How to get to Huaian

If you are planning to travel to Huaian, you can look forward to exploring a significant historical and cultural centre in the east of China, located in the picturesque Jiangsu province. This city is renowned for its heritage linked to the Grand Canal and its unique cuisine, which attracts gourmets from all over the world. When deciding how to reach Huaian, travellers can take advantage of the region's developed transport network: it is easily accessible by plane, high-speed train, bus, or car.

For travellers who value their time, the optimal choice is a direct flight to Huaian Lianshui Airport (HIA). This modern aviation hub serves over 1.5 million passengers annually, connecting the region with the country's key metropolises. The terminal is situated at a reasonable distance from the city limits, allowing you to reach the centre quickly and comfortably immediately after landing.

If convenient direct flights are not available, it is worth considering routes through neighbouring transport hubs. The closest airports are located in the cities of Yancheng and Lianyungang, at a distance of approximately 100–120 kilometres. Another good alternative would be flying into Yangzhou, from where excellent transport connections to your final destination are also established.

Rail travel is one of the most comfortable and fastest ways to reach your destination. Thanks to the active development of the transport network, the city is now firmly connected to major metropolises across the country by high-speed railway lines.

Tourists arrive at the modern Huai'an East Station, which is specially equipped to handle high-speed trains. This spacious and convenient terminal allows passengers to avoid long transfers and enjoy a high level of service. Travelling by rail also offers the opportunity to admire the scenic landscapes from the window during your journey.

Bus services in Jiangsu province are noted for their punctuality and comfort, making them an excellent alternative to trains for short-distance trips. The route from neighbouring Yancheng will take just about one and a half hours, during which the bus covers approximately 110 kilometres. A similar amount of time is required for the journey from the port city of Lianyungang, located a hundred kilometres to the north: modern express buses run here with impressive regularity.

Another convenient option is travelling from historic Yangzhou, from where numerous services depart throughout the day. The journey, spanning about 150 kilometres, takes approximately two hours and follows high-quality expressways. Arrivals usually take place at central bus stations, from where it is easy to reach any point in the city by taxi or public transport.

Travelling by car along the high-quality expressways of Jiangsu province offers a sense of freedom and comfort. The drive from neighbouring Yancheng will take about one and a half hours to cover approximately 115 kilometres. The same amount of time will be needed for the journey from the port of Lianyungang, located 110 kilometres to the north, allowing for easy route planning while enjoying the flat landscapes outside the window.

A longer journey awaits those coming from picturesque Yangzhou: the distance of 160 kilometres can be covered in an average of two hours. Intercity taxi services in this region are well-developed, though they will cost more than public transport—transfer costs often vary from 400 to 600 CNY. This option is ideal for tourists with heavy luggage or those who prefer to travel directly to their hotel without transfers.

Preparing for a trip to Huaian requires attention to details specific to travel within mainland China. This city, known for its rich history and unique culinary school, operates by its own rules; knowing them will make your visit much more comfortable and stress-free.

• Digital Environment and Connectivity. Be prepared that familiar Western messengers, search engines, and maps are blocked here. It is best to resolve internet access issues before departure: install a reliable VPN or arrange an e-SIM. Be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone capable of recognizing text via the camera and translating speech—English is not widely spoken in Huaian.
• Financial Matters. Bank cards from international systems like Visa and Mastercard are rarely accepted, mostly only in five-star hotels. Cash is also gradually going out of circulation. The most convenient payment method is to link your card to the Alipay or WeChat Pay systems. This will allow you to pay everywhere: from small street food stalls to taxis and supermarkets.
• Transport and Navigation. To get around the city, it is most convenient to use taxis or ride-hailing apps (for example, DiDi, which is often built into Alipay). It is important to always have the name of your hotel and desired attractions written in Chinese characters. Showing the driver the address on your phone screen is much more reliable than trying to pronounce it aloud.
• Culinary Nuances. Huaian is the home of Huaiyang cuisine, one of the country's four great culinary traditions. Dishes here are not spicy; they often have a subtle sweet note and are distinguished by complex cutting techniques. Please note restaurant operating hours: many establishments close their kitchens quite early, around 20:30–21:00, so it is better to have dinner in advance.
• Water and Safety. Tap water is not suitable for drinking without boiling. Hotel rooms always provide kettles and bottled water, and public places (train stations, airports) have dispensers with free hot water. Carrying your own thermos or reusable bottle is a useful habit in this region.

Following these simple recommendations will allow you to easily adapt to the local rhythm of life and focus on the main experience—discovering the culture of the Grand Canal and tasting the famous local dishes.