Zhejiang Province Articles
The Top 10 Most Famous Dishes of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province
Crystal Sugar Turtle (Bingtang Jiayu)
Crystal Sugar Turtle, Ningbo’s number one dish, is also known as "Number One Scholar Turtle".
...Crystal Sugar Turtle (Bingtang Jiayu)
Crystal Sugar Turtle, Ningbo’s number one dish, is also known as "Number One Scholar Turtle".
Legend goes that during the Qing Dynasty, a candidate for the imperial examination on his way to the capital for the court examination stopped in Ningbo. During his stay in the city he ate this dish in a small restaurant, and he felt the dish was extremely tasty. When he asked for the name of the dish, the manager of the restaurant, to express his good wish for the success of the customer, replied that the dish was called "Number One Scholar Turtle".
The story goes that the scholar was a great success in the examination, and naturally became the Number One Scholar of the year. Believing that it was the dish he ate in Ningbo that had brought him the luck, he returned to the city and named the dish "Number One Scholar Turtle" and the restaurant "Number One Restaurant". Thus the dish has become well known far and wide. The dish is golden in color, tasty, and nutritious.
Dry River Eel (Guoshao Manyu)
Ningbo has lots of rivers and lakes, and thus is abound in river eels.
The preparation of this dish is a complicated and skillful process. A 500 g eel is prepared, cook softly, the bones are removed, and is then fried with spices. The prepared dish should be perfect in shape, golden in color, fresh and slightly sweet to the taste.
Yellow Croaker with Sea Cucumber (Huangyu Haishen)
This nutritious dish is made of yellow croaker and sea cucumber. To prepare the dish, select a fresh yellow croaker, steam it, and remove the bone. Then cook it with slices of sea cucumber with seasonings. The dish is perfect with wine.
Fried Lichen Cubes (Taicai Xiaofangkao)
This dish is made of fried slices of pork belly and lichen slices with seasonings of Shaoxing wine, sauce, red preserved bean curd and sugar. With its nice shape and colour, this dish will stimulate one’s appetite. Fried Lichen Cubes are best served with wine.
Goose Liver Fried with Veal Fat (Wangyou Bao’e’gan)
With a history of over 2000 years, this delicious and nutritious dish is prepared with fried goose liver with seasonings of spices, chopped scallion pieces, and paper powder.
Yellow Croaker Fried with Lichen (Taicai Tuo Huangyu)
This dish features a truly definitive Ningbo local flavor. It is made of fried yellow croaker with lichen powder, and best served with vinegar.
Fried Yellow Croaker with Bean Curd Sheet (Fupi Bao Huangyu)
This unique Ningbo dish should be prepared by a very skillful cook even though the process looks simple. First wrap croakers with bean curd sheets, then cut it into blocks, and fry them until they turn golden. This dish is best enjoyed with vinegar.
Ningbo-style Ricefield Eel Slices (Ningbo Shansi)
This unique dish is cooked with fresh ricefield eel slices with ginger slices, Shaoxing wine, sauce and other spices.
Steamed Chicken in Soup (Huozhong Quanji)
To prepare this healthy dish, select a home-bred hen, keep livers and heart in the belly, cook it for a while and steam it with slices of mushroom, edible tree fungi and bamboo shoots.
Great Croaker with Pickled Cabbage (Xucai Dahuangyu)
Another dish featuring a unique Ningbo local flavour, it is prepared with fried fresh great yellow croaker and cooked with pickled potherb mustard (a special local vegetable) and other seasonings.
Brief Summaries of Ningbo Tourist Attractions
Within Ningbo
Tianyi Pavilion
...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.
Eating in Shaoxing
Eating is Shaoxing is one of the most important elements of your travel. By the food, you can taste another part of this old city.
...Eating is Shaoxing is one of the most important elements of your travel. By the food, you can taste another part of this old city.
Shaoxing has many restaurants with different tastes. People in Shaoxing spend much money on their food. Especially during the Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year), all the family members are gathering together to have dinner everyday in different restaurants. It lasts to the last day of their holiday. To taste this special city by food, I suggest the tourists some special restaurants in Shaoxing.
Normally you don't need to make a reservation for these restaurants. But during the special time, for instance the Spring Festival, you have to make reservation in most of the restaurants, at least 3 days in advance.
Special Local Food Restaurant
The special local food in Shaoxing is the best way for tourists to taste the city, there many nice restaurants in Shaoxing, most of them are located in or around the city center.
1. Xian Heng Restaurant (咸亨酒店)
2. Hui Ji Shan Restaurant (会稽山酒楼)
3. Xian Xian Restaurant (仙鲜饭店)
4. Xi Le Restaurant (喜乐饭店)
Western Food Restaurant
For the tourists from the western countries, if you are not interested in the Chinese food, you can also eat in some western food restaurants. If you are tired of traveling around, you can also stop for a cup of coffee and desert.
1. Yi Wei Yuan Pizza House (意味缘比萨屋)
2. Jin Yi Pin Steak Restaurant (金一品牛排馆)
3. Mei Fu Nong Hand-make Chocolate House (美芙浓手工浓情巧克力馆)
4. Miao Shi Jiao (妙士角情缘休闲屋)
Top Zhejiang Province Tours
$238 Per Day
Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train
Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.
