"1000 Talents Scheme" Industrial Park set up in Yuyao

The introduction of the high-end talents of the national "1000 Talents Scheme" means the introduction of an innovative team, the establishment of an emerging industry and the cultivation of a new economic growth point. On May 25, the first "1000 Talents Scheme" Industrial Park in Zhejiang Province was established in Yuyao County. Thus, a new entrepreneurship and innovation platform has taken shape in Yuyao County, to give full play to the leading role and accumulation effects of the experts of "1000 Talents Scheme" and to promote the construction of strategic emerging industries.

"The settlement of the first provincial '1000 Talents Scheme' Industrial Park in Yuyao County is the achievement of our policies of implementing the strategy of developing the county by introducing talents and striving to establish the regional talent accumulation area." according to the related officials from Yuyao County Party Committee and County Government. The industrial park, covering such strategic emerging industries as new equipments, new materials, new energies and energy conservation, electronic information, medical equipments and bio-medicine, will make efforts to introduce and support a parade of "1000-Talents-Scheme" experts and other leading scientific and technological figures with independent intellectual properties or core technologies and ability of guiding the development of the emerging industries, as well as some distinctive innovative teams, so that an interactive development pattern will be formed with the accumulation of talents, projects, capitals, technologies and industries.

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Nantian Island applies for national experimental base island for ecological construction

It was learned from Ningbo Ocean & Fishery Bureau on May 24 that Nantian Island has been selected by Xiangshan County to apply for the "national experimental base island for ecological construction".

Early this year, the "proposals on experimental base pilots for island ecological construction" was officially issued by the State Oceanic Administration. According to the proposals, during the 12th Five-year Plan period, 15 to 20 experimental bases for island ecological construction will be set up, in an effort to explore the new ecological development pattern of islands exploration and protection, with the characteristics of being green, environmental friendly, low-carbon and energy conservative.

Reportedly, the experimental base of the Nantian Island will fall into the category of "pollutants treatment and recycling base". Its major functions will include the research and demonstration of such technologies as collective waste treatment and recycling and island sewage treatment and recycling.

Since the start of the application work in early 2013, Xiangshan Ocean and Fishery Bureau has helped the experts from the No.2 Ocean Institute of the State Oceanic Administration in their on-scene inspections and selections, and finally selected Nantian Island as a proper candidate.

According to a related person from Xiangshan Ocean and Fishery Bureau, the pilot project of pollutants treatment and recycling base in Nantian Island is an important attempt to the feasibility of island zero-pollutant emission and is of great significance for exploring the suitable pollution treatment methods for islands.

Entrepreneurship and innovation cooperation forum for young businessmen held

The 2nd Entrepreneurship and Innovation Cooperation Forum for young businessmen from Ningbo, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, jointly organized by Ningbo Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and Kuomintang Youth League, was held in Kao Hsiung of Taiwan on May 25. Over 200 young Chinese businessmen gathered at the forum to discuss and negotiate with each other for friendship and development. Hu Modun, Vice-director of the Standing Committee of Ningbo Municipal Party Committee, made the opening speech for the forum.

Themed on "innovation, cooperation and mutual benefits", the forum strives to promote the ties and friendship between the young businessmen from the four areas and strengthen their cooperation. Through such activities as the theme forums, exchange and discussion of corporate culture and negotiations for cooperation on industrial and technological projects, the forum aims improve the development of enterprises and promote the exchange and cooperation between the four areas on the basis of mutual benefits and win-win situation.

Biodiesel industrialization technology reaches international level

The new technology for biodiesel industrialization invented by Ningbo Jiesen Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd and Zhejiang University of Technology has already reached international level, as has confirmed by the evaluation committee leaded by Wang Xieqing, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The committee confirmed the company’s doing of producing biodiesels out of illegal cooking oils as environmental-friendly and being in line with national standards, and confirmed its social and economical effects at the same time.
Stationed at Songdai Town of Fenghua City, Ningbo Jiesen Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd is the only one company in Zhejiang that processes illegal cooking oils into biodiesels. The factory is built along the mountain and one can only tell it an energy company by its large raw material storage tanks, where thousands of tons of illegal cooking oils are stored in. Another factory plant seems more mysterious for it houses 12 patents of invention granted in China and one patent of invention granted in the US.

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Huge amounts of funds granted to high-end talents

Ningbo National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone made known its ten policies to promote innovation and another ten policies to introduce talents recently, saying that prestigious universities and R&D agencies home and abroad can be granted with as high as 5 mln yuan subsidies if they set up research unit within the zone, and domestic or foreign talents who start up businesses can get an allowance of as high as 8 mln yuan.   
It is learned that the ten policies to promote innovation mainly cover such areas as introducing R&D institutions, setting up industrial technology innovation alliances, building technology property trading platforms etc. Take the industry of science and technology finance ecology as an example—it will set up capital chains in line with scientific and technological companies’ differentiated financing demands in different stages. 

