A 400-Year-Old Qing Dynasty Residence Hotel: A Quiet Haven Next to Ningbo Tianyi Square

Who would have thought! After a day of wandering through Ningbo’s old town, I was deeply captivated by the historic atmosphere of the City God Temple and the exciting renewal of Tianfeng Pagoda 🤩 First, I rushed to Ningbo City God Temple. The moment I stepped through the gate, I was enveloped by a profound sense of history! The weathered vermilion beams and pillars, the lingering incense smoke, and the exquisite wooden carvings under the eaves—all exuded the charm of time. Strolling slowly to the side hall, I saw locals praying devoutly, and the faint sound of bells nearby, with the breeze carrying the quiet, everyday life of old Ningbo, instantly transporting me back in time. Next, I headed straight to Tianfeng Pagoda. Unfortunately, climbing the pagoda is not yet allowed, so I could only look up at this ancient tower built in the Tang dynasty with Song-style architecture. The hexagonal tower body is delicate yet solemn, and just standing beneath it felt atmospheric. But I discovered a big surprise—on the evening of December 8th, there will be a lighting ceremony here! Not only will there be AR light shows and laser-drawn “new light garments,” but also a cultural tourism IP launch, and even a chance to win a “Luocheng Passport” 🎇 Imagining the scene where ancient architecture meets technology, I’m already looking forward to tonight’s sky! The old town’s ancient charm and new surprises collide in full force—this Ningbo trip is truly worth it! In the evening, I stayed at the nearby Ningjing Hotel, which surprisingly hides Ningbo’s most elegant poetic lodging. “The courtyard is deep, how deep? Willows pile up like smoke, countless curtains hang,” when this imagery from a Song dynasty poem comes to life, it becomes the essence of Ningbo Ningjing Hotel. This hotel, converted from a late Qing dynasty residence, is tucked away in the heart of the Lianqiao Historical Street District next to the Tianyi Square business area, just one street away from Tianfeng Pagoda. It’s a 10-minute walk to the bustling Tianyi Square, and its quiet location naturally carries a unique charm that isolates it from the noise. Stepping away from the crowds at Tianyi Square and entering Ningjing Hotel, you immediately fall into an elegant world. The lobby’s convenience box is filled with thoughtful details—band-aids, masks, and other emergency items are all available, easily solving small travel inconveniences. Passing through the hall leads to a courtyard-style public space, where koi fish leisurely swim in the pond, and stone tables are neatly set with Go and Chinese chess. Finding a quiet corner to sit, even the breeze feels imbued with a leisurely, ancient elegance, and time quietly slows down. The 80-square-meter Ningyuan Qingjing Room is a private sanctuary exclusively for travelers. The electric curtains slowly open, welcoming the morning light into the room; the smart toilet warms the seat, dispelling the morning chill; a tea table in the corner lets you brew a pot of fine tea, and the mini library offers a book to enjoy. In the mingling scents of ink and tea, you can leisurely while away your time. The most romantic feature is the private hot spring bath with bath salts—the warm spring water envelops your body, washing away the fatigue of travel with the rising steam. The nine-grid breakfast in the morning is the earthly delight of poetic lodging. Thin-skinned, tender wontons with rich broth awaken your taste buds with the first bite. Enjoying this breakfast under the morning light filtering through the courtyard, even an ordinary meal becomes a romantic note on your journey. At Ningjing, lodging is no longer just a place to rest, but a gentle encounter with an elegant lifestyle.