The Tianyi Pavilion is considered one of the three oldest libraries in the world and the oldest in China.  The Pavilion is one of the most intricate buildings in China, embodying Chinese philosophy in its unique and breathtaking architecture.

The originator of the pavilion, Fan Qi used it as a library to collect a variety of bibliotheca from his many postings as a minister throughout China.  Fan Qi was an unusual collector in his day as he did not seek the rare and hand written books of the era, he mainly concentrated on mass produced texts from educational volumes, examination rankings and contemporary anthologies.  Though ridiculed by his contemporaries, his collection is considered one of the most valuable and insightful pertaining to life and development of ancient china.

The pavilion was constructed upon Fan Qi's retirement in 1561 in the Ming Dynasty.  It is situated on the banks of the picturesque Moon River.  The architecture of the building incorporates a revelation from the Book of Changes.  The upper floor is a single large room incorporating "Heaven joined with one gives birth to water".  Fan Qi hoped this philosophy would prevent his collection from succumbing to fire.  The downstairs was segregated into six chambers embodying "Earth coupled with six makes it thrive".  This section of the revelation was included to ensure the collection expands for further generations.  This results in the name Tianyi Pavilion (the Pavilion of Heaven and One).  Outside are sublime bamboo groves, pond and rockeries which make the entire property appear calm, quiet and elegant, the ideal traits for a library.

The pavilion is the oldest of the tourist attractions in Ningbo and the centrally located Shangri-La Hotel Ningbo is the ideal luxury abode from which to explore this magnificent heritage site.