Nantang Old Street

Nantang Old Street, located outside the South Gate of Ningbo's ancient city in Zhejiang Province, was once home to the "Three Markets of Nanmen," a hub of commerce and culture in old Ningbo. Running north-south, it is divided into North and South Streets by Zuguanshan Road. The street preserves over 300 meters of traditional alleyways and boasts one protected cultural site and six designated cultural relics sites. Descendants of the renowned Song Dynasty scholar Yuan Xie have lived here for generations, and the area boasts the largest extant residential complex of the Yuan family, encompassing residential courtyards, ancestral halls, and schools. Other protected structures include the Yongshui Bridge, Yongshan Pavilion, and Guansheng Temple. North Street is anchored by traditional culture, centered on commerce, and focused on urban tourism. South Street emphasizes the concept of "urban leisure," emphasizing a relaxed lifestyle.



When I came to this old street in 2016, it had just been rebuilt. I think it was only completed at the end of 2015.



It was January in the Gregorian calendar, but still the twelfth lunar month, but the New Year atmosphere was already strong in Nantang Old Street.



Strictly speaking, Nantang Old Street is no different from Beijing's Nanluoguxiang, Nanjing's Confucius Temple, or Hangzhou's Southern Song Imperial Street. It has a strong commercial atmosphere.



However, the advantage is that Nantang Old Street is newly built and has complete supporting facilities.



It's quite interesting to come and stroll around in your spare time.



There are many Ningbo time-honored businesses on the old street.



For example, traditional catering brands such as Zhao Dayou, Ji Bingzhai, Caohu Food, Meilong Town, etc.



There are also some very local delicacies and snacks, such as Wufengtang in Ninghai, yellow croaker noodles in Yuyao, water-milled rice cakes in Cicheng, Youzanzi, etc.



There are also some places with local characteristics, where you can taste cheap, affordable and delicious Ningbo specialties.

Ningbo Nantang Old Street, developed and constructed by Ningbo City Tourism Investment Development Co., Ltd., is located outside the South Gate of Ningbo's ancient city in Zhejiang Province. Once the "South Gate Three Markets," the commercial and cultural hub of old Ningbo, it is one of Ningbo's eight historic districts and a protected area under the city's "Purple Line Planning." Running north-south, it is divided into North and South Streets, separated by Zuguanshan Road. The district preserves over 300 meters of traditional streets and alleys and boasts one protected cultural site and six designated cultural relics sites. Descendants of the renowned Song Dynasty scholar Yuan Xie have long inhabited the area, and the Yuan family residences are the largest extant complex in the area. These include residential courtyards, ancestral halls, and schools. Other protected structures include the Yongshui Bridge, Yongshan Pavilion, and Guansheng Temple. North Street is based on traditional culture, centered on commerce, and focused on urban tourism. South Street emphasizes the concept of "urban leisure," emphasizing a relaxed lifestyle.

Arriving at Nantang Old Street reminded me of Yuehe Old Street in Jiaxing. It seems like there's a similar street in many places in the free shipping area. The old street runs north-south, divided by Zuguanshan Road. I entered the old street from the middle fork, and I was a bit confused when I first entered. Fortunately, there are many map printers along the way, so don't miss it and print one out first.

There are plenty of free map dispensers on the streets, where you can scan a QR code with WeChat and get yours instantly. With a map in hand, you can explore any street, from north to south. Otherwise, you'll miss out on a lot of delicious food.