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Seven Eco-tourism Projects Settled in Ninghai

The China-Ninghai tourism promotion campaign was held on May 20, on which seven eco-tourism projects were contracted, involving a total investment of over 22 billion yuan. Two of the seven projects are the Tianhe International Tourism Resort project and the Sino Australia strategic cooperative contract for the development and construction of Zhejiang Sanmen Bay new area which attracts an investment of 17.1 billion yuan. 
　  As a matter of fact, the latter contract was signed by the Administrative Committee of Ninghai Economic Zone and Australia GREY High-tech Company. The two sides are going to collaborate on all sides as Australia will provide funds and technologies in such areas as manufacturing, bio-pharmaceuticals, environmental engineering and the comprehensive development of eco-agriculture, etc.     
　　The successful signing of the contract also promoted some other projects to be settled in Ninghai. For example, the Tianhe International Tourism Resort project with a fund of 17.09 bln yuan was contracted by the People’s Government of Chalu Town and Ningbo Raw Water Group.  

IKEA to open its 13th stores in China

The world's largest furniture retailer IKEA will open 13th outlet in Chinese city of Xi'an, the capital of northwest Shaanxi province. 
The outlet as well as its logistics centre will be located in Fengdong New Town in Xi'an, official media here reported. 
IKEA has opened 11 stores in 10 Chinese cities, and two other outlets are scheduled to open in Ningbo and Shanghai in July and August, respectively. 
"We will sign an agreement with IKEA in early July to establish unit in Xi'an, and preliminary work for the program is underway," said Yao Haijun, deputy director of the Fengdong New Town's management committee. 
Xi'an mayor Dong Jun said the outlet, IKEA's first in northwestChina, will help boost the city's economic development.

Thailand down Puerto Rico to emerge second

Hosts China, who stamped their authority in the first leg in Ningbo last week, made it two-in-a-row with a clean sweep of victories in the four-team two-phase invitational competition.

On Friday, Asian powerhouse China thrashed former three-time Olympic champions Cuba 25-13 25-15 25-12 in their last match, while Thailand, fourth-place winners at the FIVB World Grand Prix and champions at the AVC Cup last year, struggled hard against the fast-improving Puerto Rico, the team they had beaten in three easy sets at Ningbo last week.

Puerto Rico gave Thailand a run for their money but the Kingdom emerged winners due to their greater experience. Thailand rallied to win the encounter 21-25 25-13 25-17 21-25 15-5.

Invincible China were crowned champions for the second consecutive time, while Thailand, who collected four points from two wins against one loss to China, finished second. In Ningbo last week, Thailand were second. Puerto Rico and Cuba finished third and fourth.

The Thai team returned late last night. They are due to take on Cuba in this year's World Grand Prix second leg in Russia in August and Puerto Rico in the third leg at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in the same month.

In September, Nakhon Ratchasima will host the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship where the hosts will contend with 15 other teams, including defending champions China, for the lone ticket to the World Grand Champions Cup in Japan later this year.

Nanjing-Hangzhou-Ningbo high-speed rail lines begin trial operations

HANGZHOU - A new high-speed railway that stretches across East China's Yangtze River Delta began trials on Friday, according to local railway authorities.

The Nanjing-Hangzhou-Ningbo high-speed railway, with a designated top speed of 350 km per hour, will cut travel time between Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province, and the port city of Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province to about two hours, sources with the Shanghai Railway Bureau said.

High-speed trains will run at a speed of 300 km per hour during the trial operation period, which will last one month.

The railway is scheduled to go into commercial service at the end of June, according to the bureau.

The high-speed railway is expected to boost the region's economy and foster the growth of tourism in the three cities it links.

Teach English in Ningbo!
Now Interviewing for English Teaching Jobs in Ningbo!

Located in Zhejiang province, Ningbo is one of China’s oldest cities, boasting inhabitants from as early as 4800 BC. Ninbo was one of the major port cities along the Silk Road, a 2,000 year old trade route that stretched from China to Persia. By the 10th century, Ningbo became a major world port used by Portuguese and Spanish traders. Today, the only city in China that surpasses Ningbo as a port is Shanghai.

 The city itself has a population of about 3.5 million people, with the surrounding area boasting over 7 million. While the city does not have what most cities of its size would consider a bustling night life, there are many restaurants, bars, and dance clubs. A former school manager of one of our client schools has recently opened an expat bar and bistro called Buddha’s Bar & Bistro. The Asian style lounge bar is located just inside the entrance to Lao Wai Tan.

For those who prefer a more low key life, plenty of movie theaters, art exhibits, coffee houses, and museums. The city has always been highly accessible by bus and taxi, but in 2014, the first subway line will open. Four years in the making, the first two lines are nearly finished. There are plans to continuously expand the lines and create new ones.

