Lianyungang

Lianyungang, anciently known as Haizhou and alternatively called the Port City, is located in northeastern Jiangsu Province, facing the vast Yellow Sea and backed by the Yuntai Mountains, connecting to the Qilu region to the north and the Jianghuai hinterland to the south. As one of China's first coastal open cities, the eastern gateway of the New Eurasian Land Bridge, and a key node city along the Belt and Road, Lianyungang is a rare coastal metropolis where mountains, sea, port, city, and islands blend seamlessly. It boasts the grandeur of a seaport, the serene charm of mountain forests, and the millennia-old heritage of an ancient city. With its stunning natural scenery, profound cultural history, and abundant seafood delicacies, Lianyungang is a treasure trove of a coastal city perfect for living, tourism, and relaxation.

I. Mountains and Seas Embracing Each Other: Premium Tourist Attractions Across the Region

Lianyungang boasts unparalleled tourism resources, featuring renowned mountains, vast seas, dramatic canyons, ancient temples, islands, and historic cities—all making it an ideal destination for travel throughout the year.

Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area (National 5A-level Tourist Attraction): The most iconic landmark of Lianyungang and the renowned birthplace of the live-action adaptation of "Journey to the West." The Yvnu Peak within the mountain is the highest point in Jiangsu Province,throughout the year shrouded in mist and boasting an exceptionally high forest coverage rate. The scenic area features classic "Journey to the West" attractions such as the Water Curtain Cave, Sanyuan Palace, the Seventy-Two Caves, the Bajie Stone, and Tang Seng Cliff—each step offering a mythological tale and every corner telling a story. It is ideal for appreciating flowers in spring, escaping the summer heat, witnessing the sea of clouds in autumn, observing rime formations in winter, hiking for fresh air, or engaging in prayer and leisure activities.

Lian Island Coastal Tourism Resort: The largest pristine island in Jiangsu Province and the most beautiful coastline in northern Jiangsu. It features the natural beach of Dashawan and the ecological coast of Sumawan, boasting fine, soft sand and crystal-clear seawater. The coastal boardwalk offers panoramic views of the sea, fresh sea breezes, and perfect photo opportunities; visitors can witness breathtaking sunsets over the sea at dusk and enjoy water activities, wave riding, and camping during the day, making it the ideal seaside destination for family vacations and romantic trips.

Cloud Terrace Mountain in the Sea: This renowned mountain city lies by the coast. From its summit, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Lianyungang Port, the surrounding sea, and the cityscape. The harmonious blend of mountain and sea creates a breathtaking vista where the port and urban landscape merge seamlessly. The mountain boasts dense forests, fresh air, and gentle hiking trails, making it ideal for family outings to relax while admiring the sea of clouds, the harbor, and the sunset.

Yuyuan Scenic Area: Hailed by tourists as the "Jiangsu's Little Jiuzhai," it is renowned for its canyons, streams, waterfalls, and ponds. The valley is cool and serene, with springs every few steps and waterfalls every five steps. The summer temperature here is several degrees lower than that of the urban area, making it a natural retreat for escaping the heat. Activities such as water recreation, hiking, and oxygen inhalation are particularly enjoyable.

Kongwangshan Scenic Area: A millennium-old cultural landmark, named after the legend that Confucius once ascended the mountain to gaze upon the sea. The site boasts national treasure-level cultural relics—the Eastern Han Dynasty cliff carvings, dating centuries earlier than those found in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, and possessing immense cultural significance. The ancient temple nestled within the mountains offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, ideal for leisurely walks and immersing oneself in its historical heritage.

In addition, attractions such as Haizhou Ancient City, Lianyungang Old Street, Xishuanghu Wetland Park, Dayishan, and Eden offer diverse landscapes perfect for leisurely exploration, allowing visitors to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this port city.

II. A Millennium-Old Cultural Heritage with Profound Roots: The Urban Culture

Lianyungang is not merely a coastal tourist city, but also a genuine millennium-old city with a profound cultural heritage that has endured for thousands of years.

This is the birthplace of the Journey to the West culture. During his travels through the Yuntai Mountains, Wu Cheng'en witnessed the peculiar peaks and rocks of Flower-Fruit Mountain and the ever-changing sea of clouds, which sparked his inspiration to write the immortal masterpiece *Journey to the West*. Today, the entire city is imbued with elements of the Journey to the West: the culture of the Monkey King is evident throughout its streets, alleys, scenic spots, and parks. An annual Journey to the West Cultural Festival and folk lantern fair are held, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

This site houses an ancient and mysterious civilization. The General Cliff rock paintings, hailed as the "Heavenly Book of the East," are enigmatic stone carvings left by ancient inhabitants, documenting celestial phenomena, sacrificial rituals, and tribal life, exuding a profound sense of mystery. The Tenghualuo prehistoric city ruins serve as witnesses to the civilization of an ancient Eastern city-state dating back over four thousand years, possessing immense historical value.

Since ancient times, this region has been a hub of transportation and a gathering place for renowned figures. Emperor Qin Shi Huang established the Qin East Gate during his eastern tour here; Xu Fu set sail from this location to cross the sea eastward; Confucius ascended a high vantage point to gaze upon the sea, while literary giants such as Li Bai and Su Shi visited Haizhou, leaving behind countless celebrated poems and essays.

Meanwhile, Lianyungang stands as a convergence point where Huai salt culture, maritime culture, and port culture intertwine. The ancient salt industry flourished here, attracting numerous salt merchants; Yanhe Lane and Haizhou Ancient City preserve the authentic urban landscape of old Haizhou. Coastal fishermen have sustained their livelihoods from the sea for generations, with traditional fishing chants and maritime customs passed down through the ages. As a modern global port, it has cultivated a city characterized by openness, inclusiveness, warmth, and simplicity.

III. Fresh, aromatic, and authentic: Specialty seafood and local street food

Lianyungang's culinary excellence lies in its reliance on the sea: fresh seafood, authentic flavors, and affordable prices—letting you savor the pure essence of the ocean in every bite.

Must-try signature seafood: Yellow Sea swimming crab, known for its plump meat and abundant yellow fat, best enjoyed steamed; Shaguang fish, an autumn-winter delicacy that yields a milky, rich broth full of flavor and nutritional value; a wide selection of small seafood including prawns, clams, razor clams, and scallops, all delicious whether stir-fried, garlic-seasoned, or boiled. The distinctive intangible cultural heritage delicacy Guanyun Dou Dan features a tender texture and rich nutrition, representing a quintessential local specialty.

Local classic snacks include: Small Fish Pancake, a whole-grain pancake paired with river fish, fried dough sticks, and chili peppers—fresh, fragrant, and crispy, becoming more delicious with each bite; Banpu Cold Gelatin, smooth and elastic, enhanced by a secret seasoning blend that stimulates the appetite and satisfies cravings; Huaguoshan Wild Goose, salty and flavorful with firm meat texture, making it an excellent souvenir. Other specialties include seafood noodles, spicy stir-fried small seafood, and Guanyun Big Cake, filling every street and alley with the aroma of everyday life.

IV. Summary of the Overall Urban Character

Lianyungang combines the stability of mountains, the vastness of the sea, the charm of an ancient city, and the prosperity of a major port. With its fresh air, leisurely pace, and simple local customs, it offers visitors the chance to climb high and explore its historical heritage and the culture of the Journey to the West, to stroll along the coast and enjoy the gentle sea breeze, or to savor seafood and experience the vibrant daily life of the local community. It is a coastal port city where visitors never want to leave—perfect for vacations, relaxation, or even permanent residence.