5. Nantang Old Street

Nantang Old Street has been refurbished in traditional architecture, providing visitors a scenic stroll and is Ningbo's most popular area for local snacks. Flanking the street is a canal crossed by old stone bridges. A narrow path runs along the canal for those who enjoy a peaceful walk.

It's easy to lose yourself in the past here. Houses have been rehabilitated with traditional touches in a style unique to Ningbo.

Restaurants in the area serve traditional Ningbo cuisine. Some of them have been owned by the same families for generations. Snack stalls are everywhere. Yellow croaker, pot stickers and shrimp are also available. Interspersed with the old are modern cafes where visitors can rest their feet while watching the passing street scene.

A number of historic mansions and pavilions dot the area. And in the main square, cultural performances and exhibitions are held to reinforce the impression of a walk through history.

6. Hangzhou Bay Wetland Park

For camping out and bird-watching on one weekend, it's hard to beat Hangzhou Bay Wetland Park, located in northwestern Ningbo. The 43.5-square-kilometer park, which is half water, is one of eight salt-alkali wetlands in Southeast Asia.

Visiting the park, I was first struck by the freshness of the air and the sparkling reflection of blue skies on water. Every year, thousands of birds stop here on the migration routes between Siberia and Australia. It's a world-class spot for watching fowl play, rest and squabble, even if you don't know all their breeds.

There are 10 themed zones in the park. The Zigzag Water Corridor was my favorite. It features a glass walkway extending in all directions above the water. This special design provides visitors a close-up view of underwater plants. Signboards give detailed descriptions of plants exhibited in corridor walls.

Black awning boats, the wooden, round-hulled vessels that have come to typify Chinese water towns, ply the waters of the wetland park. They are a great way to get closer to nature. Birds almost come within reach.

Several specialty gardens in the park focus on different wildlife and plants. The wetland reserve also includes a campground with full facilities for overnight stays or daytime picnics.