Hall is the Ningbo Museum of Art, with some simply beautiful...
 

Near Ningbo

West of Ningbo
 
Liang Zhu Cultural Park

The story of the butterfly lovers is known throughout China. Yangshuo, in Guangxi Province, has a butterfly cave dedicated to this famous couple, but Ningbo’s Gaoqiao Town stakes its claim as the home of this moving story. This “Romeo and Juliet” story of China dates back nearly 2000 years. If you do not know the story, then a visit to this cultural park will answer all of your queries.
 
Hermudu Relics Site
 
This fascinating site features a Neolithic man dating back to 7,000 years ago. Although not very well promoted and a little difficult to reach, it is well worth the trip to see the innovation and skill of these Chinese ancestors. There is an English language video which describes the site, and a museum. There is also the opportunity to walk around part of the archaeological site, and witness the reconstruction of the lifestyle of these people.
  
China Jade Garden
 
Not far from the Hermudu site is China Jade Garden. This attraction, which contains some wonderful jade carvings, features the Xiyin Temple, made solely of jade stone with magnificent jade Buddhas. The Garden also contains a smaller version of the Beijing Temple of Heaven, called the Southern Temple of Heaven.
 
Siming Mountain and Siming Lake
 
If you enjoy peaceful mountain scenery and tranquil water lakes, then this is an ideal stop. In good Chinese tradition, Siming Mountain is also called “East Zhejiang natural animals and plant Museum” and it lives up to this grand title. The Siming area also marks a famous Taoist site, and Tuoshan Dam, a water conservation program, is nestled within these mountain ranges. Siming Lake is a panoramic vista  displaying the tranquility of nature.
  
Five Dragon Pools
 
Simply put, China is the land of the dragon and it pervades every part of history and culture. Five Dragon pools is an excellent example of this old dragon worship. Not only are there lovely creeks and waterfalls and of course, the five wells, but there is also an altar that was dedicated to dragon sacrificial offerings. There is also a 400 year old temple dedicated to both the God of War and the Dragon King.
 
South
 
Xikou National Scenic Spot
 
Easily accessible by bus from Ningbo, Xikou is located near Fenghua about 35 kilometres from Ningbo. A four star national tourist site, Xihou is the birthplace of Chiang Kai-Shek, and another centre of Chinese Buddhism. Xikou has every right to be proud of its picturesque scenery and landscape. There is a lovely combination of mountain, springs, plentiful small streams and waterfalls. Historical sites include the tomb of Chiang Kai-Shek’s mother, the Xikou museum, the Wuling Gate Tower and the Xuedou Temple.
 
Ninghai
 
Qiantong
 
Qiantong Town’s history dates back more than 800 years and many of its old streets and buildings constructed during the Ming and Qing Dynasties are well preserved. It is located about 10 kilometres from Ninghai, which is easily accessible by bus from Ningbo. Most of Qiantong’s families have the surname of Tong.
 
Nanxi Hot Spring Resort
 
Nanxi hot spring, and the surrounding Forest Park, also near Ninghai, form a national scenic and a protected forest area which feature mountain scenery, lovely crystal clear streams, nine waterfalls, and of course, dense forest landscapes.
 
Xiangshan County
 
Songlanshan Seaside Resort
 
This picturesque seaside resort is located about 8 kilometres from Dancheng and is easily accessible by bus from Ningbo. There are many quaint local folklore stories about the naming of Mount Songlan from which the beach resort takes its name. It is easy for everyone to find a way to relax here with its sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, caves, and fishing. To quote the government tour guide “Over the blue sea, the nine isles are scattered like a string of pearl necklace.” How could anyone resist a description like that?
 
Xiangshan Movie & TV Town
 
Also located in Xiangshan County, this destination is well worth visiting if you are fascinated by those historical Chinese romance movies. A complete reconstruction of an ancient town and gardens are here for visitors to envision the China of the past.
 
Chinese Fishing Village
 
Located further south near Shipu Fishing Port, is one of China’s major fishing ports. It has also been used for a number of 1930s Chinese films depicting the life of Chinese fisher-folk. The Chinese Fishing Village is China’s biggest seashore tourism project and contains not only the village theme park itself, but encompasses Fishing Culture Folk Custom Street, Song Dynasty Beach, Folk Town, Shipu Fishing Port, Shipu Ancient Street, and Underwater Paradise.
 
East
 
Dongqian Lake
 
Dongqian Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang, and is actually four times bigger than its more famous counterpart, West Lake in Hangzhou. Work on the lake dates back more than 1200 years. In fact there are many similarities between Dongqian and Hangzhou’s West Lake. West Lake houses the tomb of Yue Fei a national hero, while Dongqian Lake has King Yue’s Temple, built in 1234 in memory of Yue Fei. Also like West Lake, Dongqian has a central dike linking the centre of the lake to the mainland, although at 1.8 kilometres, Dongqian’s is much longer. The lake is about a 30 minute bus trip from Ningbo. Regular ferry boats take you to the central dike where you can walk out or catch an electric cart. The walk, however, is very pleasant and picturesque.
 
  North
 
Chicheng Town
 
About 10 kilometres from Ningbo, Chicheng is an historic town currently being restored and protected by the Ningbo municipal government as part of its city development plan. One end of the town has a large, interesting and somewhat humorous look at life of scholars preparing for and sitting government examinations. If you like old Chinese dwellings or are interested in Chinese history, then Chicheng is worth a visit. Regular buses leave from South Bus Station.
 

