▲ The Tian Yi Ge Museum is located on the west bank of Moon Lake in Ningbo, home to one of China's oldest surviving private libraries—Tian Yi Ge. Built during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1561-1566) by retired official Fan Qin, this library houses ancient books and study desks, exuding a profound scholarly atmosphere throughout. The museum itself is a classic Jiangnan-style garden, where the East Garden and South Garden are elegantly arranged with rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and other scenic features. Strolling along the rustic brick-and-wood corridors, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The garden also features the Mingzhou Stele Forest, with hundreds of stone tablets documenting the history of ancient official education. Additionally, the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery frequently exhibits masterpieces from Tian Yi Ge's collection, showcasing exquisite works by renowned artists and scholars across dynasties.
▲ Cicheng Old Town is located in the northern suburbs of Ningbo. The town retains its original county layout and numerous ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Strolling through the town, you'll encounter quaint courtyards everywhere, with occasional glimpses of grand mansions. It's a comfortable and tranquil ancient town. Don't miss the affordable and delicious local snacks here, among which the Cicheng rice cakes, featured on CCTV, are particularly famous.
▲ Xikou-Tengtou Scenic Area: Located along the wide Shanxi River and adjacent to the stunning Xuedou Mountain known for its waterfalls and streams, Xikou has become a popular tourist destination. The current Xikou Scenic Area consists of two main attractions: the Former Residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Xuedou Mountain, both worth exploring over 1-2 days. The scenic area has two ticket offices: one at Wuling Gate in Xikou Town (near the entrance of the Former Residence of Chiang Kai-shek) and the other at the visitor center at the junction of the two scenic areas to the west. The tourism infrastructure in Xikou Scenic Area is well-developed, with green round-trip tourist buses running between Xikou Bus Station, Wuling Gate, and the visitor center. To visit Xuedou Mountain, visitors can take a bus to the visitor center and transfer to the green sightseeing bus (included in the Xuedou Mountain admission ticket or combo ticket, with unlimited rides) to Sanyin Pool, where the exploration of Xuedou Mountain begins.
