[2025 Huai'an Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhenhuai House (Updated Jul)

Who says Jiangnan is only about Suzhou and Hangzhou? In northern Jiangsu lies a severely underrated ancient canal city—Huai'an District, Huai'an City! Not only is this the hometown of Premier Zhou Enlai, but it's also a treasure trove steeped in a thousand years of canal culture. I just visited last weekend and was utterly amazed! Few crowds, stunning scenery, and every shot feels like a historical masterpiece! 📖🌊 ✨ Must-Visit Photography Spots: 1. **Hexia Ancient Town - A Time Tunnel of Stone-Paved Alleys** ✨ Step in and travel back in time! Cobblestone paths, weathered brick walls, and upturned eaves—pure Ming and Qing dynasty charm. ✨ The ambiance is magical! The light at dawn or dusk is perfect. Stroll in Hanfu or modern Chinese-style attire, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. Deep alleys, old house doorways, and small bridges over flowing water are all fantastic backdrops! ✨ The town is packed with intangible cultural heritage and local snacks—perfect for snapping pics while indulging! 2. **Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall & Former Residence - A Tribute to a Great Man, Elegant and Solemn** 👍🏻 The black-and-white former residence showcases northern Jiangsu’s architectural style, serene and refined—ideal for deep, emotive documentary-style shots. 👍🏻 The memorial hall’s grand architecture and striking interior design create poetic photos with interplaying light and shadow (remember to maintain solemnity). 👍🏻 Reflect on history while capturing meaningful travel memories. 3. **Huai'an Prefectural Office - Step Back into an Ancient "Yamen"** 👍🏻 The largest surviving ancient prefectural office in China! The imposing main hall and exquisite rear garden offer a majestic setting. 👍🏻 Dress in traditional attire and transform into a "prefect" or "noble lady"—effortlessly creating vintage masterpieces! Red walls, pillars, and courtyards make perfect backdrops. 4. **Xiao Lake - Serene Waters in the City** 👍🏻 A tranquil urban lake, especially charming at Spoon Lake Park, with pavilions reflected in the water and willow trees swaying—pure poetry. 👍🏻 Perfect for fresh, artistic shots. At sunset, the golden lake surface is pure magic! 5. **Zhenhuai Tower - A Historic Landmark with Panoramic Views (P8)** 👍🏻 The symbol of Huai'an’s ancient city! The solemn tower stands tall in the city center. 👍🏻 Climb up (if open) for a blend of ancient and modern cityscapes. The lit-up tower at night is equally enchanting. 🍜 How Can Travel Photography Go Without Food? Huai'an’s Flavors Will Amaze You! ❤️ **Wenlou Soup Dumplings**: Intangible cultural heritage! Paper-thin wrappers, rich broth, and fragrant crab roe. Lift gently, move slowly, sip the soup—full of ceremony! (Snap pics while hot, but be careful!) ❤️ **Longfish Banquet/Soft-Braised Longfish**: A star of Huaiyang cuisine! Tender, savory eel—pure bliss in every bite. ❤️ **Pingqiao Tofu**: Humble-looking but incredibly flavorful—a warm, comforting bowl. ❤️ **Street Snacks**: Huai'an tea crisps, Qingong meatballs, fried dough sticks... Eat, snap, and soak in the local vibe! 📌 Photography Tips: ⭐⭐⭐ **Outfit Ideas**: Hanfu, modern Chinese style, elegant long dresses, or vintage looks—all photogenic! Perfect for ancient towns and buildings. ⭐⭐⭐ **Best Time**: Early morning or dusk for soft light and fewer crowds. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather. ⭐⭐⭐ **Color Grading**: Use retro film tones or desaturated teal-orange for ancient towns; fresh, bright tones for water scenes. ⭐⭐⭐ **Transport**: Attractions are close—walk, bike, or take affordable taxis. ⭐⭐⭐ **Accommodation**: Stay near Hexia Ancient Town or downtown for easy access to shooting spots. 🏠 **Pai Hotel (Huai'an Enlai Memorial Hall Hexia Ancient Town Branch)**: Friendly service, spacious rooms, great lighting, and lively night markets nearby—great value! 💖 Huai'an District charms with its deep history and laid-back vibe. Free from over-commercialization, it offers slow-paced moments and endless canal tales. Pack your camera and uncover your own historical masterpiece in this underrated gem! #HuaiAnTravel #HuaiAnDistrict #CanalCity #HexiaAncientTown #HistoricCity #HiddenGems #HanfuPhotography #JiangZheHuGetaway #TravelPhotographyGuide #HuaiYangCuisine #ZhouEnlaiFormerResidence #AncientTownPhotography #WeekendGetaway #TravelInspiration

