Ningbo showcases its cultural flair in Tokyo

The tourism promotion event in Tokyo attracts a lot of visitors. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ahead of the 2025 Osaka Expo's "Zhejiang Week" series activity, Ningbo captivated Tokyo with a cultural showcase on July 10, spotlighting its rich heritage through stone seal art and celadon music. 

At the tourism promotion event, Japanese travel industry representatives were drawn to Ningbo's creative flair — sparking new opportunities in inbound tourism.

The event rekindled long-standing ties between Zhejiang and Japan, rooted in the exchanges with the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties via the Maritime Silk Road. Japanese officials praised Ningbo's historical significance and the enduring influence of thinkers like Wang Yangming and Zhu Shunshui.

Seals go on show at the event. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

A highlight was a scroll featuring symbolic seals from all 11 cities in Zhejiang province. Ningbo's section shone with 20 hand-carved seals, blending ancient motifs like Hemudu's "double birds facing the sun" pattern with modern icons such as the Zhejiang's highest tower Ningbo Center. Guests eagerly joined hands-on stamping activities, crafting bookmarks and fans with custom seal patterns.

With daily flights and high occupancy rates between Ningbo and Japan, air connectivity is clearly supporting the city's booming tourism efforts.

In the first five months of 2025, Ningbo saw a 12 percent hike in foreign visitors and a 27.64 percent surge in airport arrivals.

The city's newly launched Three-Year Inbound Tourism Doubling Plan includes generous incentives for travel agencies bringing international tourists to Ningbo.