Qingdao to Huai'an Family Trip Guide - 2.5 Hours Away

Day 1: 4.5 hours by car or 2.5 hours by high-speed rail from Qingdao 🍴Old Huai'an Huaiyang Cuisine: Perfect for black pepper lovers. 🏨Huai'an New Century Grand Hotel: Close to Journey to the West Theme Park. Package deals with park tickets are available - great value! Much better facilities than the park resort. Day 2: 🍴Sun's Crayfish: Meaty and delicious. 🎠Journey to the West Theme Park: See separate note for details. Tips: Luckin Coffee available, no night sessions or fireworks on weekdays. Opens at 9:30, closes at 17:00. Almost no queues on weekdays, 1-hour queues during holidays are normal. Arrive early - it gets more crowded later. Vehicle rental stand is on the left at the end of the main entrance path - highly recommended! 🏨Choice of Wyndham, Ji Hotel, or Pullman: All close to Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, Hexia Ancient Town, and Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence. Day 3: 🍴Fangfang's Private Kitchen, Flower Street 🎠Morning: Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, Zhou Enlai's Former Residence, Huai'an Prefecture Office (advance booking required) 🎠Afternoon: Baima Lake Three Islands Adventure Location: Navigate to "Baima Lake Three Islands Adventure" or "Lizhuang Dock", not Fat Cat Island. Tickets: Cover all three islands - Fat Cat Island, Guinea Pig Island, and Baima Island. Board at Fat Cat Island, return from Baima Island. Free entry under 1.2m, discounted tickets for children over 1.2m and seniors. Strollers not recommended due to gravel paths. Cats on all islands, cat food and guinea pig feed available for purchase. Great for photos and petting cats. 🎠Evening: Flower Street, Li Canal Cultural Corridor, night cruise. Li Canal Cultural Corridor: Perfect for strolling, enjoying canal views. Beautiful night scenery, lights on around 18:00. Night Cruise 🚢: 19:00-20:30, get tickets at nearby booth. Includes commentary - recommended. 🏨Yuma Flower Inn: Located in Yuma Scenic Area, facing Li Canal, opposite Flower Street and Li Canal Cultural Corridor. Excellent service, various free activities available. Day 4: 🎠Morning: Huai'an Museum, Flower Street photography. Huai'an Museum: Free entry, advance booking required, learn about Huai'an history. Flower Street entrance: Popular photo spot. Grain Shop: Offers lard rice, roasted chicken, grilled eel, shepherd's purse wontons, grilled chicken tendon. Pu Yuan Desserts: Popular spot for photos. Amazing braised chicken feet - tender and falls off the bone! Ice cream is average. Instagram-worthy decor. Flower Street Micro Bookstore: Get a stamp with any purchase! 🎠Noon: Hotel activities (coffee making, tea tasting) 🎠Afternoon: Xiahe Ancient Town, Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence Extra day recommendation: Jinhu Forest Water Park!