Yancheng Salt Town Water Street

　　The Water Street is part of the Chuan Chang River Sea Salt Culture Scenic Area, situated on the east bank of the Chuan Chang River, extending from Century Avenue north to Dongjin Road, and adjacent to Kaifang Avenue to the east. It features distinctive attractions such as the Shuiyun Pavilion, Salt Ancestor Temple, Salt Governor’s Office, Salt Merchants’ Guild Hall, Tianshui Square, Drifting Boat Theater, Hanmo Pavilion, and waterway boat rides.

　　Record of the Water Street — Yancheng was established as a county in 119 BC due to its salt production. Built along the water, it is also known as “Piao City” (the Ladle City). In ancient times, it thrived on “fish and salt industries, profiting greatly from the sea,” with “boat traffic numbering in the thousands daily.” Its bustling scene derived from its affinity with water.

　　In olden times, Yancheng had rivers crisscrossing every few steps and bridges at nearly every turn. The Water Street was located at the west gate of the ancient city. Salt merchants moored their boats along the street, and the area attracted wealthy traders and numerous shops, alive with lights and revelry, earning fame across Huainan. Today’s Water Street connects to the Fan Gong Dike and links with the Chuan Chang River, covering an area of 60,000 square meters with over 800 meters of waterways and more than 40 scenic spots. Sunlight dances on the lake, bridge reflections shimmer like rainbows, water windows hug low walls, and painted railings unfold in layers. In light rain, rows of gray-tiled houses appear faintly; in mist, pavilions and towers stand majestically in the distance. Three entrances feature uniquely designed archways; nine bridges span the area, connecting over 50 shops. Climb the Shuiyun Pavilion to take in the vast lands of Huai and Chu; stroll along the Bifeng Bay to admire both ancient charm and modern flair. Historic mansions of salt merchants and government offices of salt officials echo the prosperity of the salt trade; Tianshui Square and Yan Yu Bridge recall the bustling salt markets. Paddle along the waters to ask for market prices, or moor painted boats by ancient stages. A ribbon of water winds through the city—half lined with shops, half with taverns.

　　In 2008, the municipal government, heeding public advice and opinion, raised hundreds of millions in funding to rebuild the Water Street and revive its former glory. Construction began on July 8 of that year, with artisans working day and night for two thousand days, striving for perfection through a hundred days of intensive labor. By the golden autumn of the Year of the Earth Rat, the Water Street was completed. The Salt Capital of China flourished in this prosperous age, and the City of a Hundred Rivers regained its former splendor.

　　Source: Yancheng Sea Salt Historical and Cultural Scenic Area