Nantang Old Street is a popular spot not only for tourists but also for locals. It's one of Ningbo's most lively spots at night. Thanks to its vibrant food scene, the area is ablaze with lights and bustling with people. Vendors hawk their wares, diners dine in, passersby stroll, elderly people enjoying their after-dinner strolls, and children join in the fun, all blending into a vibrant painting. Ancient buildings line the street, adorned with red lanterns. Each house boasts whitewashed walls and black tiles, wooden doors and windows, some even displaying paper-cuts and couplets. Shop signs, billboards, and light boxes are simple and unadorned, framed in antique wooden frames. The old street is short, just over 500 meters, and evokes the traditional streets of the Jiangnan region. The design and construction seamlessly integrate the historical charm, architectural features, and celebrity culture of the old street into the streetscape, recreating the rich atmosphere of Ningbo's centuries-old commerce and daily life. Standing on the street, lined with opera stages and octagonal pavilions, a retro atmosphere washes over me, accompanied by the gentle breeze after the rain. It feels as if I could travel back in time with the click of a camera. Nantang Old Street opened in 2012, reviving some of Ningbo's time-honored businesses. This rebirth of a century-old street has also preserved the city's most authentic and traditional cuisine. It's no exaggeration to say that the culinary impression of Ningbo comes from Nantang Old Street. Nantang Old Street is divided into two sections: South Street, which is relatively quiet, and North Street, which is bustling. For local specialties, head to North Street.

Nantang Old Street, with the Nantang River running through it, is one of Ningbo's eight major historical and cultural districts. Centered around the "Jiangnan Water Village and Historical Scenery," it integrates culture, tourism, cuisine, and commerce. Originating in the Southern Song Dynasty, this area was once a hub for Ningbo's commercial culture. The remaining buildings, primarily in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and Republican era styles, have been restored to retain their ancient charm while incorporating modern leisure elements. Nantang Old Street is not only a "living" historical district, but also recreates the bustling past of Ningbo's "Three Markets of Nanmen" through a blend of food, art, and everyday life. Whether seeking traditional flavors or immersing yourself in a culturally charged atmosphere, this is the perfect place to visit.

Zhao Dayou Cake Shop: A century-old shop specializing in traditional Ningbo cakes, such as dragon and phoenix cakes and water tower cakes.

Meilongzhen Restaurant: Founded in 1938, it is famous for its Ningbo cuisine.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall: Displays traditional Ningbo handicrafts such as bone and wood inlay, gold and silver embroidery, etc.

The former residence of the Yuan family: the residence of the Yuan family, a representative of Ningbo's modern financial industry, showcases the architectural style of the Republic of China period that combines Chinese and Western styles.

Yongshui Bridge: This ancient bridge was built in the Southern Song Dynasty. It was once an important traffic artery outside the south gate of Ningbo and is now a landmark of the old street.

Octagonal Pavilion: This well-preserved Qing Dynasty pavilion in the block is a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

In fact, it is the kind of commercial pedestrian street that can be found in every city. The goods sold there are probably imported from places like Yiwu.

The entire old street is quite long.

There are a few restaurants claiming to be Ningbo's time-honored brands. I tried them, but they weren't amazing.

The entire old street is built along the water, which may be a novelty for tourists from the north. However, many cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang actually have such commercial streets along the water.

On July 18, 2023, the two of them returned to Ningbo from Shaoxing to rest. In the evening, they had to go to Ningbo's Old Food Street to check in. The architecture was very distinctive, the scenery was charming, and there were many delicious foods along the street. The two of them ate while walking.

We chose this place because it boasts a wealth of Ningbo's signature snacks, perfect for our breakfast needs. After filling our bellies, we finally had a chance to explore the old street. Every city seems to have one, adorned with ancient charm, lined with snack bars and souvenir shops, drawing many tourists. As we leisurely finished our stroll and prepared to leave, we realized we'd only explored about half of the street, leaving us with no time to explore the other side. It was a bit of a shame; wandering aimlessly without a plan really has its drawbacks.

Nantang Old Street, located near Ningbo's South Gate, is said to be one of the eight historic districts, dating back to the Song Dynasty. What we see now is actually a cultural tourism project developed in 2012. While the buildings retain their ancient charm, most are modern imitations of antique architecture, and the original historical style has been lost.



I'm not from Ningbo, but I came here mainly to experience the Jiangnan town atmosphere. The atmosphere is still there, with various time-honored shops and traditional snacks. I had crab roe soup dumplings for the first time, slurping them with a straw, and they were delicious. There's also traditional fried quail and cow-eating grass beef noodles. The saying "Ala Ningbo old taste" is full of Zhejiang folk customs.



Of course, I still like to take street photos. The customs and culture of foreign countries, the unique landscapes, the different people, and the unforgettable pictures all make me forget myself and have fun. Telling travel stories to myself, leaving memories, makes life more fulfilling.

