Yancheng Salt Town Water Street

Yancheng Salt Town Water Street

The Salt Town Water Street is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Water Street is part of the Chuan Chang River Sea Salt Culture Scenic Area, located on the east side of the Chuan Chang River, stretching from Century Avenue northward to Dongjin Road, and bordered by Kaifang Avenue to the east. It features distinctive attractions such as Shuiyun Pavilion, Salt Ancestor Temple, Salt Governor’s Office, Salt Merchants’ Guild Hall, Tianshui Square, Drifting Boat Theater, Hanmo Pavilion, and water cruise boats.

Chronicle of Water Street — Yancheng became a county in 119 BC due to its salt industry. Built along the water, it was also known as “Piaocheng” (the Spoon City). In ancient times, it thrived on “fish and salt trades, profiting from the vast sea,” with “thousands of boats coming and going.” Its bustling scene owed much to its love of water.

In ancient times, Yancheng had rivers crisscrossing every few steps and bridges at nearly every turn. Water Street was situated at the west gate of the old town. Salt workers moored their boats along the street, wealthy merchants gathered, shops stood in great numbers, and the nightlife was vibrant, earning fame as “Huainan.” Today’s Water Street connects to Fan Gong Dike, links up with the Chuan Chang River, covers an area of 60,000 square meters, has over 800 meters of waterways, and features more than 40 scenic spots. Sunlight glimmers on the lake, bridge shadows arch like rainbows, water windows hug low walls, and painted railings unfold layer upon layer. In the drizzle, rows of grey-tiled houses with black bricks emerge faintly; in the mist, one gazes at towering pavilions and towers in the distance. Three entrances feature uniquely styled memorial archways; nine bridges span the area, linking over 50 shops. Ascend Shuiyun Pavilion to take in the vast lands of Huai and Chu; stroll through Bifeng Bay to admire both ancient charm and modern elegance. Historic mansions of salt merchants and offices of salt officials echo the prosperity of the salt trade, while Tianshui Square and Yanyu Bridge recreate the bustling salt markets. Paddle by the waterside to ask for market prices, moor painted boats by ancient stages. A ribbon of water winds around the city, lined half with shops and half with taverns.

In 2008, the municipal government listened to public opinion, raised hundreds of millions in funding, and reconstructed Water Street to revive its former glory. Construction began on July 8 of that year, with 2,000 artisans working day and night, striving for perfection over 100 days. By autumn of the Year of the Earth Rat, Water Street was completed. The Salt Capital flourished in this prosperous era, and the City of a Hundred Rivers regained its past splendor.

Source: Yancheng Sea Salt Historical and Cultural Scenic Area

Yancheng Sea Salt Historical and Cultural Scenic Area

China National Salt Museum

Chuan Chang River Scenic Belt

Yandu Park

Dongjin Road Food Street