Huai'an

Getting there

By plane 1 Huai'an Lianshui Airport (淮安涟水机场) (22km northeast of the city center), ☏ +86 517 81666666. Domestic destinations include Beijing, Changchun, Chongqing, Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Hangzhou, Kunming, Nanning, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai (Pudong Airport), Shenyang, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Xi'an and Zhengzhou. International destinations include Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok and Siem Reap.Ground transportation:Express buses are available to two locations, one being the Dingli International Hotel, the other being the intersection of Datong Road and North Xiangyu Avenue.Regular buses, which stop at numerous stops, are available to Lianshui County.Taxis are also available. If the local airport does not suit your needs, you may also consider flying to Nanjing and catching a bus from there. Express buses to Huai'an are available from Nanjing Airport. The standard bus fare is ¥180 and the journey time is about 3 hours.

By train As of 2020, Huai'an is served by both regular trains and high-speed trains. High-speed trains stop at Huai'an East Station.

2 Huai'an Station (淮安站), 18 Zhujiang Road, Huaiyin District (public bus routes 1, 7, 11, 12, 16, 17, 47, 101, 107, 111, and Huaiyin 210). In the city's north, not far from the Huai'an North Bus Station. 3 Huai'an South Station (淮安南站), 1 Xiamen Road, Qingjiangpu District (public bus routes 28, 29, 30, 33, 38, 58, 507, and y33). In the city center. 4 Huai'an East Station (淮安东站), High-Speed Rail Zone, Ecological & Cultural Tourism District (生态文旅区高铁新区) (public bus routes 29, 76, 618, Express 1, Express 2, Express 3, and Express 5). In the city's eastern suburbs. The only station serving high-speed trains. (updated May 2020)

By bus 5 Huai'an Central Bus Station (淮安汽车总站), 69 North Huaihai Road, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an (淮安市清江浦区淮海北路69号) (public bus routes 1, 4, 5, 7, 15, 16, 18, 22, 26, 31, 33, 34, 36, 93, 100, 116, q26, y100, y15, and y33). In the city center. This is Huai'an's busiest bus station. Buses are available to a wide range of destinations both within and beyond the region. 6 Huai'an North Bus Station (淮安汽车北站), 167 Zhujiang Road, Huaiyin District, Huai'an (淮安市淮阴区珠江路167号) (public bus routes 5, 12, 16, 37, 39, 107, 116, Huayin 201, Huaiyin 202, Huaiyin 203, Huaiyin 205, Huaiyin 206, Huaiyin 207, Huaiyin 208, Huaiyin 210, and Huaiyin 212). In the city's north. This is Huai'an's second busiest bus station. Buses are available to a wide range of destinations, though not as many as are available from the Central Bus Station. 7 Huai'an South Bus Station (

See

Museums 1 China Water Transport Museum (中国漕运博物馆), Caoyun Square, Huai'an District, Huai'an (淮安市淮安区漕运广场) (TAKE bus 69 and get off at Caoyun Xiaoqu 漕运校区, the museum is opposite Huai'an Government House.), ☏ +86 517 85839097, [email protected]. 08:30-12:00, 13:30-17:30. Huai'an has long been an important port on the Grand Canal. This museum tells the story of Huai'an's role in the transportation of grain to the imperial capital. ¥50. (updated Feb 2018) 2 Huai'an Museum (淮安市博物馆), 1-146 Jiankang Road West, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an (淮安市清江浦区健康西路146-1号) (take bus nos 4, 16, 32, 86, 88 or 116 and get off at either Jiankang Road West 健康西路 or the South Campus of the No. 1 Elementary School of Huaiyin Teacher's College 一附小南校区), ☏ +86 517 83645659, [email protected]. 09:00-12:00, 13:30-17:30. A museum about the history and culture of Huai'an. Free. (updated Feb 2018) 3 Iris Chang Memorial Hall (张纯如纪念馆), 502 Nanchang Road North, Huaiyin District (淮阴区南昌北路502号) (take bus 107, 117 or special bus 07 (专07路) and get off at the Oriental Maternal Love Park (东方母爱公园)), ☏ +86 517 80325696. 09:00-11:30, 14:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Dedicated to the memory of Iris Chang (1968-2004), a well-known Chinese American writer whose 1997 book The Rape of Nanking did much to raise public awareness of the Nanjing Massacre. The memorial hall has exhibitions on Chang's life and the Nanjing Massacre. Free. (updated Mar 2023) 4 Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall (周恩来纪念馆), 2 Yonghuai Road, Huai'an District, Huai'an (淮安市淮安区永怀路2号) (take bus nos 8, 10, 63, 67, or 618 and get off at the Huai'an Foreign Languages School bus stop, or take a tram on Line 1 and get off at either the Memorial Hall Station or the Huaxi Road Station), ☏ +86 517 85912365. Summer: 08:30-17:00; other seasons: 08:30-16:30. Contains exhibitions about the life and work of Zhou Enlai, one of the most prominent political figures in China during the 20th century. Free. (updated Feb 2018)

Historical sites 5 Huai'an Government House (淮安府署，淮安府衙), 38 Dongmen Street, Huai'an District, Huai'an (淮安市淮安区东门大街38号) (take bus 69 and get off at either Shangban Street 上板街 or Caoyun Xiaoqu 漕运校区), ☏ +86 517 85131181. 08:30-18:00. This is one of the very few surviving examples in China of a prefecture-level yamen. The complex was first built in 1370 and was restored several times after being damaged by fires. ¥60. (updated Feb 2018) 6 Wentong Pagoda (文通塔), 46 Ximen Street, Huai'an District, Huai'an (淮安市淮安区西门大街46号) (the pagoda is in the middle of a park along side the Wentong High School; catch bus nos. 65 or y65 and get off at the bus stop named Pharmace

