When the lights come on along Ningbo’s historic Lao Waitan on the Chinese mainland, the result is nothing short of magic. Last week, a group of 14 journalists from Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) gathered to experience this “night fusion” of European-inspired streetscapes and cutting-edge urban design.
Representatives from Slovenia’s Delo, Croatia’s Total Croatia News and Hungary’s Magyar Hirlap strolled past ornate colonial-era facades bathed in LED glow, as modern skyscrapers rose in the distance. The contrast between old-world charm and new-city energy sparked lively discussions among the correspondents—many noting how the district’s evolution mirrors broader ties between the Chinese mainland and CEEC nations.
“It felt like traveling through time—one moment you’re amid cobblestone alleys, the next you’re looking up at futuristic towers,” said Liu Mohan, who documented the tour for local media. Journalists highlighted the blend of culture and commerce, from art galleries in repurposed warehouses to riverside cafes hosting live music.
As cultural exchange deepens, the night fusion at Lao Waitan underscores Ningbo’s role as a bridge between heritage and innovation. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and globetrotters alike, this illuminated district offers a template for urban destinations worldwide—where history and high tech coexist under one starry sky.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
