Singapore-Ningbo Business & Cultural Trip (13 to 18 October, 2025)

16:15  Transportation (coach transfer) will be organised for guests flying on our recommended flights SQ 830 (Singapore Airlines) / MU546 (China Eastern Airlines)

19:30 Estimated arrival at hotel

21:00 Welcome drinks

Image credit: CreatAR 

• Visit Ningbo Urban Planning Exhibition Center (宁波城展馆) - situated in the core of Ningbo Eastern New Town, it is an architectural marvel reflecting how urban renewal integrates nature.  Themed "Global Port City, A Happy Home", the exhibition hall showcases the development history, achievements, and future vision of Ningbo's transformation.
  
  
  
  
• Visit Ningbo Bang Museum (宁波帮博物馆) and learn about Ningbo's pioneers - a collective of merchants and industrialists. Many of them, including movie mogul Sir Run Run Shaw (Shaw Brothers), played a transformative role in modern China’s economic and social development. Their legacy spans global trade networks, revolutionary banking systems, and philanthropy—a blueprint for China’s modernization.
• Visit Zhenhai New Materials Town, Yongjiang Science and Technology Innovation Center, and National Graphene Innovation Center (镇海新材料小镇、甬江科创协同创新中心、国家石墨烯创新中心). This launchpad for for graphene R&D merges the city’s entrepreneurial legacy with cutting-edge industrial advancement. Learn about Graphene breakthroughs in energy (ultra-fast charging batteries for EVs), biomedicine (biosensors for early disease detection), and AI to optimise production of Graphene products.
• Investment promotion meeting: Introduction to Zhenhai District's business incentives, followed by business matching 1-1 meetings.
• Official Welcome Dinner.

Visit Tianyi Pavilion Museum (天一阁) - Built in the Ming dynasty (1561), this is China's oldest private library. Wander through ancestral halls, explore a quirky Mahjong museum, and admire the landscaped literary gardens. Located beside the picturesque Ming Lake, Tianyi Pavillion it’s a time capsule of scholarly pursuits during the Ming Dynasty era and represents a window to the history and culture of Ningbo.

Visit Shou Quan Zhai (SQZ) 寿全斋  Living Treasury of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Est. 1760 | Ningbo's Oldest Pharmacy 

Appreciate the captivating charm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture. Recognized as one of China's time-honored brands, SQZ has preserved its centuries-old herbal preparation techniques and diagnostic methods. The company's original Qing Dynasty shopfront on Yaohang Street invites you to:

✔ Smell authentic herbs aging in antique cabinets
✔ Touch 18th-century grinding stones still in use
✔ Taste seasonal wellness teas blended to imperial recipes

Investment Promotion Meeting: Introduction to Haishu District

In 2018, Haishu District in Ningbo was awarded the prestigious Euro-China Green and Smart City Award, recognizing its leadership in sustainable urban innovation and smart agriculture. The district stood out for pioneering AI-powered farming robots, reducing pesticide use by 40%, and integrating vertical hydroponic systems into urban spaces. With solar-powered IoT networks and 20 km of green corridors, Haishu became a model for eco-friendly development. This accolade spurred €50 million in EU-China agri-tech investments and inspired Zhejiang’s "Future Farms 2030" initiative, proving that modernization and sustainability can thrive together. Today, Haishu continues to lead in green robotics, hosting global forums and showcasing cutting-edge farming tech.

Sightseeing and River Cruise

Nantang Old Street (南塘老街), located in Ningbo’s Haishu District along the historic Nantang River, is one of the city’s most beloved shopping streets. Dating back over 1,000 years to the Song Dynasty, this atmospheric pedestrian quarter was once the thriving "Nanmen Sanshi" (South Gate Three Markets), where merchants traded silk, tea, and rice from dawn till dusk.

The historic buildings are low-rise and harmoniously aligned along the river, many featuring inner courtyards and stone archways. It is one of Ningbo’s eight designated historical blocks, blending heritage charm with vibrant local culture through its restored buildings that retain the original architectural styles. The street is atmospheric with traditional teahouses, art shops, and vibrant cultural performances that take place in the main square. Great for trying out street snacks and local specialties.

Sanjiangkou 三江游 once served as a starting port of the Maritime Silk Road in ancient China. The Sanjiangkou evening cruise offers a front-row seat to Ningbo’s most iconic landmarks. Glide through the heart of the city where three rivers—Yongjiang, Fenghua, and Yuyao—converge, showcasing Ningbo’s past and present. Pass by the vibrant Old Bund waterfront, marvel at the sparkling skyline of the Central Business District, and admire the majestic Yongjiang bridge and the colourful nighttime scenery.

