48 hours in Ningbo: Intl visitors discover a city of culture and vitality

An international visitor tries roasting tea. [Photo/Tide News]

More than 60 expats studying and working in Ningbo embarked on a springtime journey to explore the city's rich past and dynamic present from April 11 to 12.

The tour began with a deep dive into Ningbo's ancient roots. At the Hemudu Site Museum, visitors traced the origins of the region's 8,000-year-old rice and maritime civilization. A visit to the Wang Yangming Residence further revealed the profound philosophy of Yangmingism, accompanied by hands-on traditional crafts that brought Chinese culture to life.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to learn how ancient societies evolved into the societies we know today," said Italian professor Paulo Debiagi from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. British visitor Michael Wormstone said it offered a unique chance to appreciate the city's architecture, history, and cultural evolution in one journey.

On the second day, participants ventured into the Siming Mountains. At the tea gardens in Yuyao, a county-level city of Ningbo, they experienced tea picking, processing, and tasting. At the Qingshan Nature Museum, interactive exhibits showcased the region's biodiversity, while cherry blossoms added some seasonal charm.

For many, the trip left a lasting impression. German visitor Sandra Groll even plans to bring her family to China.