The Huai River is the old name for what is now called the Qin Huai River. It is said to have been built by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. Visitors come to the Huai River for sightseeing and boat cruising. The river forms a route that goes to many scenic spots and historical sites.
Location
Huai River is among the major rivers in China. It is located between the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. These are the two largest rivers in the country. It stretches over 100 kilometers and has a 2,600 square kilometer drainage area.
The Importance of the Huai River
The Qin Huai River has long been a symbol of Nanjing. Nanjing calls the river its lifeblood. This is because the river is a major waterway in the city. It is also called the cradle of Jiangsu civilization.
Huai River History
According to archaeologists, human activity on the river can be traced back to the Stone Age. The river was also an important settlement and commercial center in the age of Dongwu. However, the river became a hub for merchants and the literati in the Liuchao period.
The river also became Jiang Nan's cultural center during the Song Dynasty. A lot of grand buildings sprung up in the city during the Ming and Qing dynasties. At that time, commercial ships entered the area.
Boat Cruise
Qinhuai River can be divided into the inner river and the outer river. The inner river runs through the heart of the city while the outer river was once a city moat of ancient Nanjing city.
The highlights of the cruise include the numerous historical relics on banks of the river, most of which have been well preserved. Tea and local snacks are served and traditional Chinese music is performed on the boat.
A boat cruise allows visitors to witness the beauty of the Qin Huai Scenic Belt. Confucius Temple is the main attraction. Qin Huai River boasts entertainment venues that are popular with both domestic and foreign visitors.
Tourists will not only satiate their appetite for beautiful scenery at the Qin Huai River. There are many mouthwatering local dishes in the area including beef soup with beef fried dumplings, baked cake of the yellow bridge, onion cake, bean curd with sauce, thin noodles paired with smoked fish and fried cake.
Inner River Cruise
Where to get onto the boat: Panchi Wharf in front of Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple
Price: 55 yuan/person during the day and 80 yuan/person at night.
Duration: around 50 minutes
Day Route: Panchi Wharf – Bai Lu Zhou Park (白鹭洲公园) - Dong Shui Guan – Qi Cai Water Street(七彩水街) – Zhonghua Gate (中华门) – Former Residence of Li Xiangjun (李香君故居)。
Night Route： Panchi Wharf – Bai Lu Zhou Park (白鹭洲公园) - Dong Shui Guan - Qi Cai Water Street(七彩水街) – Zhonghua Gate (中华门) – Panchi Wharf
The night cruise operate from 18:00 to 23:30
Outer River Cruise
There are only two cruises each day, one at 9:30 am and one at 2 pm.
Cruise itinerary: Stone City (石头城) – Qingliang Gate(清凉门) – Hanzhong Gate (汉中门) – Shuixi Gate (水西门) – Jiqing Gate (集庆门) - Zhonghua Gate Wharf (中华门码头)
Duration: about one hour
Where to get onto the cruise: Zhonghua Gate Wharf or Stone City Wharf
Attractions that you will see on the way: Stone City Ruins, the ancient city wall of the Ming Dynasty, Shangxin Pavilion (赏心亭), Xishui Pass (西水关), Zhonghua Gate, and Bao'en Temple Ruins.
No visit to Nanjing is complete without a visit to Qinhuai River. The river is included in almost all the tours to Nanjing. Let us customize a tour to visit Nanjing.
Huai River Nearby Attractions
Nowadays, the river is among the most popular attractions in China. The Huai River is famous for its boats bedecked with lanterns. It has also created a link to many other attractions.
Confucius Temple
Confucius Temple or Fuzimao was constructed during the Song Dynasty in 1034. It was the premier place to worship the great ancient Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius
Destruction and Restoration
The temple has been rebuilt many times. In 1937, Japanese aggressors burned the temple. The local government restored the temple in 1984.
Stunning Features
Confucius Temple is on the Qin Huai River. Dacheng hall can be found on the south river bank. The structure measures 110 meters long, and it is made of brick.
Interior and Exterior Beauty
Inside the hall there are two attractions. The first is the largest figure of Confucius in China. The other attraction is the 38 vivid panels that are made from precious materials like silver, gold and gems.
The outside hall also features a bronze statue of Confucius and his eight disciples made of white marble. Tourists who come here leave the temple with new knowledge about the famous figure.
Zhan Yuan Garden
Special Features and Attractions
zhan yuan gardenZhan Yuan Garden is the only remaining Ming Dynasty architectural structure in Nanjing. It is also the oldest garden in the city. The gardens are approximately 600 years old. The tourist attractions in Zhan Yuan Garden are divided into east and west parts.
The East
Zhan Yuan Garden's eastern section is home to a museum where Taiping Tianguo cultural relics can be seen. There are more than 1,600 relics preserved in the museum. This includes the Heavenly King's imperial seal and robe, twenty canons and army flags and swords.
The West
The western part is home to the garden. This is where tourists find clear water pools, stunning pavilions, rocks and winding pathways. Visitors flock here to take pictures with these astounding backdrops.
The View
Qin Huai River has preserved old boats and waterside pavilions. These attractions are enhanced with sophisticated lighting technologies. A lot of changes have been made to the river, but the ancient ambiance is still there.
A boat cruise allows visitors to witness the beauty of the Qin Huai Scenic Belt. Confucius Temple is the main attraction. Qin Huai River boasts entertainment venues that are popular with both domestic and foreign visitors.
The Food
Tourists will not only satiate their appetite for beautiful scenery at the Qin Huai River. There are many mouthwatering local dishes in the area including beef soup with beef fried dumplings, baked cake of the yellow bridge, onion cake, bean curd with sauce, thin noodles paired with smoked fish and fried cake.
Getting There
The Huai River is 1,034 kilometers from Beijing. Trains depart every day from the main railroad station. The trip takes about nine to ten hours. Tourists are encouraged to book their tickets two or three days before their trip.