Ningbo, China | World’s Best Cities

Ningbo, China

Ningbo, a city of profound historical and economic significance on China’s eastern seaboard, is quietly asserting its role as a leader in both culture and commerce. Known for the Tianyi Pavilion, the oldest surviving private library in China, Ningbo has long stood as a cradle of intellectual achievement. It is no accident that this city, once the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, continues to serve as a strategic hub in global trade. Its Zhoushan Port, the world’s third-largest container port, is an enduring testament to Ningbo’s logistical prowess, reflected in its strong ranking of #44 in our overall Prosperity index. Ningbo’s economic ascent is underscored by its recent GDP figures, which reached more than US$241 billion in 2023, placing the city at #31 in our GDP per Capita subcategory. As the financial heart of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo’s robust industrial base—ranging from high-tech manufacturing to green energy initiatives—drives much of its economic strength. The city’s government has set ambitious targets to transform Ningbo into a global innovation hub by 2025, particularly focusing on industries like artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing. These efforts are supported by both domestic and international investment, which will further boost the city’s #24 spot in our Unemployment Rate subcategory.