Ningbo, located in Zhejiang Province in eastern China on the East China Sea, is one of the China's oldest cities.

A Old Private Library in China

Tianyi Ge, meaning "universal union pavilion," is a renowned ancient private library in Ningbo, China, built over 450 years ago by Fan Qin, an official and avid book collector. Housing over 300,000 ancient books, it's the only surviving ancient private library due to the dedication of Fan's descendants. The library, associated with water in Chinese philosophy, was designed with fire-resistant features. Despite setbacks, including thefts during the First Opium War and a typhoon in 1933, Tianyi Ge's reputation as the best private library led to its emulation in seven imperial libraries. After extensive renovations in 1981, it became a museum in 1994, showcasing its rich literary heritage and enduring legacy in Chinese culture.

A World Large Port in Terms of Cargo Throughput

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port situated in the typical water town of Jiangnan and a bustling seaport city, serves as the southern terminus of the Grand Canal, the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road in the East, the cultural hub of East Asia, and the inaugural pilot demonstration city for Made in China 2025 initiative. According to the 2023 assessment, Ningbo-Zhoushan ranks ninth globally in comprehensive strength among maritime centers. It stands as the world's third-largest container port, boasting the highest annual cargo throughput globally. As a pivotal international trade hub, Ningbo Port connects major ports worldwide, contributing significantly to China's economic development and global trade prosperity. Moreover, it symbolizes China's cultural and manufacturing prowess, showcasing its robust capabilities in shipping and trade.

A Representative Southern Chinese Snack

Ningbo tangyuan is a traditional snack from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, known for its small, round shape and diverse fillings. Made with high-quality glutinous rice flour, it is crafted into small round balls, filled with various flavors such as peanuts, red beans, and sesame seeds, and cooked before being soaked in lightly sweetened syrup. Its unique texture and delightful taste make it an ideal choice for entertaining guests or giving as gifts during festivals like the Lantern Festival.