City guide: Lianyungang

CONTENT

1. General introduction…………………………

In the famous Chinese classical novel Journey to the West (also known as Pilgrim to

the West), there is a mountain city, not far from the sea, embraced by mist and clouds.

This mysterious city of the story is said to be Lianyungang today, the 'hometown' of the

Monkey King, the hero of the novel. Known as the 'City of Fantasy and Romance',

Lianyungang is a pearl in the center of China's long coastal region.

Location & population

Located in the northeast part of Jiangsu Province, Lianyungang faces to Korean

Peninsula and Japan to the east over the Huanghai Sea (Yellow Sea), neighboring

Xuzhou City to the west, and Shandong Province to the north. It has quite an important

geographical location because it lies between the mountains and the sea, covering an

area of about 7,444 square kilometers (2,874 square miles) on land and 1,795 square

kilometers (693 square miles) on sea. Currently, the city governs three districts (Xinpu,

Lianyun and Haizhou) and four counties (Ganyu, Donghai, Guanyun and Guannan).

The city's government is located in the Xinpu District, which is also the economic,

cultural and tourism center of Lianyungang. The national-level Lianyungang Economic

and Technological Development Zone located in the city's east part is also one of the

local highlights from 1980's. Now, it has absorbs a great number of investors from over

35 countries and regions.

Lianyungang has a population of 4.72 million and a total area of 7,444 square kilometers,

including the water surface area of 1,760 square kilometers.

Climate

Lianyungang has an oceanic monsoon climate and distinct four seasons. It has annual

average sun-light over 100 days and 220 days for frost-free period. The recorded lowest

temperature was -10°C in January and the highest was 36°C in summer. Its average

rainfall is 930 mm.

Owing to its location, Lianyungang has a warm, humid climate that is neither too hot

nor too cold at any time throughout the year. Known for its pleasant climate and with

a variety of natural scenery, this is a great place for tourism all year round. In the spring,

the flowers are in full bloom all over the mountains around the city. In summer, the

sunny beach, with lots of activities and festivals, is the best place for a holiday. Autumn

is the best time for hiking in the mountains, and in winter the natural hot springs

completely dispel the cold.

Economy & industry

Traditionally, Lianyungang was considered as a farming land and its fertile soil and

moderate rainfall make the city one of Jiangsu’s richest agricultural areas. The

agricultural products principally include rice, vegetable, poultry and fish. The city is

now investing more money in boosting its green agriculture, organic food and tree

plantation. The agricultural income occupied a major portion of the city’s economy

in the past but has been shrinking remarkably over years, while the city is heading to

industrialization.

The heavy investment in the Lianyungang has intensified the city’s rapid economic

expansion. New industrial sectors include pharmaceutics, new material and new energy.

The city earns its national reputation as the largest pharmaceutical manufactures for

anti-cancer and anti-hepatitis drugs. More international corporations are setting up

their offices here.

Lianyungang Port is the major advantage for the city. The port is sea-oriented, providing

an excellent access to transport goods and bulk materials between the hinterland and

overseas. As its excellent location for transit point, which offers the shortest distance in

connection with the east and west coasts of Pacific Ocean, the port has been listed by

the national and provincial governments as a prestigious international seaport linking

Pacific countries, including Japan and South Korea.

Today, new developmental zones, including Lianyungang Economic and Technological

Development Zone, have been approved by three levels of governments to speed up

the city’s development. The city is enjoying its rapid growth in economy and investment.

Economic growth and environmental conservation always seems like two different

approaches. Many investment projects in the city have become significant in environment

contamination. The local government has been putting stiff environmental policies into

practice and has spent significant funds over years to protect its ecosystem.

2. Transportation………………………………

As the eastern end of New Eurasia Continental Bridge, Lianyungang works as quite a

crucial communication hub. It is one of the 45 main road transportation hubs in the

country. Three national highways, No.204 National Highway, No.310 National Highway

and No. 327 National Highway, pass through the city. Seven provincial highways

crisscross the city and radiate in all directions. Owing to the developed road construction,

getting to the city by road is a breeze.

