Ningbo

Port and open coastal city in Zhejiang province, east China, on the Yong River, 25 km/16 mi from its mouth; population (2000) 1,696,800. Industries include fishing, shipbuilding, oil-refining, and the manufacture of petrochemicals, high-tech equipment, and traditional handicrafts. Already a centre of foreign trade under the Tang dynasty (618–907), it was one of China's original treaty ports in 1842.

Industries Renowned as a centre for handicrafts, including silks, lacquerware, and furniture, Ningbo serves as a distribution point for Shanghai and has been developed into an important fishing port. There are salt works nearby. New industries include oil-refining, engineering, and the manufacture of textiles, petrochemicals, and diesel engines.

Communications Ningbo is linked by rail and expressway to Hangzhou and Shanghai. Beilungang, within the city, is east China's deepest natural harbour.

Features Tianfengta, a ruined pagoda; and the old Drum Tower are buildings of interest. Ningbo contains numerous temples, including the ‘Queen of Heaven’; monasteries, schools, and clubs; and a fine library founded in the 16th century.

History Portuguese traders settled here from 1522 to 1545, and named the city Liampo. In 1842 the port was opened to foreign trade by the Treaty of Nanjing, but its importance as a port declined with the expansion of Shanghai. From 1911 to 1949 the city was known as Ninghsien.