Explore Huai'an's Diverse Historic Sites and Unlock the Rich Heritage of Jiangsu Travel

Many people say

that the most underrated hidden gem in Jiangsu

is definitely Huai'an.

It isn't flashy

or noisy.

It quietly guards the long-flowing Grand Canal,

weaving over 2,000 years of history

into its many historic sites.

For many visitors, the first stop in Huai'an

is the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall.

Built on the waterside among peach blossoms and willows,

its location surrounded by water on three sides

gives the complex

a gentle water-town charm.

Yet as a sacred place to honor a great leader,

it also carries a sense of solemnity.

Inside, old artifacts

and vivid texts

piece together his extraordinary life.

Here,

we not only understand a stirring era

but also gain

deep spiritual strength.

It's a must-visit

revolutionary site in Huai'an.

After the memorial hall,

step into the Huai'an Prefecture Government Office

to trace the lines of ancient government architecture.

As a well-preserved relic

of an ancient prefectural office,

it faithfully recreates

the layout and appearance of the old days.

Walking through it

feels like traveling back in time,

letting you imagine

officials at work.

Every brick, tile,

plant and tree in the courtyard

tells the story

of this city's past.

When it comes to everyday local life in Huai'an,

Hexa Ancient Town tops the list.

With over 2,500 years of history, this ancient

town

was born from the canal

and has been prosperous since antiquity.

Dozens of successful imperial examination candidates came from here,

earning it the title "Home of Scholars."

Strolling through it,

time seems to slow down.

You can feel both

the cultural depth of the millennium-old town

and the authentic warmth

of Huai'an street life.

Nearby in the ancient town, the Former Residence of Wu Cheng'en

holds the fantastical origins of Journey to the West.

Tucked deep within

Hexa Ancient Town,

the residence is filled with the spirit of the classic novel.

Entering the study,

it's easy to picture

Wu Cheng'en at his desk,

sketching out iconic characters

like Sun Wukong

and Tang Seng.

Myth blends with the rustic courtyard,

and reality meets fantasy.

Whether you're a literature lover

or a devoted fan of Journey to the West,

you'll find something to connect with here.

Just steps from the ancient town to the riverbank,

the Huai'an Li Canal Cultural Corridor

showcases the best of the canal scenery.

The Grand Canal has nourished Huai'an for a millennium,

and this corridor

winds along the waterway

like a ribbon strung with beautiful sights.

By day, lush greenery lines both banks,

and pavilions and terraces built over the water

reflect beautifully in the river.

Everywhere you look are the gentle scenes

of a Jiangnan water town.

It's the perfect place to experience the charm

of the "Canal Capital."

The prosperity of a thousand years of canal transport

lives on in these slowly flowing waters

and riverside views.

Beyond the literary heritage,

the Shen Kun Zhuangyuan Mansion is another striking cultural landmark

in Hexa Ancient Town.

This residence belonged to Shen Kun, Huai'an's first top scholar (zhuangyuan).

As the home of an ancient top scholar,

it radiates an air

of diligent study.

The exhibits detail

Shen Kun's journey from years of hard study

to topping the imperial exam list,

as well as his deeds defending his country.

Wandering through the mansion,

you can appreciate classical garden design

and feel the patriotic spirit

of ancient scholars who sought to serve the world.

To truly understand a canal city,

you must visit the China Caoyun (Grain Transport) Museum.

Huai'an has long been a core hub for national canal transport,

and this museum

is like a three-dimensional history book on the subject.

With rich collections,

physical models, restored scenes,

and illustrated explanations,

it comprehensively presents the development

of a thousand years of canal transport.

Here you can clearly see

how Huai'an rose thanks to the canal

and understand why this small city

became the lifeline connecting north and south,

experiencing firsthand the grandeur of ancient canal culture.

To taste Huaiyang delicacies

and learn about their culinary heritage,

visit the China Huaiyang Cuisine Culture Museum.

Huaiyang cuisine is one of China's four great culinary traditions,

famous at home and abroad.

This museum systematically traces

its origins, development and heritage.

Reading about each exquisite dish

and learning about the ingredient pairings and cooking techniques behind them

helps you truly grasp the Huaiyang philosophy of culinary refinement.

If you want to explore imperial history,

Ming Zuling is a must-see site.

It is the mausoleum of the ancestors

of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Located within Huai'an's

Xuyi County,

the tomb complex

remains magnificent after hundreds of years of wind and rain.

The stone statues lining the spirit way

vary in form and feature exquisite carving:

stone lions, stone horses,

civil officials and military generals

standing guard over the grounds.

These weathered carvings

tell tales of passing time,

transporting you back to the grandeur

of the Ming Dynasty.

If you're tired of the city bustle,

head to Jiangba Town

to enjoy the leisurely pace of a lesser-known ancient town.

Built beside a lake, this old town

stays far from the crowds

and retains its original water-town character,

full of authentic charm.

Away from urban noise,

you'll find rare tranquility.

Niche and soothing, Jiangba Town

is a wonderful place to relax

and wander.

Half of Huai'an is made of water,

and every sight here

has its own story.

Over 2,000 years,

the flowing canal

has nurtured Huai'an's unique character.

If you're looking for a destination

with both historical depth

and everyday warmth,

these historic sites in Huai'an

will have you arriving full of anticipation

and leaving with joy.