Ancient Huaihe River Cultural Ecological Scenic Area

Ancient Huaihe River Cultural Ecological Scenic Area

The Ancient Huaihe River Cultural Ecological Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a national wetland park.

The Ancient Huaihe River Cultural Ecological Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Huaian’s main urban area, covering an area of approximately 1.6 square kilometers, including 0.54 square kilometers of water surface. The scenic area mainly utilizes the wetland resources of the Ancient Huaihe River, adhering to the development and construction philosophy of “shaping the landscape according to the terrain, building along the water, highlighting ecology, and emphasizing culture.” Through engineering measures such as soil and water conservation, wetland purification, and the construction of cultural venues, it has been developed into a comprehensive, open scenic area that integrates ecology and culture, sculpture and gardens, sightseeing and science education, art and history. It has now been approved as a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area and a National AAAA-Level Tourist Scenic Area.

Scenic Ecological Corridor – The Huaihe River shoreline meanders gracefully, with crystal-clear waters and lush flowers and trees, brimming with vitality. The entire scenic area is divided into eastern and western landscape zones, separated by the Ninglian Road.

The eastern zone covers an area of about 0.7 square kilometers and features the landscape characteristics of beautiful and serene gardens, adorned with pavilions and waterside pavilions. Based on the protection of lakeside areas, woodlands, and wetlands along the river, the design flexibly incorporates cultural and humanistic venue buildings to enrich the natural ecological spaces, adding a touch of charm to the refined and elegant scenery.

Among the scenic buildings, the “Changrong Grand Theatre,” named after the renowned Xun-style Peking Opera master and “living matchmaker of today,” Mr. Song Changrong, has become a flagship venue for artistic performances. The “China Journey to the West Expo Museum” is a large-scale thematic exhibition hall that comprehensively traces and interprets the classic novel “Journey to the West” using high-tech methods such as sound, light, electricity, and imaging. The “China Huaiyang Cuisine Culture Museum,” the country’s first and largest thematic cuisine culture museum, has become an important window for showcasing Huaiyang cuisine culture. Other distinctive landscape buildings such as the Guhuai Tower • Jianghuai Wedding Custom Museum, the Old Huaihe Street, and rural-style leisure attractions also showcase the long history of the ancient Huaihe River region and convey its unique cultural heritage.

The western zone spans 0.9 square kilometers and focuses on the experience of Jianghuai culture. It features multiple themed projects, including the China Urbanization History Museum, a library, the Ancient Huaihe River Cultural Square, the Lang Jingshan International Photography Art Museum, a water screen movie theater, and the Huaian Sports Park. Among these, the first three venues are arranged in a “品” (Chinese character for “品尝” or “taste”) shape, vividly demonstrating the historical evolution of how the Ancient Huaihe River culture has driven the progress of urbanization. In addition, the scenic area has successfully hosted several large-scale festivals and events, such as the “Huaian • China Huaiyang Cuisine Food Culture Festival,” the “China Huaian Bailuhu International Wedding Tourism Expo,” and the “Jiangsu Ice and Snow Carnival,” making it an important platform for showcasing Huaian’s folk culture.

“By the Ancient Huaihe River, a cultural journey awaits — savor Huaiyang cuisine and experience the capital of weddings.” Welcome to the Ancient Huaihe River National Water Conservancy Scenic Area！