A rendering of the manor. [Photo/Yongpai App]

The foundation stone for the Central and Eastern European Manor was laid on Aug 18 in Maoxin village, Gulin town, Haishu district, Ningbo. The project is scheduled to open in May 2027, creating a new platform for cross-border trade, cultural exchange, and industrial cooperation.

The manor will leverage resources from the China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair. It will feature five themed buildings inspired by cities and regions including Athens, the Balkans, Budapest, Prague, and the Aegean Sea, offering spaces for international conferences, AI innovation, cultural and creative industries, dining, and wellness activities.

The project will also include an international conference hall, 15 cross-border livestreaming studios, a CEEC product selection center, an AI technology exhibition hall, and traditional cultural experiences. It is expected to attract around 100,000 international visitors annually for business and tourism.

The manor plans to introduce specialty products from CEEC, including Polish dairy products, Serbian wine, and Bulgarian rose products, while connecting with China-Europe Railway Express supply channels.

Beyond trade, the project will host cultural festivals, business events, livestreaming training, and overseas expansion programs, helping integrate commerce, tourism, digital innovation, and rural development.

Once completed, the manor is expected to become a new window for Ningbo's international engagement and a showcase of China-CEEC cooperation.