Ningbo: A Powerhouse of Port and E-Commerce Innovation

As one of China’s leading industrial and logistics hubs, Ningbo is powered by its world-class deepwater port—one of the busiest in the world—and a thriving e-commerce ecosystem. The city leverages its strategic coastal location to drive global trade, while innovation zones like the Ningbo E-Commerce Innovation Park foster rapid growth in digital commerce, smart logistics, and cross-border business. Together, these sectors position Ningbo as a dynamic engine of economic transformation and global connectivity.

Located in the heart of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Beilun District is also where Ningbo Economic & Technological Development Zone (NETD) is. 

After thirty years’ development, Beilun District has become an important opening gateway and base for energy, raw materials and advanced manufacturing in Zhejiang Province and China. 

Beilun Port Area (Beilun International Container Terminal)

Experience the dynamic energy and scenic splendour of Beilun Port while gaining insight into the extraordinary evolution of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port—from a modest river port to a global maritime powerhouse. Today, Beilun serves as a critical hub for the import, storage, and logistics of crude oil and bulk commodities in East China.

Learn about Ningbo’s maritime legacy at Beilun Port—one of the world’s busiest and most advanced deepwater ports. You will get a unique glimpse into the scale and sophistication of modern port operations, witness high-tech logistics in motion and understand how Ningbo’s strategic coastal location fuels its global trade success. The observation deck offers some of the best panoramic views of the sprawling terminals, with Chuanshan Port and the East China Sea stretching into the distance—a perfect blend of industrial power and coastal beauty.

Jiangbei - Ningbo's largest urban city district
Jiangbei District in Ningbo, uniquely positioned where three rivers converge in the city's northwest, offers a blend of geographical splendor, deep historical roots, and rich tourism. The district is a hub for education and healthcare, hosting numerous institutions like Ningbo University, Ningbo Science & Technology College, and several hospitals including Ningbo No.2 Hospital and the Attached Hospital of Medical Department of Ningbo University.

Ningbo Qiaomengyuan "宁波侨梦苑" - Zhejiang Qianyang Economic Development Zone

Located inside Ningbo Qiaomengyuan, an Overseas Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub , this E-Commerce Economic Innovation Park has served as a dynamic hub for international startups looking to establish their presence in China's thriving digital economy since its establishment in 2015. It is home to innovative businesses supporting Chinese diaspora across five key sectors: e-commerce, smart technologies, fintech, cultural and creative industries, and corporate headquarters.

Visitors to the park can observe firsthand how it bridges international business practices with China's domestic market opportunities through its specialized incubation programs and industry networking platforms

Attractiveness of "Qiao Meng Yuan"

✅ Dual-Market Expertise: Bridges overseas Chinese entrepreneurs with domestic channels
✅ Policy Advantages: Special VAT rebates, talent housing, 15% corporate tax rate
✅ Ecosystem: 24/7 international legal/HR support in 6 languages

Established in March 2021, Ningbo (Qianyang) Livestreaming Center is Ningbo’s first government-led one-stop live streaming industry service platform and houses 38 fully equipped livestreaming studios.

Ningbo (Qianyang) Livestreaming Center is expected to fuel the growth of livestreaming e-commerce in the city, leveraging Ningbo’s manufacturing strength and innovative Qianyang Economic Development Zone.

• The center is a hub for various initiatives, including:

  • "Tidal Surge Plan" 2025: This plan, launched at the center, aims to deepen the integration of AI, big data, and other technologies with traditional industries in Ningbo. It focuses on empowering industrial transformation, product upgrades, brand building, and service optimization through digital marketing and policy adaptation.

  • "Elderly-friendly" Enterprise Supply: The center has hosted events focused on promoting "elderly-friendly" products and services through digital enterprises, including live streaming.

  • Training Programs: It's a location for practical training, including "Chinese Culture + Live Streaming Skills" programs for international students, helping them understand Chinese live streaming culture and explore new career paths.

The city anticipates that the value of cross-border e-commerce purchases of bonded imports will exceed 35 billion yuan, solidifying its position as a national leader in cross-border e-commerce imports and exports.

Success Stories @ Ningbo "QiaoMengYuan" - Qianyang Economic Development Zone

1. Oceanic Premium

   • AI logistics cut cross-border delivery by 40%

2. ChainFort Tech (Smart Supply Chain Solutions)

   • Blockchain seafood cold chain w/ COSCO

3. Ningbo Memories (Cultural IP Success)

   • Preserved 50+ intangible heritage crafts; ¥50M annual GMV

Key Strategic Partnerships

Through its integrated ecosystem combining cutting-edge infrastructure and favourable policies for startups, the park has become a launchpad for cross-border e-commerce ventures and technological innovation.

