Lianyungang Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Lianyungang with this comprehensive travel guide, including top attractions, best places to eat and stay, safety, local customs, and transportation options.


Introduction to Lianyungang

Lianyungang is a city located on the coast of the Yellow Sea in Jiangsu province, East China. It is one of the smallest cities in Jiangsu, but it is packed with unique attractions and breathtaking natural scenery. The city is also known for being an important industrial center in China, but beyond the high-rise buildings, you will find hidden gems that will take you on a journey of discovery, from cultural to culinary experiences.

In this comprehensive travel guide to Lianyungang, we present you with the best tourist attractions, outdoor adventures, local delicacies, and cultural customs to enhance your travel experience in this beautiful city.

List of Places to Visit in Lianyungang

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area: This popular attraction is located in the Huaguo Mountain National Forest Park. It is believed to be the place where Sun Wukong, a character from the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” was imprisoned by Buddha. The scenic area contains various buildings and statues that depict scenes from the story.
  • Xinpu Ancient City: A well-preserved ancient city with a long history of over 2200 years, Xinpu Ancient City is a testament to Lianyungang’s rich culture and history. Visitors can see ancient buildings, walk through the old city gates, and even view original documents from the Han Dynasty on display.
  • Lian Island: Located in the center of Lianyungang, this island offers a glimpse into the city’s unique blend of traditional and modern China. The island is surrounded by water and has a variety of attractions, including the City Museum and the 800-year-old Haizhou Pagoda.

Natural Attractions of Lianyungang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Haizhou Bay Scenic Area: This scenic area features Haizhou Bay, with its calm waters, sandy beaches, and lush greenery. There are also several attractions in the area, including Xugou Beach and the Zhongshan Park. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, boating, and picnicking.
  • Mount Huaguo Scenic Area: Mount Huaguo is another popular attraction in the city, attracting visitors from all over the world. This mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and the Yellow Sea, including sunset views and tranquil forests. You can also take a cable car to the top of the mountain for an exciting adventure.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lianyungang

Lianyungang offers several hiking and biking options through the city’s beautiful natural scenery. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Xinpu Ancient City: West Lake Bike Route: This bike route starts from the ancient city of Xinpu and takes you through the peaceful West Lake Park. It’s perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the lake’s tranquil scenery.
  • Mount Huaguo Hiking Route: For the ultimate hiking experience, visit the Mount Huaguo Scenic Area and take the hiking route to the top of the mountain. The trail is suitable for experienced hikers and offers fantastic views of the city and the Yellow Sea.
  • Haizhou Bay Coastal Bike Route: The coastal bike route takes you along the coastline and offers views of the sea and sandy beaches. Many people cycle to Xugou Beach to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea.

Best Things to Do in Lianyungang: Activities and Tours

  • Visit a Local Farm: For a unique experience, visit one of Lianyungang’s local farms and learn about the area’s agricultural heritage. There are several farms to choose from, where visitors can pick fruits, enjoy traditional meals or watch demonstrations of traditional farming techniques.
  • Take a City Tour: Lianyungang offers several city tours that will take you to the city’s most famous attractions. Some tours also provide language translation services or multi-language audio guides.
  • Attend the Lantern Festival: The Lantern Festival is held every year in Lianyungang, usually in February or March. During the festival, the city’s streets are decorated with lanterns of all shapes and sizes, and there are performances, games, and food stalls to enjoy.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lianyungang

Day 1: Arrive in Lianyungang and visit Lian Island Day 2: Take a city tour to Xinpu Ancient City and the Haizhou Bay Scenic Area Day 3: Visit Mount Huaguo Scenic Area and take the cable car to the mountain’s peak Day 4: Take a bike tour along the Haizhou Bay Coastal Bike Route Day 5: Visit Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area and enjoy the Sun Wukong-themed attractions Day 6: Attend a traditional farm experience and learn about local agricultural techniques Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby Suzhou, famous for its beautiful classical gardens

Food and Drink Scene of Lianyungang

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shenxian (Immortal) Meatballs: Made from chopped pork and marinated using traditional Jiangsu cooking methods, these meatballs are juicy, tasty, and have a unique umami flavor.
  • Lianyungang Seafood: With its coastal location, Lianyungang is known for its fresh seafood. Some popular dishes include stir-fried squid, spicy shrimp, and fried scallops.
  • Qianzhou Bing: A local snack, Qianzhou Bing is a soft, fluffy bun filled with sweet red bean paste.

