By Jin Yuhan
As China's 14th Five-Year Plan period approaches its conclusion, Ningbo's progress can be seen not only in data and policy milestones, but also in the everyday stories of its residents.
Over the past five years, ordinary citizens have experienced moments of change, opportunity, and connection — small but vivid stories that capture the city's steady advance and mirror its broader economic and social transformation.
A Life-Changing New Road
Hu Jiansong, Founder of Ninghai Dasong Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.
For me, the most tangible change in Ninghai over the past five years has been the six-kilometer stretch of road, part of the X420 Dongming Line, outside my factory.
Before 2020, traveling from my citrus and peach factory in Dongyuan Village to the Yongguan Expressway took more than half an hour. The road was narrow and large trucks rarely dared to use it.
After upgrades in 2020, the Dongming Line became a six-meter-wide, two-lane asphalt road, and surrounding rural roads were also improved. The road now connects National Highway G527 to the Yongguan Expressway and links the key fruit-growing townships of Liyang, Changjie, Chayuan, and Huchen.
The improved road has transformed my business. Two years ago, I relocated the factory near the highway service station along the Dongming Line. Today, it takes just 90 seconds to reach the expressway toll gate.
The factory has grown from just over 1,000 square meters to more than 6,000. Annual citrus sales have tripled, reaching more than 1.5 million kilograms through e-commerce alone.
Local farmers have benefited as well. Ninghai's transport department helped secure reduced shipping rates for agricultural products — down from 12 yuan per parcel under 3 kilograms to just 6 yuan. With around 1,000 boxes shipped daily, we save roughly 5,000 yuan on freight, passing the savings on to farmers with purchase prices about 10% above market rates.
This incentive has encouraged farmers to expand citrus cultivation from 1,000 ha to 1,467 ha and shift from low-value varieties to popular types like Chunxiang Golden pomelo.
Over the past five years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, this six-kilometer road has turned local entrepreneurial dreams into reality, boosted farmers' incomes, and opened new opportunities for rural revitalization.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Sun Jining, Longtime Resident of Henghe Street
For me, Henghe Street, Guangren Street, and Xiushui Street are more than old lanes — they're the backdrop of my entire life. When I walk through them with my camera, it feels like I'm tracing the contours of my own memories.
I grew up in a five-story dormitory of the Ningbo Education College on Henghe Street, where both of my parents worked. Even after we relocated in 2009, my mother refused to move far and bought a second-hand apartment nearby. I now live close as well. After visiting her, or whenever I have free time, I find myself back in these lanes, camera in hand, capturing the familiar corners that shaped my childhood.
Over the years, the neighborhood has been changing. After a few TV dramas were filmed here, the lanes suddenly drew wider attention, and renovation work accelerated. Old trees were preserved, facades were repaired, and key alleyways were restored to maintain their historical look.
Whenever I come by, I hear familiar voices:
"I'm checking how the renovation of my 'home' is going."
"I hope they don't make it too new — we want to keep our memories."
We all feel the same way.
Xiushui Street is one of Ningbo's eight major historical and cultural blocks, and it still follows its traditional Qing-era layout. In March, the latest round of comprehensive renovation officially began, with plans to reopen before the end of the year.
Through all this change, one constant remains: Chun Fei, the barbershop that sat in our old lane. When the original alley was demolished, the shop moved only a few meters away and kept going. Many of us still return there — some traveling from Gaoqiao or Jiangbei, others like me coming from just down the road.
We don't just go for haircuts. We go for the conversations, the familiarity, and the feeling of coming back to where we belong.
When the renovated Xiushui Street reopens, the plane trees will still be standing. I'm looking forward to seeing old neighbors gather under them again.