The oldest private library in China - Tianyi Pavilion (9/12)

Having survived more than 430 years, Tianyi Pavilion is the oldest private library in China, one of the world's three oldest private libraries and the best-known tourist spot in the city.

Situated beside the picturesque Moon Lake in west Ningbo City, the library covers an area of 26,000 square meters and has amassed a collection of 300,000 volumes, 80,000 of which are rare books. The founder of the library, a former official in several cities around China, collected books from his friends. Handwritten book copies were the main part of his collection.

The pavilion also features exhibits chronicling the pavilion's history and Chinese art exhibits. Many buildings in the pavilion are dotted amongst ponds, rockeries and groves in intricate gardens. [China.org.cn]