Live Your Best Lives
In Huai'an, you can visit the historical and cultural landmarks like the Huaian Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, dedicated to China’s former premier, and the stunning Hongze Lake. Explore the ancient Huai'an Old Town, take a boat tour on the Grand Canal, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the stunning Chuxiu Garden.
Huai'an City is located in the north-central part of Jiangsu Province. It was once a place where ships from the south and horses from the north met. It was at its peak during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It was known as one of the "Four Major Cities" along the canal, along with Yangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, and enjoyed the reputation of "the most magnificent state in the southeast."
This is also the hometown of Premier Zhou Enlai. Historically, it is known as one of the "Four Major Cities" along the canal along with Yangzhou, Suzhou and Hangzhou, and has the reputation of "China's Canal Capital".
In addition, there are Han Dynasty military strategist Han Xin, anti-Jin heroine Liang Hongyu, "Journey to the West" author Wu Chengen, national hero Guan Tianpei, etc. The former residences and memorial halls of celebrities everywhere add a lot of cultural charm to Huai'an. Huai'an is not only a place of outstanding people, but also beautiful scenery.
Along the Grand Canal and around Hongze Lake, Xuyi's scenic countryside is a picturesque sight. In recent years, Xuyi's crayfish has become a renowned delicacy enjoyed throughout China.
Huai'an has four distinct seasons, with concentrated rainfall, rain and heat in the same season, cold winters and hot summers, changeable spring temperatures, and clear and cool autumns.
Recommended play time: 1-3 days
Huai'an is famous as the birthplace of Zhou Enlai, China's first Premier. The city has a rich history, being a key stop on the Grand Canal during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Huai'an played an important role in commerce and culture, and today, it preserves many ancient sites, including ancient canals, temples, and memorials.
Huai'an is located in Jiangsu Province, near the Huai River. It is easily accessible by train, bus, and taxi from nearby cities like Nanjing and Suzhou. There are no metro services, but the city's bus network covers most tourist destinations, and taxis are readily available.
Most attractions in Huai'an are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant. Summer can be hot, but still ideal for boat rides on the Grand Canal.
Entry fees vary for different attractions. For example, the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall charges around 30 CNY for admission, while parks and gardens typically have lower or free entry fees. Tickets can be purchased onsite or online for most major attractions.
For most attractions, booking tickets in advance is not necessary. However, for popular sites like the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall or during peak seasons (such as national holidays), it's recommended to book tickets a few days in advance.
To fully explore Huai'an, including its key attractions like the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, Hongze Lake, and Chuxiu Garden, a 1-2 day visit is sufficient.
Must-see highlights include the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, the historical Grand Canal, the picturesque Hongze Lake, and the ancient Chuxiu Garden. Don’t miss the Huai'an Old Town for its traditional architecture and local markets.
Guided tours are available at major attractions, with some offering audio guides in English and Chinese. It's advisable to book in advance if you need a guide fluent in English.
The best photography spots are along the Grand Canal, especially at sunset, and around Hongze Lake, where the natural scenery is breathtaking. The Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall offers great shots of both historical artifacts and peaceful garden views.
A good itinerary could start with a visit to the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall in the morning, followed by a boat tour along the Grand Canal. In the afternoon, explore the gardens at Chuxiu Garden and finish the day with a stroll through the ancient town for dinner.
While there are no major light shows, some attractions like Hongze Lake may offer evening boat tours. The Grand Canal area is particularly charming at night, and the ancient town has a nice evening atmosphere with lit-up streets.
Huai'an is not usually very crowded, except during major Chinese holidays (such as National Day or Chinese New Year). The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays in spring and autumn.
Most attractions in Huai'an have basic facilities like toilets, water stations, and rest areas. There are local food vendors and souvenir shops around major tourist sites like the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall and Chuxiu Garden.
Huai'an’s main attractions are generally accessible for elderly visitors, children, and those with disabilities. However, some older historical sites may have limited accessibility due to stairs or uneven surfaces.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most common in Huai'an. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but smaller vendors may only accept cash or mobile payments.
Nearby, you can find many restaurants serving local Huai'an cuisine, such as Huaiyang-style dishes. Popular spots include local seafood restaurants and tea houses along the Grand Canal and near Hongze Lake.
There are vegetarian and vegan options in some restaurants, especially in the larger hotels. Halal food can be found at specialized restaurants catering to Muslim visitors, though they are less common in this region.
There are various hotels in Huai'an, from budget accommodations to mid-range hotels near the Grand Canal. Popular options include the Huai'an Hotel and local guesthouses near major tourist areas.
Nearby, you can visit the city of Yangzhou, which is famous for its ancient gardens and historical sites. The ancient city of Xuzhou is also within a few hours' drive, offering attractions like the Terracotta Warriors.
Souvenir shops in Huai'an offer local handicrafts like embroidery, tea, and ceramics. You can also find souvenirs related to Zhou Enlai and the Grand Canal, such as books and historical artifacts.
After visiting Huai'an, you can take a high-speed train to Nanjing, Suzhou, or other nearby cities. Buses and taxis are available to connect with nearby attractions and transport hubs.
