Things to Do in Huai'an in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated May 2025) | Trip.com

About Huai'an

Recommended trip: 1–3 day(s)

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Huai'an Local Travel Guide 2025

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Huai'an Brief Guide

Huai'an is a beautiful waterfront city that has more than 2,000 years of history. Located at the confluence of the Guhuai River and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the geographical location of the city is very unique. Huai'an is not only the hometown of Premier Zhou Enlai but is also the birthplace of historical military strategist Han Xin, the author Wu Cheng'En who wrote “Journey to the West” and national hero Guan Tianpei. There are numerous monuments and ruins here, which even to this day, pay homage to the city's glorious history. Huai'an is also the origin of the Huaiyang School of Cooking. Huai’an is a perfect place for meandering along the banks of its many canals, sampling delicious food and experiencing the charm of a historic thousand-year-old city.

Huai'an Must-try Local Experiences

1. Explore the Historic Huai'an Water City Take a boat ride along the ancient Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience Huai'an's charm. Visit Qing Yan Park and explore the historic Wudong Bridge. 2. Find Tranquility at the Hongze Lake Ancient Weir Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Hongze Lake Ancient Weir. Stroll along the boardwalks, observe diverse bird species, and rent a boat for a closer look at the lake's ecosystem. 3. Explore the Ancient Canal Town of Hexia Hexia Ancient Town features traditional architecture, ancient bridges, and charming waterways. Stroll through narrow streets, visit old temples, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. 4. Visit the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall Dedicated to the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, this memorial hall offers a deep dive into Zhou Enlai's life and contributions with exhibits, photographs, and personal artifacts. 5. Explore the Huai'an Museum The Huai'an Museum showcases the region's rich history and culture with exhibits of ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical documents. 6. Immerse Yourself in Huai Opera Experience Huai Opera, a unique regional style known for expressive singing and lively performances. Attend a show at the Huai'an Grand Theater or a local teahouse. 7. Visit the Huai'an Cultural Center The Huai'an Cultural Center hosts various exhibitions, performances, and cultural events throughout the year. It's a great place to immerse yourself in local culture and arts. 8. Savor the Flavors of Huaiyang Cuisine Embark on a culinary journey through Huai'an by sampling Huaiyang cuisine. Try signature dishes like Pingqiao Tofu and Lion's Head meatballs. 9. Shop at Huai'an Night Market The Huai'an Night Market offers a variety of local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It's a great spot to experience local life and pick up unique items. 10. Capture the Beauty of Chuxiu Park Chuxiu Park features beautiful gardens, lakes, and traditional Chinese architecture, providing a picturesque setting for memorable photos.

Huai'an Must-see Attractions

Huai'an, China, offers a culturally rich and immersive experience through attractions like Huai'an West Amusement Park, Wu Cheng'en's former residence, the Huai'anli Canal Cultural Gallery, and Hexia Ancient Town, each providing unique insights into local history, architecture, and traditions.

Huai'an Food Guide

The cuisine of Huaian is renowned for its authentic traditional recipes and refined cooking skills. From the broth-rich Wenlou soup dumplings, the delicately textured Soft Pocket Long Fish, the flavorsome Pingqiao tofu, to the traditional Qingong meatballs, each dish captures the unique and sophisticated essence of Huaiyang culinary culture.

Huai'an Transportation

Huai'an's transportation infrastructure is a fundamental component of its connectivity, primarily supported by its strategic airport and railway stations. Huai'an Lianshui International Airport (IATA: HIA, ICAO: ZSSH) serves as a crucial hub in East China’s Jiangsu province. Strategically located about 22 km northeast of Huai'an city center in Chenshi town, this airport started operations in 2010 after an investment of 800 million yuan. It has significantly enhanced the city's accessibility with a roster of airlines like China Eastern Airlines and Air China, offering domestic connections and serving as a pilot training base. On the rails, Huai'an East Railway Station opened in 2019, and is another vital transport node. Located along intersections of significant high-speed rail lines, this station bolsters Huai'an's linkage with neighboring major cities and boosts internal connectivity. It plays a pivotal role in accommodating major passenger traffic. For travelers arriving at Huai'an East, accessing the city is facilitated primarily by taxis and potentially buses, given standard practices in city rail station transfers, although specific route numbers are not detailed in the data provided.

Huai'an Where to Stay

Huai'an offers a diverse range of accommodation areas each with unique characteristics. Three key areas are popular for visitors: Hexia Ancient Town, Huai'an West Amusement Park, and Hongze District.

Huai'an Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Huai'an is during the spring and autumn seasons. These periods provide mild and pleasant weather, suitable for exploring the city's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Spring typically spans from March to June and autumn from September to November, offering comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the extreme conditions of summer heat or winter cold.

Huai'an Useful Guide

Huai'an, located in Jiangsu Province, primarily speaks Mandarin, which is the official language in the region. Despite being a hub for various languages due to its historical and cultural significance, Mandarin remains the predominant language for daily communication. For tourists facing language barriers, it's advisable to use translation apps like Google Translate , and tips like learning basic phrases such as 'thank you,' and using gestures can enhance interactions. Being patient and respectful towards local communication styles is also highly recommended.