Cicheng Town in Jiangbei District of Ningbo recently collaborated with Ningbo Polytechnic to dig into the history and culture of its old town. College students surveyed 27 old houses in the old town and interviewed locals.

The old town has a history of around 2,500 years with many cultural heritage sites. A private pond in the house of the Yings was listed a protected cultural heritage site of Jiangbei District in 2002.

Through a series of onsite surveys and interviews, students had a better understanding as well as knowledge about the history and behind-scene stories about the old town. In mid-July, the Cicheng Town government worked with Ningbo University to hold the "Impression Minquan Road" Wall Painting Competition, lighting up the thousand-year-old town with bright colors and contemporary ideas.

Cicheng Guesthouse, a B&B accommodation of Yuanjian Group, is located right in the old town. Currently under construction, the guesthouse will cover an area of 1,480 square meters. Once completed, the area will feature a coffee shop, a Hong Kong-style cafe, a teahouse and more. Meanwhile, other accommodation providers such as Tujia and Blossom Hill Hotels & Resorts have shown intention to build hotels in the old town.