Tianyi Pavilion (天一閣)

Having survived more than 430 years, Tianyi Pavilion is the oldest private library in China, one of the world's three oldest private libraries and the best-known tourist spot in the city.

Situated beside the picturesque Moon Lake in west Ningbo City, the library covers an area of 26,000 square meters and has amassed a collection of 300,000 volumes, 80,000 of which are rare books. The founder of the library, a former official in several cities around China, collected books from his friends. Handwritten book copies were the main part of his collection.

The pavilion also features exhibits chronicling the pavilion's history and Chinese art exhibits. Many buildings in the pavilion are dotted amongst ponds, rockeries and groves in intricate gardens.

Travel tips:

Address:No. 5 Tianyi Street, Haishu District

How to get there:take bus No. 2, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 19, 821

Admission:30 yuan (for adult); 15 yuan (for kid and student)

Hours:8:00 – 17:30 from April 21 to October 21; 8:00 – 17:00 from October 22 to April 20 in the next year

Tel:0574-87293526

Also see top 10 must-see attractions inAnhui,Shanghai,Guangzhou,Xi'an,Tibet,Hainan ...