Things To Do
in Huai’an
Huai'an, located in the Jiangsu province of eastern China, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, including being the birthplace of Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China. The city boasts picturesque landscapes, including the majestic Hongze Lake, one of China's largest freshwater lakes, and the Huai River that flows through the region, providing essential water resources and shaping the local ecology.
Huai'an is also celebrated for its culinary traditions, particularly its role in the development of Huaiyang cuisine, one of the four great traditional cuisines in China, known for its emphasis on freshness, delicacy, and sophisticated cooking techniques.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $4 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the former residence of Zhou Enlai, a prominent figure in Chinese history. Learn about his life and contributions through informative displays.
Head to Huai'an Museum for an in-depth look at the local culture and art. Enjoy the various exhibits showcasing Huai'an's rich heritage.
Stroll along the Huai River for a relaxing sunset view. Enjoy local street food at nearby vendors to experience authentic Huai'an flavors.
Start your day at the Xiangwang Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Take time to meditate and enjoy the surroundings.
Visit the Huai'an Zhou Enlai Memorial Park, which features serene gardens. Take a leisurely walk and appreciate nature while learning more about Zhou's legacy.
Dine at a traditional restaurant and savor Huai'an’s famous dumplings. Relax in the festive atmosphere as locals engage in evening activities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites, including ancient temples and gardens.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Chinese cities.
- Beautiful natural scenery with rivers and parks.
- Friendly local community and a slower pace of life.
- Growing economy and increasing opportunities for local businesses.
- Limited options for international cuisine and dining experiences.
- Less developed infrastructure compared to major cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
- Fewer entertainment and cultural activities for expatriates.
- Air quality issues due to industrial activity in the region.
- Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers may pose challenges.
Best Activities in Huai’an
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy boating, fishing, and relaxing by the lake in a beautiful natural setting.
Perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking with stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature.
Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the historic canal, soaking in the local atmosphere and scenic views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Huai’an with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Huai’an
Visit one of these nice places.
Chaozhou Ancient Town offers beautiful views of traditional Chinese architecture and tranquil waterways, perfect for photo opportunities.
Huai'an Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall provides a panoramic view of the cityscape, along with the opportunity to capture historical and cultural landmarks.
Zaoyang Lake Park features picturesque scenery with a combination of lake views, gardens, and pavilions, making it an ideal spot for photography.
Food in Huai’an
Huai’an Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish featuring tender mandarin fish served with a sweet and sour sauce, often garnished with pine nuts to resemble a squirrel's tail. Best enjoyed at Jiangsu Gourmet Restaurant.
Must-Try!
This delicacy involves marinating duck in a brine of salt, spices, and soy sauce, resulting in a rich and savory flavor. Head to Liang's Kitchen for an authentic taste.
Indulge in these delectable steamed dumplings filled with hot broth and minced pork at the famous Huai'an Lao Shan Dong restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Huai’an better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a vibrant array of street food stalls offering local favorites such as pot stickers, stinky tofu, and grilled skewers. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the lively atmosphere and diverse flavors.
Take a stroll along this bustling food street to sample a variety of authentic Huai'an snacks, from savory pancakes to sesame seed cakes. The street is a treasure trove of local delicacies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Huai’an, it is important to show respect for elders through polite behavior, using proper titles, and deferring to their wisdom and experience.
Greetings are an important part of social interaction in Huai’an. It is customary to greet others with a handshake and a slight bow, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Respecting and observing local traditions and customs, such as participating in festivals and ceremonies, is highly valued in Huai ’an culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Huai’an with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Huai’an
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Huai’an, China. In most situations, it is not expected or required to tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
In Huai’an, China, cash is still widely used for most transactions, especially in smaller businesses or local markets. However, major credit cards and digital payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are increasingly accepted in larger establishments and urban areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Huai’an.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Huai’an is in spring, from April to June, when the weather is mild and the city is in full bloom with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Visitors can expect pleasant temperatures and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals.
Summer, from July to August, is characterized by hot and humid weather in Huai’an. Visitors can expect high temperatures and frequent rainfall, but this season is also a great time to explore the city's waterways and enjoy seasonal fruits such as lychees and watermelons.
Autumn, from September to October, is another ideal time to visit Huai’an, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage as the leaves start to change color. Visitors can expect clear skies and pleasant weather, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Winter, from December to February, brings cold and dry weather to Huai’an. Visitors can expect frosty temperatures and occasional snowfall, but this season also offers unique experiences such as ice lantern festivals and the chance to enjoy hot pot and other warm delicacies in the city.
Huai’an at Night
Hiking in Huai’an
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque area known for its stunning mountain views, diverse flora, and challenging trails.
Offers a range of hiking trails around the scenic lake, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.
A great spot to enjoy nature walks and hiking with beautiful views of the island and surrounding water.
Features hilly terrain and nice paths for hiking, suitable for all fitness levels.
A serene location that provides walking trails among beautiful lotus flowers and tranquil ponds.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Huai’an through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Huai’an by plane.
Located approximately 160 km from Huai'an, this is the primary international airport serving Nanjing and the surrounding Jiangsu province.
Situated around 300 km from Huai'an, Pudong is one of the main international gateways to China and serves the Shanghai metropolitan area.
Approximately 130 km from Huai'an, this airport serves Wuxi and the surrounding areas, offering both domestic and limited international flights.
Located around 200 km from Huai'an, this airport serves Hangzhou and is a major hub for international flights in eastern China.
About 300 km from Huai'an, this airport is a key international airport serving Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan province.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Huai'an, comprising the majority of the population.
A minority ethnic group in the region, predominantly Muslim and known for their distinct cultural practices.
A small minority group that historically traces its origins to the Manchu people of Northeast China.
Another ethnic minority in Huai'an, traditionally engaged in agriculture and known for their rich cultural heritage.
Includes various other ethnic groups and migrant communities from different regions of China.
The Soul of Huai’an
Discover the essence of Huai’an through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely popular in Huai'an, with many local teams and community courts available for both practice and competitive play.
Soccer, known as football in many parts of the world, is enjoyed by many residents of Huai'an, with local leagues and school competitions.
Badminton is a popular recreational and competitive sport in Huai'an, with clubs and facilities catering to players of all skill levels.
As a national sport in China, table tennis is commonly played in Huai'an, with many enthusiasts participating in local tournaments.
Running has gained popularity in Huai'an, with many parks and open areas serving as venues for both casual joggers and organized running events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Huai’an.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-based dishes dominate the local cuisine, some restaurants, especially those with Buddhist influences, offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. It's advisable to inquire about specific ingredients and request customizations to suit dietary preferences.
Individuals seeking gluten-free options may find limited choices in traditional dishes due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. Opting for freshly prepared rice-based dishes and communicating dietary requirements to the chef can aid in navigating gluten-free dining.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Huai’an with these cultural adventures.
