600-Year-Old River Governor's Office, 600 Years of River Management

Huai'an is a city with a long history. Due to its unique geographical location, it was an important area for grain transportation and river management during the Ming and Qing dynasties. After visiting Huai'an, I finally understood the meaning of the phrase "peaceful seas and rivers" and its significance for the country and the people. After this trip, I couldn't wait to watch the excellent Chinese drama "The Long River," which tells the story of River Governor Jin Fu's dedication to water management. I was deeply moved countless times and couldn't bear to watch it any longer. . Qingyan Garden is the site of the highest-level, longest-lasting, and most staffed ancient water management office in Chinese history. River Governor Jin Fu started another grand water management project here. It is also the only well-preserved governor-level water management office garden in China's water management and grain transportation history. This garden, which integrates natural landscapes and human spirit, is a model of Ming and Qing dynasty office gardens and is known as the "First Garden of Jianghuai." . During the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty, Qingyan Garden was the office of the Ministry of Revenue, with a history of over 600 years. In the 17th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty (1678), the Qing government established an official river management office in Qingjiangpu. River Governor Jin Fu "dug ponds and planted trees as a temporary residence" on the site of the former Ministry of Revenue office. After successive river governors repaired it, it gradually took shape. During the Qing dynasty, there were 56 river governors who resided in Qingyan Garden, serving for 183 years, and 31 grain transportation governors, serving for 43 years. . 🌈Recommended Highlights ✔️Qingyan Garden is a condensed development history of nearly 700 years of water management in the Huai'an area. ✔️The garden's pavilions, terraces, towers, and rockeries are arranged in an orderly manner, with winding paths, long corridors, and flowing water. The garden is lush and elegant, with a combination of the beauty of southern gardens and the grandeur of northern gardens. ✔️Qingyan Garden is a national key cultural relic protection unit and a national water conservancy scenic area. . ♥️Must-Visit Spots ✔️Governor's River Department Imperial Stele Garden Displays authentic imperial steles given by emperors to successive river governors, such as "Achievements in Calming the Waves" and "Achievements in Declaring Diligence." The inscriptions were written by Qing emperors Kangxi, Qianlong, and Daoguang to commend river governors Zhang Pengpian, Gao Bin, and Gao Jin for their water management achievements. ✔️Governor's River Department The exhibition hall provides a detailed introduction to the river officials and key water management contributions during the Ming and Qing dynasties. ✔️Guan Di Temple Built during the Ming dynasty, it is the oldest building in Qingyan Garden.