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About Huai'an
Huai'an is a prefecture-level city in northern Jiangsu Province, where the Grand Canal crosses the Huai River and Hongze Lake, the fourth-largest freshwater lake in China, lies to the southwest. It is the birthplace of Premier Zhou Enlai and of the novelist Wu Cheng'en, author of Journey to the West, and was for centuries the seat of the Ming and Qing grain-transport administration. Highlights include the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, the Zhenhuai Tower, the China Canal Transport Museum, Hexia Ancient Town and the Li Canal cultural corridor, with Hongze Lake and Xuyi's forest parks and crayfish a short trip away. This guide covers hotels, attractions, restaurants and practical tips for Huai'an.
- Capital
- Huai'an
- Largest city
- Huai'an
- Population
- Approximately 4.56 million in the prefecture-level city (2020 census), about 2.8 million in the urban area
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua); the local Huai'an dialect is a Jianghuai Mandarin variety
- Currency
- Renminbi (Yuan)
- Time zone
- China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8, no daylight saving)
Explore Huai'an by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Huai'an
The 16 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Zhou Enlai's Former Residence
Huai'an Government House
Wu Cheng'en's Former Residence
Hexia Ancient Town
Zhenhuai Building
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Huai'an Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Huai'an, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Huai'an
- Days 1-2Huai'an city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Huai'an
- Days 1-3Huai'an comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Huai'an, departure
Where to stay in Huai'an
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget CNY 200-320 (approx. $30-$48 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range CNY 550-900 (approx. $82-$134 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury CNY 1,500-3,000+ (approx. $224-$448+ USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Huai'an XiaoHu International Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comHuai'an Hexia Ancient Town HuanYa International Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comPullman Huai'an
Check rates on Booking.comHuai'an Fuli Wanda Realm Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Huai'an
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Wenlou Huaiyang Cuisine and Huai'an Morning Tea (Hexia Ancient Town)
Lao Huai'an Huai'an Cuisine (Zhou Enlai Memorial branch)
Huai'an Banquet Huaiyang Cuisine (Qinghe Road branch 1)
Puyuan (Yujingcheng branch)
Huaicui Lou, Bailuhu Villa Shuxiang Mansion
China Huaiyang Cuisine Culture Museum restaurant
Book a food tour in Huai'an We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Huai'an
The city has three main centers about 15 km apart: Qingjiangpu (the commercial and government center, with the Li Canal), Huai'an District (the old walled city with the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, Zhenhuai Tower and Hexia Ancient Town) and Huaiyin (north, around Huai'an Station). Tram Line 1, buses and Didi link them. Intercity travel is by high-speed rail from Huai'an East Station or by coach from the Central Bus Station. Hongze Lake, Jinhu and Xuyi are 40-150 km away and are reached by coach, Didi or a hired car.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CNY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | CNY 70-130 (approx. $10-$19 USD) | CNY 300-500 (approx. $45-$75 USD) | CNY 800-1,800 (approx. $119-$269 USD) |
| Food (per day) | CNY 40-80 (approx. $6-$12 USD) | CNY 120-220 (approx. $18-$33 USD) | CNY 300-700 (approx. $45-$104 USD) |
| Transportation | CNY 10-30 (approx. $1.50-$4.50 USD) | CNY 40-90 (approx. $6-$13 USD) | CNY 120-300 (approx. $18-$45 USD) |
| Activities | CNY 0-80 (approx. $0-$12 USD) | CNY 80-180 (approx. $12-$27 USD) | CNY 200-400 (approx. $30-$60 USD) |
| Daily total | CNY 200-320 (approx. $30-$48 USD) | CNY 550-900 (approx. $82-$134 USD) | CNY 1,500-3,000+ (approx. $224-$448+ USD) |
Best time to visit Huai'an
Weather through the year in Jiangsu
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Jiangsu.
Spring brings blossom along the Li Canal and comfortable temperatures. Autumn is the clearest and driest season, ideal for Hongze Lake and the Xuyi forest parks.
Essential travel tips
- Download a VPN before arrival, as many Western websites and apps are blocked in mainland China
- Reserve Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall entry in advance through its official WeChat mini-program or at the ticket counter with a passport, as it is free but visit-limited
- Stay in Qingjiangpu or the old Huai'an District; the two are about 15 km apart and linked by the tram and bus 69
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card in advance, as cash is accepted less widely than mobile payment
- Use Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps for navigation, as Google Maps is unreliable in mainland China
Safety information
Install a reliable VPN before arriving in China; Google, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram and many Western sites are blocked
Carry your passport; hotels, train stations and some attractions require it, and police may ask for ID
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before arrival; card acceptance is limited in smaller shops and restaurants
Download Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps and a translation app, and save your hotel name and address in Chinese characters on your phone
Use the Didi app or a metered taxi and avoid touts at stations and the airport
Reserve museum entries through the official WeChat mini-program or at the counter, as Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall limits daily visitors
Do not swim in Hongze Lake or the canals; the water is used for shipping and has no managed swimming areas
Emergency numbers: police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119; tourist complaint hotline 12301
Frequently asked questions
Is Huai'an safe to visit in 2026?
Huai'an has low rates of violent crime and is generally safe for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded places, unlicensed taxis at stations, and price disputes at tourist-area restaurants. The US State Department places mainland China at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Emergency numbers: police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119.
What is the best time to visit Huai'an?
The best time to visit Huai'an is April-May and September-November, when temperatures are mild and skies are clearer. July is the wettest month at about 250 mm of rain and is hot and humid, and January is cold with lows near -2C (28F). Avoid the National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) and Chinese New Year if possible.
How do I get from Nanjing to Huai'an?
High-speed trains run from Nanjing South Station to Huai'an East Station in about 1 hour 35 minutes, at roughly CNY 130-140 (approx. $19-$21 USD) second class. Book on the 12306 app, Trip.com, or at station counters with a passport. Express coaches take about 3 hours.
What currency is used in Huai'an?
The currency in Huai'an is the Renminbi (Yuan), CNY. Mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for most transactions and can be linked to a foreign bank card; setting up mobile payment before arrival is recommended. At 1 USD = 6.70 CNY, CNY 100 is about $15 USD.
What language is spoken in Huai'an?
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the main language, and the local Huai'an dialect is a Jianghuai Mandarin variety. English signage is limited outside major hotels and the main museums, so a translation app is useful.
What are the top attractions in Huai'an?
The top attractions in Huai'an include the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, the Zhenhuai Tower, the China Canal Transport Museum, Hexia Ancient Town and the Li Canal corridor. Hongze Lake and the Xuyi forest parks are the main nature escapes.