Tian Yi Ge

Tian Yi Ge is a traditional library and garden complex in Ningbo featuring a two-story wooden building with a slanted roof. Stone pathways and water features wind through the grounds, creating a classical Chinese garden layout around the main structure.

A Ming Dynasty military official named Fan Qin founded it in 1561 to house his extensive collection of scholarly works. Since its establishment, it has preserved its role as a repository of knowledge through various periods of Chinese history.

The name refers to cosmic unity and reflects Chinese alchemical beliefs through water elements intentionally incorporated into the design to protect the collection.

The collection is protected through strict temperature controls and camphor treatments to preserve the paper and bindings. Visitors should expect cool indoor conditions since the building is maintained at lower temperatures for preservation purposes.

The collection contains roughly 300,000 volumes, making it the oldest surviving library in Asia. This places it among the three oldest private libraries in the world and demonstrates how long this institution has preserved texts.

Location: Ningbo

Inception: 1560s

Founders: Fan Qin

Part of: Eleven Chinese Historical and Cultural Buildings

GPS coordinates: 29.87361,121.53583

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:21