Air

Airport Code: LYG

Location: Lianyungang Airport, also the Baitabu Airport, is situated 25 kilometers

(15.5 miles) to the west of downtown.

Brief Intro:

Lianyungang Airport was originally a military airfield. The first civil airline was opened

in 1985. The airport is not a large one with an area of 5 square kilometers (1235.5 acres),

having a 2500 meters (1.6 miles) long and 50 meters (54.7 yards) wide runway as well

as a 20,400 square meters (5 acres) apron. The Terminal Building covers an area of

3500 square meters (0.9 acres) and can handle a throughout of 300 persons per hour.

In the Terminal Building a check-in service and facilities for dining, shopping, break and

corresponding are all available. Flights here are available to and from Guangzhou,

Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Hangzhou, Shenyang, Xiamen, Nanjing, Dalian and Hong Kong.

Airport Transportation:

1) From the Airport to Downtown Area

Shuttle Routes: Airport - CAAC Ticket Office - Suxin Fast Passenger Transport Station

Departure Times: The first bus leaves after the first flight arrives, and the last one leaves

after the last flight arrives. Shuttle buses run according to the scheduled flights every day.

Stops: CAAC Ticket Office, Hualian, Suxin Fast Passenger Transport Station

Fare: CNY20 per person

2) From Downtown Area to the Airport

Shuttle Route: Yuntai Hotel - CAAC Ticket Office - Airport

Fare: CNY20 per person

Stops: Suxin Fast Passenger Transport Station; Hualian (No.1, Hailian Road (East));

Yuntai Hotel (No.27, Cangwu Road); Cangwu Housing Compounds; CAAC Ticket Office

Monday: 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:30, 16:00, 19:30

Tuesday: 10:50, 13:30, 14:00, 16:00, 19:00, 19:30

Wednesday: 09:30, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00, 19:30

Thursday: 10:50, 13:30, 16:00, 19:00, 19:30

Friday: 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:30, 14:00, 16:00, 19:30

Saturday: 10:50, 13:30, 16:00, 19:00, 19:30

Sunday: 09:30, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00, 19:30

3) No.4 City-bus Routes: Railway StationBus Company - Haizhou Hospital - Haizhou

Middle School - Xi Shan - Airport

Operating time: 06:00-18:30 at an interval of 10 minutes

Ticket fare: CNY3 for a whole journey

Railway

There are two main railway stations in the city for passenger transportation:

Lianyungang Railway Station is located in the downtown area. Trains here are mainly

to and from the major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Urumqi, Nanjing,

Taiyuan and Guangzhou. Generally, it takes 11 hours from the Railway Station to

Shanghai and also 11 hours to Nanjing.

Address: Renmin Road (West)

Buses: Nos.1, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 19, 21, 22, 27

Lianyungang East Railway Station lies near the port. Trains here mainly head for

cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Taiyuan and Xian. The trip from the East

Railway Station to Shanghai usually takes 11-12 hours as does the trip to Nanjing.

Tip:

If you are going to travel to or from the downtown area, you can use the Lianyungang

Railway Station; if you would like to go to the beach, East Railway Station would be

the better choice.

Ticket Office in the City: Shanghai Hotel, No.62, Tongguan Road (North)

Long-distance Bus

Long-distance bus leads to all directions in Lianyungang. Three main long-distance

bus stations in the urban area, Xinpu General Bus Station, Suxin Fast Passenger

Transport Station and Jie'an Fast Passenger Transport Station, handle most of the

passenger traffic.

Xinpu General Bus Station

Xinpu General Bus Station is 200 meters (218.7 yards) to the east of Lianyungang

Railway Station. It mainly operates interprovincial buses to cities like Beijing, Shanghai,

Tianjin, Hangzhou and others in Zhejiang, Shandong and Guangdong Provinces.

