Things to do in Lianshui

Going on a Friday afternoon meant fewer crowds and no queues for anything, including the parade floats. The only downside was that the Monkey King's Parade wasn't running, which was a bit of a disappointment. Everything was great, especially the Three Battles with the White Bone Demon, which allowed for multiple rides when there were no queues. The park was already setting up for Halloween, which created a nice atmosphere at night.

You can spend two days visiting Zhou Enlai's former residence in Huai'an. There's also a nice traditional shop in Hexia Ancient Town. The overall commercial atmosphere isn't too strong, so it's worth a visit.

One of only two remaining government offices, and the site of the tragic death of Dou E, it features an exhibition of ancient torture instruments, mostly displayed using digital technology, wax figures, physical objects, and illustrations. It's a must-see for tourists in Huai'an.

The former residence doesn't look large, but it's surprisingly spacious inside, offering a vivid glimpse into the life of the master writer Wu Cheng'en. It also features various props from the CCTV version of Journey to the West, making it quite interesting.

The Liyun Canal Scenic Area is free, but you need a ticket for the cruise. It is recommended to take a cruise to see the night view. We bought the cruise ticket in advance, and we need to exchange it for a paper ticket first, and then queue up to get on the bus. There were too many people during the May Day holiday, and we queued for more than two hours before we got on. During this time, we had dinner at the Qifeng Pavilion, and there was a performance at the National Master Tower, so the waiting time was not so unbearable.

The former residence of Premier Zhou Enlai, nestled deep within Fuma Lane, is a must-see in Huai'an. Admission is free, a truly generous offer. The old house is simple and serene, preserving the original appearance of the Premier's childhood. What's most touching is the "greatness emerging from the ordinary"—the simple furniture, the well he used as a child, and the locust tree he planted himself all convey the Premier's simple family values ​​and youthful ambition. The courtyard isn't large, but every corner is worth lingering over. More than just a tourist attraction, it's a spiritual cleansing. A 5-star rating, a tribute to a great man!

This time, I made a special trip to Hexia Ancient Town in Huai'an to visit the Shen Kun Zhuangyuan Mansion. Shen Kun was Huai'an's first Zhuangyuan (top scholar in the imperial examinations), a hero who fought against Japanese pirates, and a close friend of Wu Cheng'en, the author of *Journey to the West*. The courtyard features blue bricks and gray tiles, pavilions and ponds, a school, and a martial arts exhibition area, where you can learn about the story of the Zhuangyuan soldiers who defended their country. I strolled around slowly, enjoying the garden scenery while learning about historical stories. The exhibits were abundant, and the architecture was antique and elegant. A visit was very educational. Being older, a leisurely stroll wasn't tiring, making it perfect for a visit to reflect on the past. #Huai'anTourism #HexiaAncientTown #ShenKunZhuangyuanMansion

Excellent experience at the Tsingtao Beer Museum! 🍺 We learned about the history of Tsingtao Beer and got an insight into the beer production process. The best part was getting to taste the beer along with some beer nuts during the visit. A fun and interesting experience, especially for beer lovers. Definitely worth a visit when in Qingdao!

I really enjoyed my night cruise. It was so relaxing. The city lights are my favorite. The tour is in Chinese so have your translation app ready if you want to fully immerse yourself. It's worth the money. I would definitely do it again!

100 yuan is alright; the scenery is quite nice, with lots of swans and ducks. Sitting on the boat, listening to the boatwoman's explanations, was very comfortable. After it rained at the Twenty-Four Bridges, we transferred to the park's shuttle bus. It cost 20 yuan and took about 10 minutes. After that, I explored the surrounding area on my own. If you have enough time and energy, I think exploring on foot and slowly appreciating the scenery would be very pleasant.