Huai'an District, Huai'an, Jiangsu Travel

Huai'an District, Jiangsu — the historical and cultural core of Huai'an, home to Zhou Enlai's Former Residence, Hexia Ancient Town, Huai'an Government Office and other famous attractions, offering a 2-day perfect combination of historical humanity and ancient town charm.

2500+
Years of city history
30+
Cultural heritage sites
40+
Specialty food types
900K+
Permanent population
Hexia Ancient Town scenery in Huai'an District
Hexia Ancient Town, Huai'an District
Hexia Ancient Town is a famous historical and cultural town in Huai'an, with well-preserved Ming and Qing building complexes showcasing the historical charm of Huai'an as the "Capital of Canals."

Huai'an District 2-Day Cultural History Tour

Celebrity former residence, ancient town stroll, government office visit, food experience

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Main Destinations
Zhou Enlai Former Residence, Hexia Ancient Town, Huai'an Government Office, Wu Cheng'en Former Residence, Cao Yun Museum
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, history lovers, foodies, photography fans
Budget per person
¥350-¥650
01
Celebrity Residence & Ancient Town Tour
Zhou Enlai Former Residence · Hexia Ancient Town
Highlights

In the morning, visit Zhou Enlai's Former Residence and learn about the great man's story; in the afternoon, stroll through Hexia Ancient Town and feel the Ming and Qing charm; in the evening, taste Huai'an specialty cuisine.

Attractions
Zhou Enlai Former Residence
Premier Zhou Enlai's birthplace and childhood home, a nationally protected cultural heritage site. The architecture retains the style of the late Qing and early Republic periods, displaying Premier Zhou's life stories and cultural relics.
Hexia Ancient Town
A famous historical and cultural town in China, first built during the Spring and Autumn period. The well-preserved Ming and Qing building complexes, stone-paved streets, ancient bridges and flowing water showcase Huai'an's profound historical and cultural heritage.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Characteristic guesthouses in ancient town
  • Downtown business hotels
  • Cultural theme hotels
Food Recommendations
  • Qingong Meatballs
  • Huai'an Cattail Shoots
  • Cheqiao Wontons
  • Boli Lamb
  • Pingqiao Tofu
Travel Tips
  • Advance reservation required for Zhou Enlai's Former Residence
  • Hexia Ancient Town is best explored slowly
  • Experience traditional handicrafts in the ancient town
  • Recommended to try local specialty snacks
02
In-Depth Cultural History Tour
Huai'an Government Office · Wu Cheng'en Former Residence · Cao Yun Museum
Highlights

In the morning, visit Huai'an Government Office and learn about ancient official culture; in the afternoon, tour Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence and feel the literary atmosphere; in the evening, visit Cao Yun Museum and understand the history of the Grand Canal.

Attractions
Huai'an Government Office
The largest surviving ancient prefectural government building complex in China, first built during the Southern Song Dynasty. The architecture is grand in scale and well-preserved, an important site for understanding ancient Chinese government office culture.
Wu Cheng'en Former Residence
The former residence of Wu Cheng'en, author of "Journey to the West," a nationally protected cultural heritage site. The residence features Ming Dynasty architectural style, displaying Wu Cheng'en's life stories and cultural relics related to "Journey to the West."
Cao Yun Museum (Grand Canal Shipping Museum)
A thematic museum dedicated to China's Grand Canal shipping culture, showcasing the history and culture of canal grain transport. The museum has rich collections, presenting shipping culture through cultural relics, models, videos and other forms.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Huai'an District has convenient transportation with multiple bus routes
  • Attractions are relatively concentrated and can be explored on foot
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services available
  • Sightseeing buses available within the ancient town
Ticket Info
  • Zhou Enlai Former Residence: Free
  • Hexia Ancient Town: Free
  • Huai'an Government Office: ¥50
  • Wu Cheng'en Former Residence: ¥30
  • Cao Yun Museum: ¥40
Travel Tips
  • Huai'an Government Office is large, allow plenty of time
  • Wu Cheng'en Former Residence is great for literature lovers
  • Cao Yun Museum has rich interactive experiences
  • Recommended to buy Huai'an local specialties

Must-Try Foods in Huai'an District

Qingong Meatballs

A traditional Huai'an famous dish made from premium pork. The meat is tender and the texture is springy, a specialty food of Huai'an District, available at local restaurants.

Huai'an Cattail Shoots

A seasonal specialty vegetable of Huai'an, with a crisp and tender texture and a sweet taste. It can be stir-fried or used in soups, an important ingredient in Huaiyang cuisine, highly regarded locally.

Cheqiao Wontons

A traditional Huai'an famous snack, with thin skin, tender filling, and delicious soup. The preparation process is meticulous, a well-known local specialty snack loved by tourists.

Boli Lamb

A famous Huai'an dish made from premium lamb. The meat is tender with little gamey flavor, an excellent winter tonic, available at various restaurants in Huai'an District.

Huai'an District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Pleasant climate, flowers blooming in the ancient town
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Green shade everywhere, great for escaping heat
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clear and crisp weather, suitable for outdoor sightseeing
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Good season to taste seasonal delicacies
Must-Do Experiences
  • Visit Zhou Enlai's Former Residence
  • Stroll and take photos in Hexia Ancient Town
  • Taste authentic Huaiyang cuisine
  • Buy Huai'an local specialties
  • Experience traditional cultural activities
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥120
  • Accommodation: ¥160-320/night
  • Meals: ¥90-200/day
  • Transport: ¥60-110
  • Total: ¥350-650 (excluding shopping)
FAQ
  • How to get to Huai'an District? → Huai'an has train stations and bus stations, convenient transportation
  • Which attraction in Huai'an District is most worth visiting? → Zhou Enlai's Former Residence and Hexia Ancient Town are must-visits
  • What special souvenirs are there? → Qingong Meatballs, Cheqiao Wontons, dried Huai'an Cattail Shoots
  • How many days are suitable? → Recommend 2 days for an in-depth cultural history experience

Explore All Districts & Counties of Huai'an