Elyse Ribbons from the United States, observes the operation of a tower crane at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/nbtv.cn]

Elyse Ribbons, an American entrepreneur who has spent over 16 years living and working in China, spent a month this summer in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and was deeply impressed by the city's profound culture and social progresses.

Ribbons, known in China by her Chinese name Liu Suying, was in the city from July 12 to Aug 16.  This summer, she decided to visit Ningbo to explore the distinctive charm of the coastal city in East China.

Her first stop was the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, which has ranked first in the world for cargo handling capacity for ten consecutive years. There, Ribbons observed the operation of a tower crane. She said just by standing at the port, she could gain a sense of how important it was to the global economy.

At Qing'an Guild Hall and Tiantong Temple, two time-honored buildings in Ningbo, Ribbons learned about the city's contribution to foreign trade and the overseas spread of Buddhism culture from the city in ancient times.

Tianyi Pavilion, the oldest existing private library in China, was on top of Ribbon's must-see list in Ningbo. She said she was taken aback by its huge collection of books and picturesque scenic setting.

To experience some authentic traditional culture, Ribbons also tried her hands at making pottery and percussing old musical instruments. Additionally, she experienced a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony with her husband in Ninghai county.

Elyse Ribbons admires the garments for a traditional Chinese wedding in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/nbtv.cn]