Travel back 600 years and check in at China's oldest private library

“Books preserve the past and present, the harbor connects the world” — The soul of Ningbo is half in the bustling streets filled with life, and the other half is hidden in this oldest private library in China🀄️. Follow the scenes from the popular drama "Alley Family" through the moonlit brick and tile streets of Yuehu District, turn the corner to find the vermilion gate of Tianyi Pavilion, as if opening a yellowed thread-bound book.
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🕰️ Opening hours: ⚠️ Closed Monday mornings (except holidays)
Summer and autumn (May to October) 8:30-17:30 / Winter and spring (November to April) 8:30-17:00
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🎫 Tickets: 30 RMB (half price for students) | Free for children under 1.2m
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🌟 What to see at Tianyi Pavilion? Don’t miss these attractions🉑
1️⃣ Main Library Building: Original wooden structure from the Ming Dynasty! The second floor "Treasure Book Room" is closed, but you can see the original book storage layout on the first floor, which is quite impressive.
2️⃣ Mahjong Origin Exhibition Hall: Ningbo is actually the birthplace of Mahjong. Here you can see many antique Mahjong tiles, perfect for photos to share on social media📷.
3️⃣ Jiangnan Garden Secret Realm: Rockeries⛰️, ponds, pavilions, and towers rival those of Suzhou gardens. Highly recommend visiting the Nine-Bend Bridge in the East Garden, wearing Hanfu for stunning photos.
4️⃣ Qin Family Ancestral Hall: Ningbo’s most luxurious ancestral hall! Look up at the opera stage’s golden coffered ceiling, an ancient "3D sound system" design that is truly breathtaking.
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🚶‍♀️ Tour route: Enter from South Gate ➡️ Dongming Thatched Cottage ➡️ Main Library Building ➡️ Zunjing Pavilion (special exhibition) ➡️ Mahjong Hall ➡️ East Garden ➡️ Qin Family Ancestral Hall ➡️ Exit from North Gate
⏱️ About 2 hours total, plenty of trees in the garden so it’s shady and cool even in summer.
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📸 Photo spots: ✔️ Stone lions in front of the library (classic check-in spot)
✔️ East Garden waterside pavilion (beautiful reflections, best light in the afternoon)
✔️ Qin Family Ancestral Hall opera stage (looking up at the coffered ceiling is stunning)
✔️ Bamboo forest path (wear light-colored clothes for better photos)
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💡 Tips for visiting: ✅ Rent an electronic guide (20 RMB) or join a guided tour for free
✅ The cultural shop sells library-shaped ice cream (25 RMB) and special stamps
❌ No going upstairs in the main building! Drones are prohibited!
🌧️ Rainy days add the charm of misty Jiangnan, remember to bring a transparent umbrella.