The Old Bund

The Old Bund. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Located at the north riverbank where the city's three rivers meet, the Old Bund (老外滩) of Ningbo is the gateway to the ancient city of Ningbo. It has been one of the busiest ports since the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In 2012, it was rated as a national 4A-level tourist spot, the second highest level recognized by China's National Tourism Administration.

The area is home to 54 cultural sites under the State, provincial or municipal protection, including the site of the former British Consulate General built in 1842, the site of a police station built in 1864, the site of Zhejiang Customs built in 1865, the Catholic Church built in 1872, Jiangbei District Jesuit Holy Church built in 1989, the site of the Japanese invader's water command built between 1903 and 1908, the former Ningbo post station built in 1927 and the former site of Commerce Bank built in 1930.

There are also some private houses featuring European architectural styles such as the Manor of Yans and the Villa of Zhus.

The Old Bund not only preserves historical buildings and blocks, but also manifests a new urban culture. Covering a total area of 80,000 square meters, the Old Bund has grown into a fashionable place for shopping, dining, relaxing, traveling and living.

Website: http://lwt.nbjb.gov.cn/col/col11310/index.html