It was a weekend, and Nantang Old Street was quite bustling. Two or three long alleys were lined with shops of all kinds, primarily catering and selling food. It was a great place to relax. I preferred Yuehu Lake, but if you want to sample local flavors and buy local specialties for friends and family, this place is also a good choice.

The approximately 1,000-meter street is home to Ningbo's local time-honored shops, a variety of snacks and delicacies, as well as literary bookstores, tea shops, and jewelry stores. Next to the Nantang River, the environment is very good, with the charm of the Jiangnan water town. It's much better than expected and worth a visit.

Every time I go back to Ningbo, I always come back to visit Nantang Old Street. In the past, I mainly went to the No. 1 Grocery Store to buy some local specialty cakes. But this time when I went back, I found that the innermost one in Nantang Phase 1 had changed hands. Fortunately, Zhao Dayou was still there, so I could still buy some orange cakes, oil dates, etc. and they still tasted good!

Of course, for tourists, the most attractive thing here is not only the ancient buildings, but also the various snacks and shops. When I came here two years ago, I went to Maokong to drink coffee and this one is still open. I have been to restaurants such as Tiegebi, Tangren, and Meilong Town, and they are all still open!

The Zhengfang Inn by the river seems to be quite unique. After checking online, I found that it is not expensive to stay here for one night. If you come to Ningbo for a trip, it seems that staying here is also quite good!

The first phase of Nantang Old Street was opened, and now the second and third phases have also been opened. The environment does feel quite clean and tidy, but the weather in July was too hot and I didn’t want to stay for too long!

Nantang Old Street, conveniently located next to Ningbo South Railway Station, is divided into Phases I and II. Parking is a bit tricky, though. You can find parking in Phase II's parking lot, the parking lot across from Nantang Old Street, and the parking lot at the Yinjiang intersection. Phase I is primarily for food, but not much else. It's a pleasant stroll, with plenty of reasonably priced restaurants. The selection of local snacks and Ningbo specialties isn't particularly impressive. Phase II offers education, teahouses, and calligraphy and painting shops. While Nantang Old Street is convenient for strolling and dining, it's quite good, though it doesn't offer many unique attractions.

Ordinary city streets, every city has them, you have to go there when you come here

It is very close to Ningbo Railway Station, with a very distinctive old street, a paradise for foodies.

You must try the snacks and delicacies in Nantang Old Street. Recommendations include Nantang Youzanzi, Gangyagou, Shiliuge Wonton, Wuji Noodle Knot, Magnolia Jelly, and Stinky Tofu.

It's just an antique street in a city. Many cities have it as a food and drink commercial street. It's not very interesting and meaningless.

The old streets are all the same, no special features... relatively short

Green walls, black tiles, and carved attics (although it was rebuilt).

Most of the small shops on both sides of the street sell snacks, some of which claim to be authentic Ningbo snacks (as a tourist, I can't tell the difference). The prices are relatively good and not particularly unscrupulous.



There are also many cultural relics in Nantang Old Street: Yuan Xie, one of the "Four Masters of Chunxi" in the Southern Song Dynasty, and his descendants have lived here for generations, Yongshui Bridge, the throat of ancient Mingzhou leading to southern and western Zhejiang, Yongshan Pavilion built in the Guangxu period of Qing Dynasty, as well as Guansheng Temple, Tongmaoji, Yu Clan Ancestral Hall, many stone-built river piers, and numerous shops and workshops along the street.

It used to be an old street, but now it has been turned into a commercial street.

When visiting Ningbo, a visit to Nan Tang Old Street is a must. It's a hub for delicious food, popular with both tourists and locals. Famous dishes like Gang Ya Gou (Gan Ya Gou) and Nan Tang You Zan Zi (Nan Tang You Zan Zi) are both available here. It feels a bit like Pingjiang Road in Suzhou.

A variety of Ningbo specialty snacks, very close to the train station, it is recommended to take public transportation, there is an underground parking lot, but the traffic is quite congested

Every place now has an old street and ancient town, which are all places that attract tourists. Because it is close to the hotel, I came here to stroll around and have a meal.

