Qingyan Garden: A Low-key Jiangnan Garden in Huai'an

Basic Information - Opening hours: Generally open year-round. Summer: 6:00am–9:30pm; Winter: 6:30am–9:00pm. Please check in advance to confirm. - Ticket information: Approx. CNY 20/person. - Address: 92 Renmin South Road, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province. Transportation - Public transportation: Take Huai'an bus No. 2 or 7 to Qingyan Garden. - By car: Navigate to "Qingyan Garden." Parking is available inside or around the garden. Must-See Attractions - Hefang Academy: The most distinctive building in Qingyan Garden, built in the fifteenth year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign. The lotus pond in front of the academy imitates the style of the Jinming Pool in Bianjing during the Northern Song Dynasty. There is a pavilion called Zhanting in the pond, with a plaque inscribed with "Shui Mu Qing Hua" (Clear Water and Lush Trees) by river administrator Lin Qing. - Huaixiang Hall: An important building in the garden, simple and elegant, it is a great place to rest and enjoy the scenery. - Jiaoyin Pavilion: Featuring banana leaves, this pavilion offers a quiet and poetic environment. - Jinlaiyuxuan: Surrounded by green trees, this building has a unique architectural style and is perfect for taking photos. - Imperial Stele Garden: Five imperial steles bestowed upon Gao Bin by the Qianlong Emperor are located here, witnessing the historical status of Qingyan Garden. - Ye Garden: Located in the southwest corner of the garden, it now houses the Ye Ting Memorial Hall, an important place to commemorate martyrs. - Rockery and Zigzag Bridge: The scattered rockeries and winding paths complement the garden's architecture, flowers, trees, and lake, enhancing the beauty of the garden. Recommended Tour Routes - Cultural and Historical Tour: After entering the garden, first visit Hefang Academy to learn about the history of Qingyan Garden and the culture of water transportation. Then visit the Imperial Stele Garden, followed by Huaixiang Hall and Jiaoyin Pavilion to experience the charm of classical architecture. Finally, visit Ye Garden to commemorate the martyrs. - Leisure and Sightseeing Tour: Start with a stroll from the rockery and zigzag bridge, admiring the garden scenery. Pass by the waterside pavilion and boat house, rest and take photos at Jinlaiyuxuan. Then head to the lotus pond to admire the lotus flowers and Zhanting Pavilion. Finally, enjoy the flowers and greenery in the rose garden and along the winding corridors. Nearby Food and Accommodation - Food: Huai'an offers a rich variety of local specialties, such as Xuyi crayfish, Huai'an soft-shelled turtle, Pingqiao tofu, and Qingong meatballs. These can be enjoyed at restaurants around Qingyan Garden. - Accommodation: Options include the Huai'an Qingpu Yiqingyuan Hotel. You can also book other hotels in the city center based on your needs.