Ningbo, Port metropolis in Zhejiang Province, China
Ningbo is a port metropolis in Zhejiang Province on China's east coast, where the Yong River reaches the East China Sea. The city spreads across a flat coastal plain near Hangzhou Bay, linking waterways with modern port facilities.
The settlement grew into its own prefecture during the 8th century and opened as one of China's first five treaty ports for foreign trade in 1842. This opening brought Western merchants and reshaped the economic role of the city.
The name means "calm waves," reflecting the hope for safe passage in and out of the harbor that sustained trade here for centuries. Local residents still celebrate maritime festivals that recall the port's long connection to the sea.
The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port sits along the coast and connects to Shanghai and other major cities via the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. Visitors can explore waterfront areas on foot and use public transit to move between districts.
The Tianyi Library from the 16th century is the oldest surviving private library in China and houses thousands of historical texts. Its design with courtyards and ponds aimed to prevent fire and protect the valuable collections.
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