Answer: Ningbo is a modern and comfortable city to live in, especially for expatriates planning a longer stay. It offers a mix of local culture and international convenience, with several neighborhoods popular among Westerners and foreign professionals. Since you are looking for an area with a foreign community, western-style amenities, and good accessibility, there are several great districts to consider.

Answer: A day trip from Hangzhou to Ningbo by high-speed rail (HSR) is a great idea — it’s fast, easy, and gives you enough time to explore the highlights of this historic port city. The journey from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Ningbo Railway Station takes about 1 hour, so arriving at 9 a.m. and leaving at 4 p.m. gives you roughly 7 hours to experience Ningbo’s best attractions.

Answer: According to several sources, the in Ningbo is temporarily closed for renovation. For example, a listing on a trusted booking-site states: “This property will be closed from January 1 2024 to October 1 2024 for renovations and will resume operation once the renovation is complete (completion date subject to change).”