Local Beverages

  • Lianyungang Beer: Lianyungang Beer is a local brew that has been produced in the city for over 100 years. It has a refreshing, crisp taste and pairs perfectly with seafood.
  • Hongze Lake Pear Juice: This juice is made from sweet and juicy pears grown near Hongze Lake, which is located near Lianyungang.

Where to Stay in Lianyungang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Lianyungang, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:

  • Intercontinental Lianyungang Resort: This luxurious resort is located on the shores of Haizhou Bay and offers stunning sea views, various room types and sizes, a wide range of facilities, and delicious dining options.
  • Greentree Inn Lianyungang High-tech Zone: A budget hotel that provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
  • Simple Hostel: A cozy and friendly backpacker hostel located in the heart of the city.

What to Buy in Lianyungang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Fresh Seafood: Lianyungang is famous for its seafood, and visitors can purchase fresh seafood from the city’s seafood markets to take home.
  • Sun Wukong Souvenirs: Sun Wukong is a well-known legendary figure in Chinese history, and Lianyungang has a variety of souvenirs related to the character, from keychains to figurines.
  • Jasmine Tea: Lianyungang’s Jasmine Tea has a unique aroma and taste and is a popular gift for tea lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Lianyungang

Lianyungang has a rich cultural heritage, dating back to ancient times. Some unique customs and traditions in Lianyungang include:

  • Paper-Cutting Art: Lianyungang has a long history of paper-cutting. Visitors can learn how to create their own paper-cuts and bring home a unique souvenir.
  • Dragon Boat Festival: The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in Lianyungang with boat races, food fairs, and other festivities. The festival usually takes place in June.
  • Jasmine Flowers: Jasmine flowers are the symbol of Lianyungang, and they can be found growing in various areas throughout the city. Jasmine flowers are often used in traditional medicine and cosmetics.

Best Time to Visit Lianyungang

The best time to visit Lianyungang is from April to October when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best. During these months, visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities and festivals like the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lianyungang

Do:

  • Try Local Foods: Lianyungang has a unique culinary culture, and visitors should try local dishes like Shenxian Meatballs and seafood.
  • Experience the Local Culture: Lianyungang has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should explore the city’s museums and historical attractions, such as Xinpu Ancient City.
  • Be Respectful: Lianyungang values respect and harmony, and visitors should be polite and courteous to locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Lianyungang is a beautiful city, and visitors should keep it that way by not littering.
  • Be Rude: Rude behavior is not tolerated in Lianyungang, and visitors should avoid being disrespectful to locals.
  • Ignore Safety Precautions: Visitors should follow the safety guidelines provided by tour guides and pay attention to environmental hazards.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lianyungang

Lianyungang is a safe city, and visitors need not worry about serious crime. However, there are some things to watch out for, such as traffic when crossing the street or hiking and biking. Visitors are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and follow any safety warnings or advice.

Health in Lianyungang

Lianyungang has modern medical facilities and clinics, and visitors do not need to worry about healthcare access. However, it’s recommended to have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies.

Getting to Lianyungang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lianyungang

Lianyungang Baitabu Airport is the primary airport serving the city, with flights to major cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.

Bus Stations Near Lianyungang

Lianyungang has several bus stations, including Lianyungang Bus Station, East Bus Station, and West Bus Station. Buses from these stations serve many cities in Jiangsu province and surrounding areas.

Other Options

There are also direct trains available from Shanghai, Nanjing, and other major cities to Lianyungang Railway station.

How to Get Around in Lianyungang

Lianyungang has a convenient public transportation system that includes buses and taxis. However, the best way to get around the city is by bike or on foot, especially for short distances.

Where to Go Next from Lianyungang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Suzhou: This city is famous for its beautiful classical gardens and is only a few hours away from Lianyungang by train or bus.
  • Nanjing: The capital of Jiangsu Province is located just a few hours away from Lianyungang and boasts a rich history and culture, including the famous Nanjing Massacre Museum.
  • Qinhuangdao: This coastal city is famous for the Great Wall at Shanhaiguan Pass and its beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Lianyungang is a charming city that offers visitors a unique blend of traditional and modern China. From the city’s breathtaking natural scenery to its rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We hope this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Lianyungang!

Haizhou Bell and Drum Tower Haizhou Bell and Drum Tower