The Old Bund of Ningbo, as its name suggests, is an eye-catching waterfront area. Its geographical advantage has boosted its reputation as a popular tourist spot where it also serves a visiting card for Zhejiang Province. Situated at the confluence of the Three Rivers – the Yongjiang, Fenghua and Yuyao – it has been developing as a commercial tourist area since 1992.
The Old Bund of Ningbo is located in the Jiangbei district of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. /CFP
After the Treaty of Nanking was signed, the port then became one of the five ports seeking to open up to international commerce. It officially opened as a trading port in 1844. After this, foreign merchants flocked to trade in Ningbo City and the North Riverbank soon developed as a residential area. Western-style buildings were built along the North Riverbank, which became the first Bund in China – 20 years earlier than the Bund of Shanghai. In 1927, the Chinese government regained the administration of the Old Bund of Ningbo. The area has witnessed ancient history and the changes brought about by centuries of trade, before developing into the modern transportation hub it has become today.
A night view of the Old Bund of Ningbo in the Jiangbei district of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. /CFP
A lot of historic sites remain on the Old Bund of Ningbo, such as the old site of the Zhejiang Customs, the former British Consulate, the old Ningbo Post building, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows and many others, which all attract visitors to come and appreciate the historical and cultural value of the city. What's more, some of these beautiful old buildings have been converted to restaurants, bars and shops, offering exotic locations where people can enjoy their leisure time.
A glimpse of a street corner in the Old Bund of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. /CFP
These changes have boosted tourism to the Old Bund, establishing it as a new landmark for modern living.