Nantang Old Street is actually made up of many interesting shops~~

Mainly food, iced magnolia jelly, sixteen princesses, Sanmao wandering base, old family, etc.

It has the flavor of Jiangnan water town

Built along the river, the streets are lined with a variety of snack shops and local specialty handicraft shops, and the business atmosphere is active.

The streets are bustling, the river is quiet, the stillness and movement echo each other, the scenery is beautiful

On the other side of the river, there are indigenous residents who use river water to wash their daily necessities, which gives people a sense of life in the market.

Worth a visit

Nice, many people check in Ningbo to eat, drink and shop

We arrived early, so many shops were still closed. The main street had just been watered, so it was very clean. The area near the river was behind the shops, so it was a little bumpy, but it didn't affect my enjoyment. I just slipped and nearly fell flat on my face as I was leaving Nantang Old Street. Thanks to decades of experience, I'm still quite nimble. There were also free hand-drawn maps, which were easy to pick up.

There weren't many people there in the morning, but it should be more popular in the evening.

It's similar to Nanjing's Gaochun Old Street, but much more lively! At night, I stayed at an inn on the old street. Outside the window was the river, and nearby residents were washing clothes and vegetables!

I didn't try the local snacks because they didn't suit my taste. I had Chengdu Bobo Chicken instead. It happened to be raining so there weren't many people there. There are old houses next to it. Overall, the buildings are pretty good. There are also some old artists pushing carts.

The new antique street has no background and no characteristics. It is suitable for local people to relax and have fun. For outsiders, hmmm

There are small bridges and flowing water, green tiles and gray walls, delicious Ningbo specialties, coffee shops, tea houses, bars, etc. It is a good place for eating, playing and relaxing.

Nantang Old Street is divided into two parts, North and South. The district preserves over 300 meters of traditional alleyways, including cultural relics such as the Yongshui Bridge, Yongshan Pavilion, and Guansheng Temple. A small river runs along one side of the old street.

The street is lined with gourmet snack shops, including many time-honored shops and well-known gourmet restaurants, such as Gangyagou and Nantang Youzanzi. There are also many romantic cafes and teahouses on the old street.

It's a little over 10 minutes' walk from Ningbo Station to Nantang Old Street. Next to the old street is the residential area, giving it a lively, urban feel. In the mornings, the old street is sparsely populated, making it feel like a holiday without a hustle and bustle; it's a perfect place for a stroll. But there's nothing special about this place; almost every city has a street like this, with ancient buildings and a variety of small shops. So, we took a quick tour of the various alleys and prepared to leave.

I think this place is very ordinary, not many snacks, I bought a bowl of rice tofu

This kind of old street is all about eating and drinking. I especially recommend the seaweed pancakes, buy two get one free. They are crispy, a little sweet and a little salty, and perfect as a snack. I regret not buying enough.

It is nice to stroll around Nantang Old Street, but the weather is too hot. There is almost nothing outside the old street except the inside of the street, which makes people a little bored.

There are many snacks, and they taste good~~~~~~~

Nantang Old Street is divided into several areas, A, B, C, D, and E. It's a bit of a shame that the former residences of celebrities are closed at night. You can enjoy the night view and try some snacks.

The riverside area is very quiet and there are many snacks on this side of the street.

Nantang Old Street is a renovated old alleyway, divided into South Street and North Street. It's home to numerous eateries and drinks, along with several reasonably priced traditional hotels with ancient town-style charm. A full stroll through the street, stopping here and there, takes about an hour. Perhaps due to the early morning crowds and beautiful weather, the view is quite pleasant. Unlike Lijiang, Fenghuang Ancient Town, or other ancient town alleys in general, Nantang Old Street resembles a quiet, revitalized old alleyway in a typical city. Instead of nationally wholesale horn combs and small ceramics, you'll find Ningbo-made oil-stuffed taro and small pastries, all within a relatively simple, rustic setting. The renovation of the old street is well-planned, with parking underneath, but it doesn't detract from the overall layout of the street. The main murals, featuring paintings like "Liu Changsi" and "Butterfly in Love with Flowers," are also quite captivating.