Xiamen Introduction


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Originally known in the west as Amoy, Xiamen 厦门 (or “gateway to China”) is a major port city with a long history of international commerce.  It is situated on the southeast coast of Fujian Province at the mouth of the Jiulong River directly across from Taiwan.  Greater Xiamen consists of the Island of Xiamen, Gulangyu Islet, several small islets and a portion of the mainland.  Xiamen maintains the reputation as China’s cleanest city.  There are many scenic spots in and around Xiamen, and it is one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations.  Xiamen is the ancestral home of many overseas Chinese, who have in turn contributed to the prosperity of the Island. The area is also the main point of economic and cultural contact between Taiwan and Mainland China.  As one of China’s special economic zones, it has become one of the major access points for foreign capital and technology entering China.
 
Fast Facts About Xiamen
Location:
Southeast coast of Fujian Province, China, at the mouth of the Jiulong River across from Taiwan.
Population:
About 2 Million
People:
Predominantly Han Chinese
Language:
Mandarin (普通话) and Southern Min – Xiamen, a sub dialect of Min Nan Hua (闽南话)
Local Cuisine:
South Fujian cuisine, combined with Taiwan cuisine
Dialing Code:
86-592 from abroad; 0-592 from within China
Getting There:
Air, Bus, Train
Getting Around:
Bus, Taxi, Ferry, Train, Air.
Weather:
Subtropical climate with mild weather throughout the year
Claim to Fame:
“Gate of China,” “Cleanest city in China,” “Egret Island,” “Capital of China’s overseas tea trade”
 
 

Xiamen Tourist Attractions

Xiamen is recognized as one of the most scenic places to visit in China. There are beautiful beaches, parks, museums and interesting cultural attractions to spend days exploring. The main tourist attraction in Xiamen, Gulangyu, is a delightful little island just a 10 minute ferry ride from the heart of down town. It’s a great place to spend a day but it’s even better to schedule two or three days to see all it has to offer.  Hulishan Fort, only a 10 minute bus ride from the ferry terminal, provides the visitor a look at the past military history of Xiamen along with breathtaking views of the ocean. Xiamen University, one of the most beautiful campuses in China, if not the world, is just a short walk from Hulishan. For the temple enthusiast, Xiamen’s Nanpuoto Temple is a very well preserved 9th century temple that continues to serve as a place of worship. Wanshi Park, also a short bus ride from down town, has lakes, parks, temples, an amusement area and a botanical garden area with over 4000 species of plants.  There are a number of other exceptional parks in Xiamen including, Zhongshan Park, Xianyue park and Bailuzhou park. For a day trip, try Jimei Study Village and Turtle Park located just north of Xiamen Island across the Xiamen Bridge.

Beijing Introduction

Tiantan

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Tiantan

Beijing (Běijīng [北京]), literally the "north capital," is also sometimes referred to as "Peking".  It has been the capital of China at various times in the country’s long history, and most recently since the founding of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国) in 1949.  This fascinating capital city, at first glance, seems to effortlessly blend tradition with modernism - first time visitors will immediately be struck by the contrasts between old and new and the inescapable sense that change is happening at an accelerated pace.

Beijing has something for everyone. For the history buffs, Beijing is a living museum, filled with countless palaces, tombs, and temples left from centuries of Imperial rule. For foreign students and scholars, Beijing boasts two world-renowned universities as well as dozens of top-tier language institutions. For culinary enthusiasts, Beijing greets you with her mouth-watering Peking duck. For the culturally inclined, Beijing offers the bright faces and unique sounds of the Beijing Opera (京剧).  For those seeking retail therapy, Beijing is a shopping haven.  For nature lovers, Beijing has hiking trails, many tranquil parks, and of course you can climb the greatest wall in the world!

No matter what you’re looking for, Beijing has it. And the best part is - there is always more to explore as the city is constantly evolving in the race to modernise and beautify.  Contrasts and contradictions await you at every turn - exclusive apartment buildings next to dilapidated old-style buildings, luxury cars driving alongside hawkers transporting their goods on the back of their bikes, ancient temples surrounded by modern high-rises.  Whatever comfort zone you happen to be in, be prepared to be shaken out of it  by this relentless but exciting city.   

You could spend a year in Beijing and still find that you’ve only scratched the surface. So what are you waiting for? Beijing beckons!

Fast Facts About Beijing

Location:
Population:
People:
Language:
Dialing code:
Local cuisine:
Expat pop.:
Getting There:
Getting Around:

Claim to faim:		 Northeastern corner of China
Estimates start at 11 million
Predominantly Han Chinese
Mandarin (Pǔtōnghuà [普通话])
"+86 (0)10" from abroad. "010" from within China.
Peking Duck
About 50 000 and growing.
Hub of China. Plentiful air, rail, bus transport.
Taxi, subway, bus, bicycle.
Freezing winter, hot and rainy in summer.  Most pleasant during autumn.
Capital of China, Great Wall of China, Home of 2008 Olympics, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City

Beijing Restaurants

With approximately 50,000 restaurants to choose from, eating out is very much part of living in Beijing. You can find just about any kind of restaurant in this city, be it a wide variety of Chinese cuisine, pan-Asian, European, South American, African, fusion, the list goes on and on. There are restaurants to suit all kinds of tastes and budgets. It is just as easy to find a restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine as it is to find a sushi bar or a vegetarian restaurant.

Don’t despair if you want to try some of the local cuisine and cannot speak Chinese. Many of the restaurants have menus with pictures on them, so ordering is as simple as pointing. Remember that nearly every restaurant only has chopsticks for utensils, so start practicing!