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Cicheng Town is located in the Ningshao Plain on the eastern coast of Zhejiang Province, in the northwest of Jiangbei District, Ningbo City. It is connected to Zhenhai District in the east, Yuyao City in the west, Cixi City in the north, and faces Yinzhou District across the Yuyao River in the south. It can be said to be "the moon surrounded by stars".
Its natural environment is beautiful and picturesque, and the city is further enhanced by the interplay of Cihu, Yunhu (Yingxiong Reservoir), and Yanhu (Maoli Reservoir). Cihu is the highlight of Cicheng, adding to its watery elegance, while Lion Mountain, Dabao Mountain, and Qingdao Mountain highlight its majestic grandeur.
Suitable for all seasons
Fu character door
Located at No. 7 Jinjiajing Lane, Cicheng, it was originally part of the residence of Feng Shuji, the governor of Huguang during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. The front hall has five bays and nine purlins. The column capitals are cross-shaped. The front eaves columns have slightly smoothed corners, and the lower edges of the child columns are rounded tongue-shaped, a characteristic feature of the Ming Dynasty. A large character "Fu" (meaning "Fu") is inscribed in the center of the screen wall of the second gate, giving it the name "Fuzi Mentou."
Jiadi Family
Located in the quaint and secluded Jinjiajing Lane of Cicheng Town, Jiadi Shijia, also known as the Qian Residence, was built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566). The owner, Qian Zhao, passed the imperial examination in the seventh year of the Jiajing reign and became a Jinshi in the eleventh year, rising to the rank of assistant official. His son, Qian Weiyuan, a scholar, was deeply filial to his grandfather. His grandson, Qian Wenjian, became a Jinshi in the thirty-fifth year of the Wanli reign and was appointed magistrate of Xinye. Because several members of the Qian family achieved success in the imperial examinations, the Qian family became known as the "Jiadi Shijia."
School Hall
It is mainly composed of some displays and exhibitions, introducing the ancient imperial examination system. The examination room is divided into heaven, earth, black and yellow. During the examination, candidates have to stay in the examination room regardless of day or night. The backyard is the place for the invigilating officials to stay and review the examination papers. It has everything you need and is very convenient.
Confucius Temple
The architectural layout is arranged along the three axes of the center, east and west. It is standardized, neat and majestic. It is the only intact Confucius Temple in eastern Zhejiang and a microcosm of the profound historical and cultural heritage of the thousand-year-old county.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Cicheng is an ancient town in Ningbo with a history of over 1,000 years. It was a regional administrative and commercial center during the Tang and Song dynasties, known for its well-preserved city walls, temples, and traditional architecture.
Cicheng is located in the northeastern part of Ningbo, Zhejiang. Visitors can take a taxi or bus from Ningbo city center. Local buses and ride-hailing services make it convenient to reach the town.
The town is generally open all day for sightseeing. Temples and cultural sites are usually open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for comfortable weather and clear skies.
Most areas in Cicheng Ancient Town are free to enter. Certain cultural sites like temples may charge a small fee (10–30 CNY), payable on site. Tickets are usually bought offline at entrances.
For general sightseeing, advance booking is not necessary. For specific cultural sites or guided tours, booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended during peak holidays.
Half a day to one full day is sufficient to explore the town, visit key temples, and stroll along the ancient streets.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Some travel agencies may provide English guides upon request.
Evening strolls are possible; some streets are illuminated at night. Special cultural performances may occur during festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded, while weekends and holidays see higher visitor numbers. Early morning visits are ideal for avoiding crowds.
Main streets are accessible for elderly and children. Some areas with uneven pavement or stairs may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Cash is useful for small vendors and traditional shops.
Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants; halal options are limited but can be requested in advance in the city.
Souvenirs include traditional handicrafts, calligraphy items, local snacks, and miniature models of historic buildings.
Taxis or ride-hailing services to Ningbo city center or nearby attractions; buses are also available for regional travel.