One star, really can't be more, there is nothing to eat, nothing to play, only a clothing wholesale market, it is really worse than street stalls, I will not go there again

It's a long old street, with food stalls on the east side and souvenir shops on the west side. The whole street is next to a small river.

On the east side are the ancestral hall and Yuan Muzhi's former residence, in the middle there is the Guansheng Temple, there is also a half-side pavilion, and there is a stage on the west side.

Things inside are relatively expensive, and the prices are naturally different with so many tourists. For example, a sesame cake costs 5 yuan, while it is 4 yuan outside.

The crab roe soup dumplings at the entrance are doing very well, but they're not a Ningbo specialty. There's also Zhengxin chicken cutlets and the like. Youzanzi is doing very well not far from the entrance, but there's another place inside that's quite deserted.

Just take a look.

The quaint architecture and the dazzling array of Ningbo's specialty snacks evoke nostalgia for the Jiangnan waterside towns. Ningbo Nantang Old Street is a historic and culturally distinctive commercial district that combines historical sites, tourist attractions, cultural leisure activities, time-honored Ningbo brands, Ningbo's famous specialties, and local customs, showcasing the unique character of Ningbo's Jiangnan waterside towns.

I really don't recommend going there. It only sells snacks and is frequented by people from other places. The food is not cheap.

There are many small shops and snacks, which are worth a visit.

Compared to the few people at the Old Bund the day before, this place was much more popular. The old street is very modern, and like Tianyi Pavilion, there's a free map with a scannable QR code for foodies and travelers. The street food is very local.

There are so many delicious foods, such as hairy tofu, crab soup dumplings, lamb skewers, fried dough sticks, etc. It is a must-visit for foodies.

Every city has an old street, and all the ancient streets in China are the same.

In the wind and snow, I walked through Nantang Old Street.

Newly built antique-style buildings all have the same identical facades.

Been here, walked here, eaten here.

Never loved.

It's quite clean, the environment is nice, and the food tastes okay, but it has a strong commercial atmosphere and lacks local characteristics.

It is a commercial street with many snack shops and a strong commercial atmosphere.

A century later, the old street has been reborn. The descendants of Yuan Xie, a famous scholar in the Song Dynasty, have lived here.

An antique street with a Hello Kitty shop and various Ningbo snack shops. My favorite is the Youzanzi shop. There are long lines and limited purchases. They have salty and sweet flavors. If you can't finish it, you have to seal it tightly, otherwise it won't be crispy.

It's worth a walk, there are some good snacks, and there are many places to take pictures hahaha

Old streets don't age well, they're filled with newly built shops and a constant stream of people. There seems to be no shortage of such places in every city across the country. Wuhan's Hubu Alley, Nanning's Zhongshan Road, Lijiang's Sifang Street, Changsha's Pozi Street, Chengdu's Jinli... Zhengzhou even has a Dehua Street.

Nantang Old Street is a great place for strolling and dining. It's perfect for couples and families alike. You can enjoy a stroll, eat, and even buy some affordable and delicious local specialties to go. While there are many good restaurants along the street, unless you're making a special trip to eat out, you'll likely be so full of snacks while strolling that you won't need to go to a restaurant for a full meal.

Recommended ancient town old street, both eating, drinking and sightseeing

The Youzanzi and Sixteen-grid Wontons are both good. The thousand-layer cake is a bit hard to get used to, but the sweet ones are okay. There are also many snacks, but there is no local specialty. The ancient streets are all similar, so it is still a good place to relax.

A commercial district with historical and cultural characteristics that integrates tourism, cultural leisure, Ningbo's time-honored brands, Ningbo's famous specialties, and folk customs. There are both delicious and not-so-delicious food.

Now it’s a few issues away, it’s so huge, I’ve only gone through a third of it, I suggest you set aside some time to play it…

The first place I visited on Nantang Old Street was the crab roe soup dumplings from A Bite of China. Although they were pre-packaged and refrigerated, the taste was not affected. I personally felt that the filling was a little less.

It's a standard snack street. The Xinjiang food is pretty good. I also had Kitty's coffee on the way. The taste was average, but the cake was super sweet.