Being a coastal city, the district has over 500 islands. Most of these are not inhabited, nor are they worth visiting, but there are exceptions. Many people take weekend trips to Zhoushan, which is only accessible by ferry from Ningbo. Nansha beach is the hotspot, but in the surrounding areas, you will find plenty of seafood restaurants and other eateries. Putuoshan is another spot popular with tourists. Famous for its Buddhist temples, many people spend time in Putuoshan to experience a part of China no longer part of big city life. Monasteries and centers for Buddhist study still exist on this island. The grounds of Puji temple contain a small lake and traditional pagodas that are a great place to relax (see photo).

Weather in Ningbo

Ningbo is a subtropical city, which means hot and humid summers. The winters are typically mild and while residents experience occasional snow, the temperature rarely falls below freezing. There are four distinct seasons, with the temperatures in July and August being by far the hottest, and December and January temperatures hovering just above freezing. Typhoons do pass by the area, but Ningbo is rarely affected as directly as its neighbors to the south.

Experience China While Teaching in Ningbo!

Like most cities in China, Ningbo contains several popular historic sites. The Tianyi Pavilion Museum, sitting near Moon Lake, was built in 1516. The library, one of China’s oldest, still contains 11th century wood carved books and Confucian classics. While there, don’t forget to stop by Moon Lake park-a great place to have a picnic, explore pagodas, and even rent a paddleboat.

If you prefer a more rustic experience, Zhaobao mountain is the perfect place to spend on your days off. There are seemingly endless trails that open into temples and pagodas. Hikers can find Buddhist texts carved into the sides of hills in Sanskrit. Also near the mountain is the Weiyuan City Wall, a 2,000 foot long barrier to keep out intruders.

The largest lake in Zhejiang province is Dongqian lake. This lake will be a welcome relief for those looking for a more natural water experience compared to the cement laced lakes closer to the city. The lake is surrounded on one side by forest and the other by mountains. Climbing some of the hills allow views of the entire surrounding area, including the lake itself and the city.

We will always do our best to assist you in any way possible during your experience teaching English abroad in China!

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Ningbo to foster import market clusters

In less than a month, 2013 China Zhejiang Import Goods Expo, themed on "Ningbo—entrance of Import Goods for China, will open in Ningbo. For the great potential of the import market in Ningbo, the Expo hosted by the city has attracted a large number of export companies from over 30 countries and regions including Germany. So far, the 890 exhibition stalls for the fair have all been ordered out.

Based on the advantageous position in marine resources and well-developed manufacturing industry, the Ningbo Municipal Government has drawn up a plan to accelerate the development of import market clusters during the 10th Five-Year Plan period. From a related meeting, it is learned that Ningbo will give full play to the advantages of the areas of special regulation in customs like Ningbo Free Trade Zone and Ningbo Meishan Bonded Zone and take an active part in fostering a cluster of import markets and in particular, the markets of plastic products, chemical materials, nonferrous and precious metals, steel products, automobile service, and middle-grade and high-grade consumption goods.

Ningbo is witnessing a steady increase in the import trade of staple commodity. In 2012, Ningbo Free Trade Zone had each of the volumes of business for liquid chemicals, coal, steel and recycling resources, exceeding 10 billion yuan. In Ningbo Free Trade Zone, the total turnover of the four major markets of metal products, solid chemical products, and coal products exceeded 100 billion yuan. In the first quarter in 2003, the import of coal at Ningbo port was 2,812,000 tons, valuing 230 million RMB, an increase of 210% and 81.3% respectively. In this regard, Ningbo is in the front row of ports in China.

With its favorable geographical position in the Yangtze River Delta, Ningbo has a great potential for imported consumer goods. According to statistics from Ningbo Customs, in the first three months this year, the import of consumer goods is worth 140 million RMB, up by 12.4% year on year and 10.3 points higher than the same period in the previous year. So far, Ningbo has formed import markets for wine, olive oil, dairy products, snack foods and so on. Ningbo Free Trade Zone has 280 companies for food import and the volume of the import of wines so far this year adds up to 3,060,000 liters, worth 13.93 million USD. For this, Ningbo Free Trade Zone ranks among the top ten in China.

Sponsored by Ningbo Development & Planning Committee,technically-supported by Ningbo Information Center

Successful First Year of Ningbo Mentoring Module

Some of the Nottingham Advantage Award mentors

This year, for the first time, the Department of History offered a Nottingham Advantage Award (NAA) module which focused on mentoring Ningbo students. Over the last few years the department has run a successful mentoring programme for students who arrive in Nottingham from the Ningbo campus. They are matched with a Nottingham student volunteer, who acts as a friendly face, a point of contact and someone who can answer questions about academic life and British culture.

This year we decided to offer mentors an opportunity to take their mentoring skills to the next level and to participate in a NAA module. The NAA is an employability scheme and the modules included in this award help students to develop key skills in relation to personal development and employability.

The Department would like to congratulate those who successfully completed the module. Many thanks also to all the mentors who made a significant contribution to the student experience in the Department of History. The department plans to build upon this success – please look out for more information about our exciting plans for next year.

For more details about the Ningbo mentoring module, please contact Sarah Browne. For more general mentoring enquiries, please contact Nick Thomas.