China Canal Museum (Governor-General of Canal Transport Office)

China Canal Museum (Governor-General of Canal Transport Office)

The China Canal Museum (Governor-General of Canal Transport Office) is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Canals once brought great prosperity to Huai'an in history. The China Canal Museum is located in the very center of the ancient city of "Old Huai'an," historically the central prefectural capital of northern Jiangsu, just north of the Zhenhuai Tower. The museum's exterior imitates the architecture of the Jianghuai region during the Ming and Qing dynasties, arranged in a "品"-shaped layout. The central part houses the main exhibition hall, the east wing is for temporary exhibitions, and the west side is a multi-functional lecture hall. The museum introduces the history of canal transport, displays a large number of cultural relics, and incorporates many high-tech features that make the visit engaging and fun. Visitors can interact with projections and even watch a 4D movie (movie ticket: 60 yuan).

The museum’s introductory hall features an 180-degree giant projection scroll and a sand table model. The History Hall covers the history and system of canal transport. The Canal Hall explores the relationship between canal transport and economy, people, folklore, and cities, with interactive light and shadow technology as a highlight—canal waterways are projected onto the floor, and stepping on buildings along the waterways displays relevant information. The Huai'an Hall is designed to resemble ancient Huai'an, with wooden structures of shops on both sides. The Vision Hall looks to the future. The Relics Hall displays artifacts from the Neolithic Qingliangang Culture to various dynasties within the Huai'an District.

To the south of the museum, between it and the Zhenhuai Tower, lies the Governor-General of Canal Transport Office Ruins Park (Governor-General of Canal Transport Office Site). The official offices from the Ming and Qing dynasties now consist only of square wall foundations and some broken stone and column bases. Visiting the ruins alone is free—you don’t need to buy a ticket to the China Canal Museum.

Address: Canal Square, Huai'an District, Huai'an City

Type: Museum

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: About 2 hours

Phone: 0517-85839097

Official website: http://www.cwtmuseum.com

Opening hours:

8:30–12:00, 13:30–17:30; closed on Mondays.

Ticket information:

Adult ticket: 100 yuan; children under 1.3 meters, seniors aged 70 and above, and active-duty military personnel with valid ID can enter for free; children over 1.3 meters, full-time college and university students, and people with disabilities with valid ID receive half-price tickets. 4D movie: 60 yuan.

Further reading:

· National Third-Class Museum of China