[2025 Huai'an Attraction] Travel Guide for Qing Yan Park (Updated Apr)

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.

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.

Huai'an in winter is a poetic beauty, with a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere... Come and check it out! Bailu Lake Tourist Resort: This place is like an ink painting, with tents and distant mountains complementing each other, bonfires flickering in the night, and stars all over the sky. It is a warm haven in the cold winter. Ancient Huaihe River Wetland Park and Bailu Lake National Wetland Park: There are white reed flowers swaying in the wind, the lake is shimmering, the wind is blowing, the reeds are swaying, and the birds are flying. The scenery is beautiful and suitable for taking photos. Qingyan Garden: This is a good place to enjoy autumn, with half red and half yellow leaves, layers of trees dyed, and the scenery is charming. Forest Park, Ancient Huaihe River Wetland Park, and Yellow River Garden: There are golden ginkgo leaves all over the place, with sunlight embedded in them, like the pen of time writing autumn words. Hexia Ancient Town: After nightfall, the place is brightly lit, with miniature snacks, cultural and creative crafts, intangible cultural heritage time-honored brands, and more. Every scene is a great photo opportunity. Hongze Lake Ancient Dam Scenic Area and Jinhu Water Forest Park: The colorful colors form a magnificent natural picture, suitable for experiencing the splendor of early winter. Hongze Lake Ancient Dam and Liyun River Cultural Corridor: You can stroll along the thousand-year-old canal or the ancient dam, waiting for a sunset and feeling the gentleness of winter.

Qingyan Garden is different from the private gardens in the south and the royal gardens in the imperial capital. It is a government garden and is known as the number one garden in Jianghuai. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this area was called Qingjiangpu. Because it was the territory of Yuan Shu during the Three Kingdoms period, it was also called Yuanpu. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, river officials were set up in Huai'an to manage the river and passing ships. During the Yongzheng period, the position was changed to Governor-General. This is a lucrative job. Qingyan Garden is very large with pleasant scenery. Local residents often come here with their families and tents for fun on weekends. A large lake is the center of Qingyan Garden, with various functional buildings built around it and in the center of the lake. Only the Hefang Academy is a relic from the old times, which once hosted Emperor Qianlong. There is a Guandi Temple in a corner of the park, which is quite large. There is also a green space suitable for leisure. Qingyan Garden is located in a residential area in the center of Huai'an City, so parking is difficult and there is only a small parking lot a hundred meters away. The car-watching uncle is a master of coordination, and he can make every car enter and exit smoothly without wasting an inch of space.

Qingyan Garden is located in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province. It is the only well-preserved yamen garden in the history of water control and canal transportation in China. It is a national 4A scenic spot and the most representative classical garden in northern Jiangsu. Its history can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty, nearly 600 years ago. During the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, it was changed to the River Governor's Office, which is a section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It is built by the water, and many scenic spots are named after water control. The garden also retains the steles bestowed by emperors such as Qianlong, Yongzheng, and Daoguang to the successive river governors, so it is also a national water conservancy scenic spot and a cultural relic protection unit. Qingyan Garden is small and exquisite, with pavilions, rockeries, and winding paths, and the scenery is pleasant. When I was in college, it was called Chengnan Park. Today I revisit the old place and feel very cordial. It is the time of high autumn, and the sweet-scented osmanthus is fragrant. Take my parents for a walk in the park, stretch their muscles and bones, and stroll leisurely, which is very comfortable. I met several couples taking wedding photos, it seems that this is also a very popular online celebrity spot! After visiting Qingyan Garden, turn left a few tens of meters out of the door, there is a "Tianxia Liangcang" snack shop, eat some authentic pasta snacks, and the happy journey is over.

| A hidden gem in the bustling city.✨Today, I'm going to share a great travel destination with you - Qingyan Garden in Huai'an.🎈 📍Historical Origin: Its history can be traced back to the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. It was originally the official residence of the supervisor of the canal. The cultural heritage is as profound as a thick history book. The title of "the first garden in Jianghuai" is not for nothing.😎 🏞Garden Landscape: As soon as you enter the garden, it's like entering a paradise. The pavilions, terraces, and open halls are well-arranged, the rockeries are rugged, the long corridors are winding, and the running water is gurgling. Flowers bloom in all seasons, and the trees are lush. Each season has its own unique beauty. No matter when you come, you can take beautiful photos.📸 🌟Highlights: Don't look at the small entrance, there is a different world inside. It combines the openness of the northern gardens and the exquisite beauty of the southern gardens. Every step is a scene that makes people intoxicated. And it's free to visit. Every day, many citizens come here for leisure and feel this comfort.💕 🎯Come to Qingyan Garden in Huai'an and start a unique garden tour! You will definitely be fascinated by its charm.🤩

