Located in Haishu District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Tianyi Pavilion & Yuehu Lake is a national 5A-level scenic area comprising Tianyi Pavilion (the oldest existing private library in Asia) and Yuehu Lake (the cultural heart of eastern Zhejiang). Covering 1 square kilometer (including 0.2 sq.km water area), it preserves over 50 cultural heritage sites and Ningbo's urban cultural lineage since Tang-Song dynasties.
History & Culture
Tianyi Pavilion was built in 1561 by Fan Qin, Vice Minister of War, as China's earliest existing private library. It houses 300,000 ancient volumes including 80,000 rare editions, with unique fireproof, damp-proof and insect-proof designs considered exemplary of ancient Chinese library architecture.
Yuehu Lake was excavated during Tang Zhenguan era (1400 years ago). In Song Dynasty, it became an academic center where luminaries like Wang Anshi lectured, forming the "Ten Islets" and "Three Dikes Seven Bridges" landscape.
During Ming-Qing periods, this area birthed Ningbo merchant culture, with elite families building exquisite residences around the lake, witnessing the prosperity of Maritime Silk Road.
Main Attractions
Tianyi Pavilion Library
The two-story main building faces south with six bays. A pond before it prevents fires, while wormwood and limestone protect books inside. Now displays ancient books and Fan family residence.
Yuehu Lake Ten Islets
Landscape highlights formed in Southern Song: Willow Bank, Flower Islet, Bamboo Islet, etc. Connected by bridges, they create a unique "islands within lake, scenery within islands" pattern.
Yintai Mansion
A 3,000 sq.m Qing Dynasty banking tycoon Dong family mansion with five courtyards, exemplifying Ningbo's traditional "four waters converging" residential style. Now houses Ningbo Financial History Museum.
Local Cuisine
Ningbo Tangyuan
Glutinous rice dumplings with black sesame filling, known for thin skin and sweet flavor. "Gangyagou" shop (established 1926) in the area serves the most authentic version.
Seaweed-Crisped Yellow Croaker
Classic Ningbo dish using East Sea croaker with local seaweed, crispy outside and tender inside. "Zhuangyuan Lou" restaurant by the lake is famous for this dish.
Ticket Information
Tianyi Pavilion: ¥30/person; Yuehu Lake Park: free. Combo ticket: ¥50 (includes Tianyi, Yintai Mansion, etc.). Half price for seniors over 60, free for over 70s and children under 1.2m. See official website for full discount policy.
Recommended Route
Tianyi South Gate → Dongming Cottage → Fan Residence → Tianyi Library → North Book Storage → Zunjing Pavilion → Sima Mansion → Yuehu Lake Willow Bank → Buddhist Layman Grove → He Secretarial Temple → Yintai Mansion → Dafangyue Mansion → Water Gauge Stone → Yuehu Lake Art Museum. Allow 3-4 hours.
Transportation
- Metro: Ningbo Metro Line 1/2 to Gulou Station (5min walk)
- Bus: Multiple lines to Tianyi Pavilion or Yuehu Lake stops
- Drive: Several parking lots nearby, recommend Yuehu Lake Shengyuan underground lot
Must-See Spots
- Tianyi Pavilion: Asia's oldest private library, among world's top three
- Yuehu Lake Islets: Scholar gathering place since Tang-Song, cradle of eastern Zhejiang culture
- Yintai Mansion: Qing banking family residence, model of Ningbo traditional architecture
- Water Gauge Stone: Song Dynasty hydrological site, national heritage
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring and autumn (avoid rainy season)
- Rent audio guide for cultural insights
- Join night tours for light shows and evening library access
- Allow time for Tianyi Museum's permanent exhibitions
- Combine with nearby Gulou Pedestrian Street and City God Temple
Precautions
- No flash photography in Tianyi Pavilion
- Maintain quiet in ancient books gallery, no food/drink
- Deep water in Yuehu Lake, keep away from edges
- Do not touch heritage exhibits or make markings
- Pets not allowed in indoor exhibition halls