Qingyan Garden

Qingyan Garden (清晏园) lies in Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an, Jiangsu, west of Renmin South Road and north of Huancheng West Road. It originated in the early 18th century, during the Qing dynasty, as the garden attached to the yamen of the official in charge of river and canal works at Qingjiangpu, the strategic port where the Grand Canal meets the Huai and Yellow rivers. This administrative role made Qingjiangpu one of the most important locations in the imperial hydraulic system, and the garden served as a place of rest and entertainment for river officials and their guests. The name, which can be translated as clear and peaceful, expresses the hope that the rivers would remain calm. The garden is built in the classical Jiangnan manner, in which pavilions, covered walkways, rockeries, ponds and planted courtyards are arranged to create changing views within a limited space. Typical elements include a central lake with bridges, stone boats, steles and calligraphy panels, and halls with tiled roofs and carved windows. Mature trees, including old ginkgo and pines, provide shade. A small exhibition area covers the history of river administration and the canal. The garden was damaged during the 19th and 20th centuries by war and neglect and was later restored and opened as a public park. Although it is smaller than the famous gardens of Suzhou and Yangzhou, it preserves the character of an official Qing garden and offers a quiet setting in the middle of the modern city. Admission is free, and visitors typically spend about an hour walking the grounds. The garden is easily combined with the Zhou Enlai Childhood School Site in the same district, and with the nearby Grand Canal waterfront.