Go there at night, the night view is beautiful, walk around and eat, it's very good, the lights are made of paper lanterns, the night view is great

The new buildings combined with the original flavor of the ancient street have become Ningbo's new commercial street. The commercial atmosphere is strong, but it is indeed very Ningbo-style. I like the tone there and it will be nice to take pictures.

I took a taxi specifically to the old street. The driver explained that Ningbo's old City God Temple was running out of space, so a new commercial district was planned. It's a long stretch, with lots of places to eat and drink. My favorite memory was eating the egg yolk and pork dumplings at Master Zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival. They were so delicious! It's a shame I didn't buy a bag to take home!

This is a great retro shopping street. Walking down the street and looking at the various shops, I always feel like I've traveled back in time. It's mainly a place with a variety of restaurants and specialty shops.

There are plenty of restrooms, about one every 50 meters. From the outside, you'd think they were shops, so they blend seamlessly into the streetscape. Inside, they're very clean, unlike the restrooms in some tourist areas.

Nantang Old Street, located outside the South Gate of Ningbo's ancient city, was once home to the "Three Markets of the South Gate," a hub of commerce and culture. It is one of Ningbo's eight historic districts and runs north-south, divided by Zuguanshan Road into two main streets: North and South. The area is divided into Phases I and II. Phase I is primarily a dining destination, a haven for foodies and home to many time-honored Ningbo brands. Phase II features buildings in the Jiangnan style of Ming and Qing dynasties, interspersed with Republican-era architecture. It boasts traditional architectural touches such as a stage, an octagonal pavilion, and a wind and rain corridor.

There are many delicacies, such as Bamofang Mao Tofu, Quanfengji Wooden Hammer Pastry, Lao Ningbo Youzanzi, Crab Soup Dumplings, Liulangji’s Quail, Nantang Squid’s Giant Squid, and Yellow Croaker.

After entering the main gate of Nantang Old Street, Phase II is on the left and Phase I is on the right. When riding a bicycle, you usually park at the entrance of Phase I and then walk all the way to Phase II.

Bamofang hairy tofu. A small portion is 10 RMB, a large 15 RMB. I've seen it on A Bite of China. The hairy tofu is deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, topped with chili sauce. The tofu on display is hairy, but the fried tofu is hairless. Did they fry it off? This shop also sells handmade dried tofu and soy milk, but I didn't try them.

Nantang Old Street is somewhat similar to Qibao Old Street in Shanghai, but it feels more interesting overall, with more shops, snacks, and restaurants. There are also some ancient buildings, making it worth spending an afternoon browsing. It's also very convenient to buy some local specialties here on your last day. Recommended: Nantang Youzanzi, grilled oysters, fermented rice wine, and Thousand Layer Puff Pastry

I really couldn’t figure out where to go during the Chinese New Year, so I sat there and looked around on various websites, and occasionally saw Nantang Old Street.



I came here once in 2010, and there was nothing there at that time.

Now, both the area and the size of the store are better.

It is a model of a commercial street, but the atmosphere of the water town is still very comfortable.

Nantang Old Street, located outside the South Gate of Ningbo's ancient city, was once home to the "Three Markets of the South Gate," a hub of commerce and culture. It is one of Ningbo's eight historic districts and a protected area under the city's "Purple Line Planning." Running north-south, it is divided into North and South Streets, separated by Zuguanshan Road. North Street is rooted in traditional culture, centered around commerce and oriented towards urban tourism. South Street emphasizes the concept of "urban leisure," emphasizing a relaxed lifestyle.

Nantang Old Street upholds the essence of Ningbo culture, with the theme of "a window into Ningbo's traditional culture, the characteristics of the Nantang River Jiangnan water town, and a region of Yuan family culture." By completely preserving more than 500 meters of traditional Jiangnan streets and alleys, and successfully integrating the historical charm, architectural features, and celebrity culture of the old street into the street layout during the design and construction, it reproduces the rich customs of Ningbo people's business transactions and daily life over the past century, and realizes "history integrated into life, commerce into historical sites."

There are many ancient buildings in the old street, but most of them were rebuilt later.