The Lantern in the Paddy Field

Rising gracefully from the rice fields of Fenghua District, Ningbo, The Lantern is a 23-meter-high observation tower and visitor centre designed by architecture firm HDEC AIR-CoLAB Studio

This sculptural landmark blends architectural innovation with the rural landscape, playing with light, form, and topography to create an ever-changing visual experience. As visitors approach via winding field paths, the tower gradually reveals itself—at once a striking sculptural object and a quiet place for contemplation. At the summit, a 360-degree viewing platform opens to a serene panorama: rhythmic rice paddies, distant villages, and the silhouettes of far-off cities.

Constructed from bamboo, locally sourced timber, and recycled materials, The Lantern honors the surrounding landscape while showcasing renewable, low-impact architecture. Sustainability is embedded throughout: rooftop solar panels generate clean energy, rainwater is harvested and filtered for use, and passive cooling is achieved through open latticework and thermal louvers. These features reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort year-round. Advanced smart systems monitor temperature, lighting, and air quality in real time. Visitors can interact with these features through a mobile app, adjusting settings and viewing energy data—deepening their connection to the space while fostering awareness of sustainable living.

Zhejiang University Alumni Science and Technology Innovation Park
宁波浙江大学校友科创园

Established in 2022 in Ningbo’s Yinzhou District, this next-generation innovation hub harnesses the academic excellence of Zhejiang University and the industrial strength of Ningbo to drive cutting-edge research and development. Rapidly gaining recognition, the hub focuses on strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, industrial IoT, biotechnology and precision medicine, and green energy.

Zeekr Intelligent Factory – A Pioneer in Smart EV Manufacturing

Located in Ningbo's Hangzhou Bay New Area, Zeekr's cutting-edge factory represents the pinnacle of China's intelligent manufacturing. This 2,000-acre facility features the world's largest 7,200-ton gigacasting system, 100% automated production lines, and digital twin technology. As Zhejiang's first "Factory of the Future," it achieves 30% higher efficiency than traditional plants while reducing costs by 40% through innovations like single-piece underbody casting. With 300,000-vehicle annual capacity and flexible multi-model production, Zeekr sets new global standards for sustainable, high-quality EV manufacturing.

Cixi: A Rising Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Technology
Situated on the southern bank of Hangzhou Bay, Cixi is a key city in the Yangtze River Delta and a fast-growing node in China’s high-tech and manufacturing landscape. Just 60 km from Ningbo, and within 150 km of both Shanghai and Hangzhou, Cixi benefits from seamless access to major urban centers via the Hangzhou Bay Bridge—positioning it firmly within a dynamic 2-hour economic corridor.

Recognized by the State Council as a coastal city of open economy, Cixi has capitalized on its location to attract advanced manufacturing, new materials, and intelligent equipment industries. It is home to a robust industrial base, modern infrastructure, and a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem supported by national-level economic zones and R&D partnerships, making it an ideal destination for future-focused industrial investment.

Cixi is emerging as a popular destination among domestic travellers, where wellness, relaxation, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Nestled along the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay, Cixi offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of urban life, with attractions like the renowned Cixi Hot Springs, lush countryside landscapes, and scenic lakeside retreats.

Cixi Huayang Dental Hospital

Renowned for its exceptional dental services, Cixi Huayang Dental Hospital has established itself as a premier destination for comprehensive oral healthcare. Strategically located in the heart of Cixi, the clinic offers thorough teeth cleaning, along standard dental check-ups. The hospital maintains affordable pricing while ensuring professional standards.  Their experienced dental team utilizes modern equipment to deliver comfortable, high-quality treatments. The hospital maintains affordable pricing while ensuring professional standards, currently offering a one-time special offer to our business mission partcipants for their dental cleaning services.

Unwind and Recharge in Cixi's Natural Splendor

Cixi offers a compelling blend of natural tranquility and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can unwind amidst the lush greenery and serene atmosphere of Shishan Park 峙山公园. Of you can visit Cixi Museum for a deep dive into the region's thousand-year history, covering everything from geology and archaeology to urban development and folk crafts. Whether seeking a restorative escape or a cultural exploration, Cixi presents a perfect fusion of serenity, historical depth, and scenic beauty, promising a truly enriching experience.

After breakfast at the hotel, we've booked a coach transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. 

Coach departure time will be at 9:00 am, ensuring you have ample time to check-in for your flight back to Singapore.

Alternatively, we can drop you off at the nearest train station.