The Zhenhuai Tower stands majestically in the center of Huaian District, Huaian City, Jiangsu Province. Towering and elegant, with an antique charm, it is one of the symbols of Huaian's ancient civilization. Zhenhuai Tower has a history of over 1,000 years, dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and spanning the Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Its exact construction date is unknown. It underwent renovations during the Northern Song Dynasty, and again during the Hongzhi and Jiajing periods of the Ming Dynasty, overseen by governors Chen Xian and Song Jixian, respectively. There is also a tower with the same name in Hexian, Anhui Province. Zhenhuai Tower is a single-structure, gate-tower-style building made of brick and wood. The lower level is a platform base with a gate in the center. The upper level is a two-story tower. The entire structure is 18.5m high, 36m long from east to west, and 26m wide from north to south. It is beautifully shaped, solid, and sturdy. During the Qing Dynasty, it was named Zhenhuai Tower, meaning "Tower to Suppress the Huai River," in hopes of controlling the river's flooding. Currently, Zhenhuai Tower houses the Old Huaian Museum exhibition hall, and a public park surrounds the tower. In 2002, Zhenhuai Tower was listed as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Today, Zhenhuai Tower serves as a symbol and the geographical center of Huaian District (formerly Huaian City) in Huaian City, Jiangsu Province. The entire district's regional planning and development revolve around the tower as its central axis. Zhenhuai Tower

In February, the aftertaste of winter has not yet dissipated, but the breath of spring has quietly spread. In this beautiful season, in the plum gardens of Huaian, the plum blossoms are in bud, either as bright as fire or as white as snow, adding a touch of poetry to the city. Pack your bags and start this romantic plum viewing trip with me! 🌤️ Weather The temperature in Huaian in February is around 2 - 12°C. The weather is still slightly chilly, with a larger temperature difference between morning and evening. Remember to check the weather forecast before traveling. If you encounter a sunny day, stroll through the plum garden and feel the beauty and warmth of plum blossoms☀️ 👗 Outfit Wear it is recommended to wear a warm sweater or sweatshirt inside, a thick down jacket or woolen coat 🧥 The lower body can choose velvet pants, then wear comfortable sneakers, both warm and convenient to play. Friends who like to take pictures can prepare some bright scarves, hats and other accessories, taking pictures in the Merlin will be even better📸 ⏰ Best time to play Mid-to-late February is the peak flowering period of Huaian plum blossoms. This is the best time to enjoy plum blossoms. It is recommended to choose to visit on weekdays to avoid the peak crowds and be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and enjoy the quiet time more leisurely. 🗺️3 days tour route Day 1: Encounter the romance of the plum garden - Morning: Arrive in Huaian and proceed to Plum Garden within the Guhuai River Cultural and Ecological Scenic Area. As soon as you enter the park, you can smell the fragrance of plum blossoms. Stroll along the winding path and see the red, pink and white plum blossoms hanging on the branches, which complement each other with the surrounding pavilions, small bridges and flowing water, like a beautiful painting. - Noon: Taste Huaian specialties such as soft pocket long fish and Pingqiao tofu at restaurants near the scenic spot to feel the local food culture. - Afternoon: Continue to wander in the plum garden, find a quiet corner, savor the posture of plum blossoms, and record these beautiful moments with your camera. Day 2: Exploring the footsteps of history - Morning: Head to the Huaian Government Office, the largest surviving ancient government office building in China. Walking into it is like traveling back to ancient times, and you can feel the weight and majesty of history. - Noon: Enjoy various snacks such as Huaian tea dumplings and spicy soup at the snack street near the Huaian Prefecture Department. - Afternoon: Visit the Zhenhuai Tower, climb the city tower, overlook the beautiful views of Huaian City, and learn about the historical changes of the city. Day 3: Feel the tranquility of nature - Morning: Head to Bowling Hill Park, where the environment is beautiful and the air is fresh. Take a walk along the lake, take in the natural scenery and relax. - Noon: Take a break with a meal at a restaurant near the park. - Afternoon: Pack your bags and return with a load of fond memories. 🌟 Surrounding attractions - Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall: Deeply remember the life of Premier Zhou Enlai and feel the grace and spirit of the great man. - Hexia Ancient Town: An quaint town with a long history and rich cultural heritage, you can taste various specialty snacks and purchase handicrafts. 💡Tips - There are more people taking photos in the plum garden. If you want to take beautiful photos, remember to enter the garden early to choose a good shooting spot. - Public transportation in Huaian is more convenient. You can choose bus or subway. - When tasting local cuisine, be careful to choose regular restaurants to ensure food hygiene. This February, come to Huaian for a date with plum blossoms and feel the unique charm of this city amidst the fragrance of flowers!

Zhenhuai Tower, majestically standing in the ancient city of Huai'an, is an ancient city tower that integrates history, culture, and architectural art. The building is grand and imposing, with elegant and simple Ming and Qing architectural styles reflected in its flying eaves and upturned corners. The name signifies 'guarding the Huai River,' and it has been an important symbol of flood defense and homeland protection since ancient times. The tower's interior is rich in exhibits, recording the history of water management and cultural changes in Huai'an. Exquisite inscriptions and pictorial exhibits vividly depict the city's glorious past. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of Huai'an, where the ancient charm and modern vitality blend harmoniously. This tower is not only a symbol of Huai'an's spirit but also a historical chapter worth savoring.