Ningbo accommodation from AU$73

Explore the oldest surviving library in China at Tianyi Pavilion, which was built in 1516. It was founded by the Ming official Fan Qin, and the collection has many copies of unique works dating back to the 11th century, alongside woodblock and handwritten copies of Confucian classics. Wander the gardens and see the displays of books and tablets in many of the outlying buildings. The Baoguo Temple is a Mahayana Buddhist temple that contains the oldest wooden structure in southern China, as the main hall dates back to 1013 and the Northern Song Dynasty. You can wander through the temple and surrounding halls to see statues, furniture, traditional costumes and artefacts from across China.

Tianyi Square is a new addition to Ningbo and the surrounding buildings are all in a complementary European style. You can check out the pools and a musical fountain in the central square, which is the highest in Asia and towers at 40 metres. During the evening, there's a water screen where you can see movies being played, or explore the Gothic Church that's at the front of the square. Much of the city's best shopping is close to the square, which has over 300 shops and the best brands. Stop in at the Asoka Temple that was built over 1700 years ago, and is reputed to contain a bone fragment of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism.

Get out to Dongqian Lake for the best scenery, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water. If you're up for a challenge, visit the Zhabao Mountain Scenic Area. There are many walking trails to explore, so be sure to check out the seven-storey Aozhu Pagoda, the 2,000 foot long Weiyuan City Wall or the ancient Zhanhai Seawall built in 897. Don't miss the Sanskrit rock carvings and a Buddhist prayer chant that are carved into massive rocks in the hill, and the Tianhou Temple is lovely and dedicated to the Heavenly Empress. At the base of the mountain stop in at the Zhenhai Coastal Defence Museum. There are many great exhibits to learn about the war against Japanese pirates in the Ming Dynasty, the Battle of Zhenhai that took place in 1885, and the the Chinese navy. After all that walking head for a relaxing afternoon at Nanxi Hot Springs and soak away all of your worries.

Visit over 10,000 animals in Ningbo Youngor Zoo, which has dozens of different routes to follow through the exhibits to see the animals as well as the beautiful panoramic views across the zoo. Ningbo Ocean World is amazing, and is one of the best aquariums in China. Explore the Tianfeng Tower that was originally built in the Tang Dynasty (695-696) and rebuilt again in 1144. There are seven obvious stories to the structure, as well as seven hidden stories. See if you can see any hints of the missing four stories that are reportedly buried underground.

Come and visit Ningbo to see fantastic examples of China's rich history, as well as peaceful gardens and scenery that will keep you active on your next vacation. Grab a bargain on one of our flight to China, and all that's left is to find the perfect Ningbo accommodation. Your next great holiday in China awaits!