Huai'an: The Intersection of China

Situated at a pivotal hub of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Huai'an in Jiangsu Province has long been reputed as the "Capital of Canals." Embraced by rivers and lakes and featuring a crisscrossing network of waterways, it's where the millennium-old Grand Canal running north-south meets the meandering Huaihe River flowing eastward. The convergence of these two major economic and cultural arteries has endowed the region with abundant natural resources as a strategic transportation hub while also nurturing an inclusive and open urban character that harmoniously blends northern and southern influences.

In 486 B.C., the State of Wu excavated the Hangou Canal between Huai'an and Yangzhou to transport troops and provisions for its campaign to dominate the Central Plains. Stretching approximately 150 kilometers, it is recognized as the world's first large-scale man-made canal with a precise historical record. During the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, Huai'an emerged as a crucial center for grain transport via waterways. In the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), excavation of the Huitong River connected the Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou, making Huai'an one of the very few cities to witness the entire historical trajectory of the canal, from the initial Hangou, through the Sui-Tang Grand Canal, to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, canal transport flourished again following the dredging of the Huaiyin section, and the area's waterborne commerce reached an unprecedented pinnacle.

Alongside the Grand Canal, a rich culinary culture thrives. The bustling canal transport brought food ingredients from north and south together, leaving a distinctive mark on the formation and evolution of Huaiyang cuisine. One of China's four great culinary traditions, Huaiyang cuisine is renowned for its light, fresh, and balanced flavors featuring a moderate blend of sweet and salty that appeals to palates across the country. It embodies a fusion of culinary cultures along the Grand Canal and is beloved by food enthusiasts everywhere. Today, delicacies such as Xuyi crayfish and Jinhu lotus root have become iconic representatives of Huai'an gastronomy, offering not only a gustatory enjoyment but also a glimpse into the unique charm of its ancient towns. Through events like the China (Huai'an) International Food Expo and overseas culinary exchange activities, Huai'an continues to showcase its distinctive gourmet culture to the world.

Hexia Ancient Town is a must-see destination for visitors to Huai'an. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, the town is steeped in cultural heritage, and its prosperity has always been closely linked to the canal. To this day, the town preserves 108 lanes, 44 bridges, and 102 gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties as well as Zhuangyuan Tower commemorating Ming-Dynasty scholar Shen Kun (1507-1560), alongside former residences of notable figures. Every street carries rich historical memories that captivate visitors. The waters of the canal also nurtured generations of illustrious historical figures such as famed Ming-Dynasty literary giant Wu Cheng'en (c. 1500-1582), who authored the world-renowned classic Journey to the West.

In recent years, Huai'an has actively promoted key projects focused on the Grand Canal Cultural Belt and construction of a National Cultural Park to revitalize the "Capital of Canals" with a new contemporary spirit. The introduction of highly-invested industrial projects such as Zenith Steel and Jietai Technology has driven the city's manufacturing sector toward high-end, intelligent, and green development. Its multi-dimensional transportation network featuring high-speed rail, aviation, expressways, and ports has continuously improved, strengthening its status as an emerging hub city and establishing it as a regional comprehensive transportation hub connecting east and west, north and south, with access to the entire nation, as it has always facilitated.

The story of Huai'an and the Grand Canal is an ever-unfolding tapestry. Today, the fluidity and resilience of water coupled with an open and inclusive attitude has empowered Huai'an to secure a harmonious symbiosis of culture, economics, and improved living standards.