Visiting nearby Ningbo ...

not far from Shaoxing is Ningbo. Maybe 1 hr by bus. It is one of China's biggest ports (apparently). Anyway we went there a little while ago for a weekend.
What a great place. I really liked it. At least the area where we stayed and spent time. Which was mainly in the city centre. The weather was good and because we had a chinese with us we were able to go to a few genuine chinese restaurants. Usually we can't because the menus are only in chinese and we cant read them.
So this was good and we ate some great food. I luv the chinese food.
We had some Sichuan food. which is known for being spicy. Not that I like spicy but it was awesome. My stomach was not happy for a day but it tasted soooooo goood.
Anyway, they have a great square there and we spend time there. And went to the Tian Yi Pavillion Library. Built like a residence and a library at same time more than 500+ years ago. Great place, see the pics

We also spent some time in more conventional eateries. And I like to sit in the window at the street if there is one. you know watch the world go by. Well they certainly watch us as well. Only place(China) I have ever been where they just stare in amazement straight at you. there is no subtlety, they just dont conceal it. So sitting in the window is funny. People just come up to the window and stare, especially the old people with grand kids, even pointing. crazy!!!.

Anyway there is a lake with peddle boats and park etc and a great bar/restaurant overlooking it. Spent some time in there to relax and have a drink, but was expensive so didnt drink much. But good to relax there.

very impressed with Ningbo. I could easy live there on what I saw. Apparently there is an amusement park close by, we ran out of time for (Harborland). Much like dreamworld. I like to go back to that sometime soon.

ok thats it for this edition.