Do

1 Journey to the West Amusement Park (西游乐园), 6 Xiyou Avenue, Huai’an Economic and Technological Development Zone (淮安市经济技术开发区西游大道6号) (bus nos. 30, 58, 91, Tourist Bus 7 and Tourist Bus 9), ☏ +86 517 86248888, toll-free: +86 400 699 2021, [email protected]. 10:00-21:00, ticket office closes at 19:30 sold after 19:30, visitors must enter the gate no later than 20:00. A major theme park based on the characters and stories in Wu Cheng’’en’s novel, Journey to the West. Adults ¥280, seniors aged 60 to 69 and children between 1.2 and 1.49 meters in height are charged ¥210, tickets for entry after 16:00 are ¥160, seniors aged 70 or over and children under 1.2 meters in height enjoy free admission at all times. (updated Feb 2024)

Buy

1 Wanda Plaza Huai’an (万达广场). The shopping mall integrates shopping, dining, cinema, and entertainment. The dining options are diverse, ranging from chain fast food to mid-range restaurants, primarily featuring popular brands and national chains. It's especially lively on weekends and holidays, making it ideal for families and young people. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Xinya Mall (新亚商场). One of the earliest commercial centers in Huai'an, it mainly sells clothing, shoes, hats and daily necessities. It has many local consumers and the prices are relatively affordable. Snack shops often gather around it. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Golden Eagle Shopping Mall (金鹰国际购物中心). The mall is clean and modern, with brands mainly focusing on mid-to-high-end clothing, cosmetics, and boutique retail. The restaurants are relatively refined, with many cafes and light meals. The customer flow is relatively stable, and the overall atmosphere is quieter. (updated Dec 2025)

Eat

Yellow eel Noodles. Yellow eel noodles are a delicious dish commonly found in noodle shops in Huai'an, Baoying, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang and other places in Jiangsu Province, China, where Huaiyang cuisine is popular. Yellow eel is a widely used ingredient in the region, and its preparation is quite experienced and has the effect of nourishing food. Yellow eel noodles made with it are also very popular among local diners. (updated Dec 2024) Wenlou soup dumplings (文楼汤包). Wenlou soup dumplings are one of the most iconic traditional snacks in Huai'an, originating from the historic Wenlou Restaurant during the late Qing Dynasty. The dumplings feature an extremely thin wrapper filled with rich, flavorful broth and finely minced pork seasoned with scallion and ginger. Diners gently bite open the skin to sip the hot soup before eating the dumpling, often with black vinegar and shredded ginger. Known for their delicate texture and savory taste, these dumplings are a hallmark of Huai'an’s breakfast culture. (updated Oct 2025) Pingqiao tofu (平桥豆腐). Pingqiao tofu is a signature dish of Huaiyang cuisine, originating from Pingqiao Town in Huai'an during the Qing Dynasty. It features soft, delicate tofu simmered with shredded chicken, slices of ham, and bamboo shoots in a rich chicken or ham broth. The result is a creamy white soup with a light yet deeply savory flavor, representing the refined balance and gentle freshness that define Huaiyang cuisine. (updated Oct 2025) Qingong meatballs (钦工肉圆). Qingong meatballs are a traditional dish from Huai'an, similar in style to Yangzhou’s famous “Lion’s Head” meatballs. They are made from finely minced pork with a balanced fat-to-lean ratio, mixed with diced water chestnuts, eggs, and starch. The mixture is hand-shaped into large balls and gently steamed or braised, resulting in tender, juicy meatballs with rich broth, often served during banquets or festive occasions. (updated Oct 2025) Huaian fried noodles twist (淮安茶馓). Huaian fried noodles twist, known locally as cha san, is a traditional deep-fried snack popular in Huai'an and neighboring regions. Made from hand-rolled dough twisted into fine strands and fried to a golden crisp, it offers a light, crunchy texture. The snack is often served with tea or as a breakfast item, and it also appears in festive offerings. Easy to store and carry, it remains a beloved everyday treat for locals and travelers alike. (updated Oct 2025)

Sleep

1 San Want Hotel (神旺大酒店), 156 Xiangyu Avenue, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an (淮安市清江浦区翔宇大道156号) (take bus nos 8, 18, 32, 33, 35, 69, 88, 93, 107, 503, 717 or y33 and get off at the East Gate of the Intermediate People's Court 中级法院东门), ☏ +86 517 83971111. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Four-star hotel. Prices start from ¥344. (updated Feb 2018) 2 Dingli International Hotel (鼎立国际大酒店), 1-6 Xiamen Road, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an (淮安市清江浦区厦门路6-1号) (if arriving by air, simply take the express bus to the hotel from the airport; if coming from elsewhere in the city, either take a taxi or take bus nos 38 or 46 and get off at the intersection of Xiamen Road 厦门路 and Ji'nan Road 济南路), toll-free: +86 517 80876666, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Five-star hotel. Prices start from ¥380. (updated Feb 2018) 3 Wanda Realm Huai'an (淮安万达嘉华酒店), 153 Middle Xiangyu Avenue, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an (淮安市清江浦区翔宇中道153号) (take bus nos 3, 23, 50, 91, 301, 713, 717, q91 or y3 and get off at Wanda Plaza South 万达广场南), ☏ +86 517 89908888. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Five-star hotel. Prices start from ¥655. (updated Feb 2018)