Qingyan Garden is located in Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an City. It was originally the office of the Ministry of Households, the earliest institution established when Qingjiangpu was opened in the 13th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1415). During the Qing Dynasty, it was changed to the Governor's Office of River Channels and began to build gardens and dig ponds. After several renovations and expansions, the name changed several times with the replacement of the Governor of River Channels, and finally named 'Qingyan Garden'. Qingyan Garden is a government office garden, without the luxury and grandeur of the royal gardens, nor the exquisite intricacy of private gardens. The construction method and architectural style are more moderate, calm and composed, with a kind of indifferent temperament of official gardens. After crossing the curved bridge, you can reach the hexagonal pavilion in the middle of the pond. The pavilion is delicate and small, adding a bit of liveliness and spirit to the entire garden. The garden is not too large in area, mainly including He Fang Academy, Huai Xiang Hall, Jiao Yin Pavilion, Jin Lai Yu Xuan, Rose Garden and other ancient buildings, most of which have been restored, maintaining the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties without showing signs of decay. A pink wall encloses the Wisteria Flower Pavilion, where there is an ancient vine over 300 years old. When the spring is warm and the flowers bloom, the wisteria also blooms beautiful flowers, elegant in posture, and has been loved by literati and ink guests since ancient times. Walking in the garden, it seems to be always in silence. It is the cold winter season, there are not many people visiting the garden, the sky is clear and distant, the trees, bridges, and pavilions on the shore cast their shadows in the water, dyeing the pool green and deep. Through the garden gate, you enter the Governor's Mansion. During the Qing Dynasty, the Governor of River Channels was also known as the River Platform and River Marshal, and the main job was often the second rank or the first rank, and the deputy was the third rank. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the canal transportation was developed, and officials, wealthy merchants, and salt merchants gathered in Huai'an. The establishment of the Governor's Mansion here also shows the importance of the court. The architectural style of the Imperial Stele Garden is more solemn and serious than that of the garden. It preserves 13 genuine imperial steles bestowed by emperors of all dynasties to the river governors, which are quite precious. The square pond is located in the C position of the garden. The buildings are built by the water, dignified and elegant, and are interspersed with pavilions, pools, pavilions, painting boats, and curved bridges, high and low, orderly, like a melodious and graceful music slowly playing. There are many gardens in Jiangnan, but Qingyan Garden is the only well-preserved government office garden in the whole Jiangnan, even the whole country. Touring in it, there is the natural beauty of mountains, waters, flowers and trees, and the cultural interest of pavilions, towers and pavilions, isn't it fun?

Garden tour order: East Gate Entrance - Qingyan Garden Stele - Preface Garden Strange Stone - Jiayuan Hall - Lake Pavilion - Qingyan Fang - Southwest Gate - Guandi Temple - Chanting Evening Pavilion - Lotus View Pavilion - Zoushu Pavilion - River Marshal Mansion - Plum Blossom Ridge - East Gate Exit Qingyan Garden gives me the impression of being open and closed, and exploring the quiet. It doesn't have the small and exquisite of the southern Suzhou gardens, but it has a bit more boldness, such as the Lake Pavilion, Qingyan Fang, etc. Of course, there are also places suitable for resting in the southern gardens, such as Guandi Temple, Chanting Evening Pavilion and the pool scenery of the southwest gate, etc. It may also be the wrong time to go, always feel a little less elegant, is a regrettable point.

Qingyan Garden is a national 4A scenic spot, a national cultural protection unit, known as the first garden in Jianghuai, and one of the representative gardens in Northern Jiangsu. The scale of the scenic area is quite large, the rockery at the entrance is magnificent, the garden landscape is quite aesthetic, the stacked stones are very aesthetic, the use of framing is very skilled, many small details are designed, the water system runs through the park, it is indeed a good garden. The park is open for free visits, it is highly recommended to come to Huaian, it is more interesting than some paid gardens, it is located near Huaiyin Middle School, there is a bus to the door, there are attractions such as Chuxiu Garden, Qingjiang Gate nearby.

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