...Read more
Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.
This is a private, full-day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou. After you are picked up in your hotel lobby in the early morning, you will take a bullet train to Hangzhou. This is the fastest way to Hangzhou and you can experience train speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Your tour begins at one of Hangzhou's signature sites, the West Lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to see the top ten West Lake scenic views. You will then be taken to experience the wonderful cuisine of Hangzhou at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit Faxi temple, a well-known Temple dating back to the Jin Dynasty. See its famous wooden Buddha. Here, you will see fewer tourists and more locals. Finally, enjoy a cup of green tea when you visit the famous Longjing village to see wild fields of Longjing tea bushes where the locals produce the world famous green tea- Longjing Tea. In the village, all locals are tea farmers and you will see the entire procedure of making the famous tea and will get the chance to taste the best quality emperor tea. Afterwards, you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai and you will be returned to your hotel.
$80 Per Day
Water town Wuzhen
tour route: Hangzhou( Or leaving from Shanghai, Suzhou) to Wuzhen water town one day tour
Tour description:
Wuzhen is located between Hangzhou and Shanghai. Travelers go and come between Shanghai and Hangzhou， and unavoidably go by Wuzhen.
...Read moretour route: Hangzhou( Or leaving from Shanghai, Suzhou) to Wuzhen water town one day tour
Tour description:
Wuzhen is located between Hangzhou and Shanghai. Travelers go and come between Shanghai and Hangzhou， and unavoidably go by Wuzhen.
Wuzhen is a typical water town of Jiangnan region, and well preserves the original look of water towns in late Qing Dynasty and Republic of China. The whole town is built along the river, and the internal street network makes the whole scenic area impressive very much.
tour itinerary:
pick up service by your tour guide and driver at 8:00am
Wuzhen water town -sightseeing (5 hours)( not included the cruise ticket)
local restaurant-lunch (1 hour)
drop-off service at your hotel before 5:00pm
included in tour price:
hotel pick-up & drop-off service,
english-speaking tour guide.
Your private sedan, van or bus (within 2 years vehicle)
entrance tickets to the attractions as listed in the itinerary.
chinese lunch
note: tips is highly appreciated but not requested.
$80 Per Day
Zhujiajiao Watertown One-day Tour
WELCOME TO ZHUJIAJIAO
Zhujiajiao Has Long History, Zhujiajiao has formed village 1700 years ago, and has become
town in Wanli Period of Ming Dynasty. So far there are the ancients and tools people used
5000 years ago found in Zhujiajiao.
WELCOME TO ZHUJIAJIAO
Zhujiajiao Has Long History, Zhujiajiao has formed village 1700 years ago, and has become
town in Wanli Period of Ming Dynasty. So far there are the ancients and tools people used
5000 years ago found in Zhujiajiao.
ZHUJIAJIAO IS FLOURISHING Zhujiajiao is famous with rice market, so far there are a lot
of flourishing marks : Daqing Post office, Rice and Oil shop, Bank, Electronics factory and
old real estate.
ZHUJIAJIAO IS ON THE WATER There are several rivers across the river, nine long streets
along the river, thousands of Architectures of Ming and Qing Dynasty stand by the river, 36
stone bridges still across the rivers.
ZHUJIAJIAO
A FAMOUS HISTORICA TWON SOUTH OF THE YANGTZE RIVER
"With a natural scenery of little bridges spanning bubbling streams and there are the original
Ming Qing Dynasty streets", Zhujiajiao, where market had already formed during the Song
and Yuan Dynasty, was officially set up as a town during Emperor Wanli`s reign of the Ming
Dynasty, Another name for Zhujiajio is Pearl Streets Pavilion and has also been given a nice
name, the Peal Stream, The town occupies an area of 47 sq.km. It is crisscrossed by rivers
and canals, with 9 long streets running along the rivers and thousand of buildings of Ming
and Qing Dynasty architecture flanking both sides. There are 36 ancient stone bridges, among
these there`s a first 5stone-arched brige in shanghai called "Fangsheng Brige" or "Setting-free Bridge". There are prosperous long streets and zigzagging lanes. Among these , Great
North Street boasts "a mile-long road with a thousand shops", KeZhi Garden is representative
of the archrecture of rich families in south of Yangtze River,the Memorial Hall of
Wang Chang one of the "Seven Scholars" of the Qing Dynasty, No 1 Tea House is very
famous in south of the Yangtze River. The ancient streets paved with stone slabs, deep
and quiet alleyways, arched stone bridges, little creaking boats all express the beauty
of water in the ancient town of Zhujiajiao The antiquity of the bridges, the rareness of
the streets and the seclusion of the alleyways all present you a scene of "boats sailing
on the water and people touring in painting".The traditional special native produce are
rose-flavored fermented bean curd, fried gluten, dark-rice zongzi dumpling, meat wrapped in leaves, roast soybeans, wood carving knit ware,
stone carving, roast soy beans, and pork meat zongzi. In autumn, people can have taste of
the fresh water crabs form Dianshan Lake.Zhujiajiao
Offical Website::http://www.zhujiajiao.com/
Contact :Qinqin G
Mobile:0086-13482286062
Email:[email protected]
[email protected]
msn:[email protected]
Skype:panglobe0802
QQ:346909001