Haishu, the center of Ningbo's politics, economics and cultural center, encompasses one village, one town and six subdistricts, with an area of 28.7 sq.km. and a population of 0.272 million.

The District occupies Ningbo's downtown area and located there are the largest commercial mansions, namely, In Time, Chang Fa, Old Chenghuang Temple and some hotels of star-level opening to foreign guests, such as Xin Yuan Hotel, Nan Yuan Hotel and Ningbo World Hotel. Also situated in the District are Ningbo Municipal Government, and the city's key financial organizations, commercial inspection and customs departments.

The District has been developing on the policy of "Placing Economic Construction at the Center, Laying Emphasis on the City Management". The assiduous effort has brought about a prominent in economic strength and the city is changing day after day. In 2001, its GDP hit RMB 2.03 billion.

There has appeared an industrial economic pattern with the production of machinery, electron and meter, textile and garment, metallurgy and processing as the distinctive features .In 2001 its output value in industry reached RMB 3.12 billion. Some products have come up to the national or even the international standard, for example, "Peace Bird Brand Daily Wear" enjoys the title of "Famous Provincial Brand", the "Miniature High-power Relay" has been included to the Key National Torch Project. At present the products by 16 enterprises have passed the International ISO9000 Quality Authentication.

The tertiary industry in the District is developing rapidly as the result of Ningbo's excellent commerce and trade foundation, the district's superior location, and the policy of "Flourishing the District with Commerce and Trade". In 2001, the volume of commerce and other industries amounted to RMB 13.26 billion . The additional value in the tertiary industry occupied 70 per cent in the district economy. A series of promising key projects have been finished. Centering on the Old Chenghuang Temple and Clock Tower Mall, the new commerce and trade section in Ningbo has been formed with and integration of commerce and trade, dining, culture, recreation and tourism.

The District has passed a series of policies to attract foreign investment, and the bettering of the investment environment has gained the confidence of foreign industrialists. 220 joint venture enterprises had been approved by the end of 2001 and the total investment ran up to approximately USD 240 million, and the foreign investment was US$ 65 million, most of which touch social service, recreation, dining and drinking, real estate. The annual delivery value of industrial product export of 100 foreign trade enterprises came to RMB 745 million, and the export volume conducted by themselves reached USD 71.73 million.

Many scenic spots and historical sites embellish the District. Here stand Tianyige (Tianyi Pavilion Library, a key unit of cultural relics under state protection), Clock Tower and Xiantong Tower (both built in the Tang Dynasty).

Foreign Economic and Trade Bureau Haishu District
Add.: 229 Lingqiao Road, Ningbo, P.R.C.
Post Code: 315000
Tel: 86-574-87294647, 87323113-3211
Fax: 86-574-87302884