Address: No.19, Renmin Road

Buses: Nos.1, 15

Suxin Fast Passenger Transport Station

Suxin Fast Passenger Transport Station is situated 500 meters (546.8 yards) south of

the Longhe Square in downtown Lianyungang. Buses here are mainly heading for

cities in south China such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou and cities within Jiangsu

Province such as Wuxi, Yangzhou and Suzhou. Here are some of the details just for

your reference:

To Nanjing: 06:00, 07:10, 07:40, 08:00, 08:20, 09:00, 09:20, 10:00, 10:40, 11:20 12:00,

12:20, 13:00, 13:15, 13:20, 13:30, 13:45, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:15, 16:40,

17:20, 18:30

To Wuxi: 06:10, 07:50, 09:00, 11:20, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30

To Yangzhou: 06:40, 07:30, 08:00, 08:40, 12:40, 13:20, 14:00, 14:30

To Suzhou: 07:30, 08:30, 14:30

To Zhenjiang: 07:10, 13:15

Address: No.26, Yingzhou Road

Buses: Nos.2, 5, 6, 10, 8

Jie'an Fast Passenger Transport Station

Jie'an Fast Passenger Transport Station lies in Jiefang Road (East). Buses here mainly

go to Nanjing, Yangzhou and other counties within Lianyungang (including Donghai

County).

3. Education & Health care………………

International Schools

Lianyungang Foreign Language School

Lianyungang Foreign Language School( founded in 2000)is a public high school

which is under the City Bureau of Education.  In 2007, Lianyungang Foreign

Language School merged with the Middle School Attached to  Lianyungang

Normal Training College; therefore, the present Lianyungang Foreign Language

School was established.

Lianyungang Foreign Language School has its own features of characteristic foreign

language teaching. It is a "National Foreign Language Experimental School" and

"National Advanced School of Foreign Language Teaching and Research". We are

recognized as "Demonstration Base of UEI Patterns of English Education" by No. 2

Beijing International Studies University and the Australian International Curriculum

Research Center. At the same time, our school is one of the first group of "Chinese

Education Base of Jiangsu" and "International Chinese Promotion Base of Jiangsu

Province", which were named by Provincial Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs and

Jiangsu Government and Department of Education of Jiangsu Province. It is also the

only one which has served the class of rare foreign languages, including Japanese,

Korean and German, etc. in Lianyungang City. "VCE International Education Project"

cooperatively opened by our school and Australia has obtained periodical achievements

which marks the formal settlement of international high school education in

Lianyungang city. Both Dance "Swan" and Textbook Drama "Precious Textbooks"

have won the provincial first prize in the Fourth Primary and Secondary School Art

Show in Jiangsu, China which fully manifested our art and sports characteristics.

"Curriculum Base of International Languages in Senior High School" and "Art

Course Base in Junior High School" reported by our school have become one of

the first elementary education curriculum bases.

Hospitals

The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang

The First people’s hospital of Lianyungang was established in October 1951, with

only 15 workers and 15 beds initially. After hard efforts of several generations, it has

now developed into the largest Grade III Class A general hospital in the east Xuzhou-

Huaihai area, combining treatment, teaching, researching, prevention, health care,

rehabilitation and emergency service into one. Presently, with a total value of 950

million RMB, the hospital has 1,700 staff members, 42 clinical and medical technology

sections, 11 medical treatment centers, 3 municipal researching departments and

laboratories, 35 infected patches, and 1,800 beds. The hospital covers an area of

145,000 square meters, benefiting a population of over 7 millions. The annual

amount of its diagnosis and treatment is 1.1 million individuals, and that of

discharging individuals is 50,000.

4. Recreation……………………………………

Shopping

Shopping in Lianyungang is a different experience from other inland Chinese cities.

Local products here are full of the character of a coastal city as well as being

products of nature.

What to Buy 

Crystal 

With the largest reserves of crystal in China, Donghai County, Lianyungang has the

reputation of 'County of Crystal'. Crystal here comes in various colors - yellow, pink,

violet and light brown as well as intriguing textures such as water droplets, hairs or

plants. Crystal is made into products such as crystal ware, crystal jewelry, crystal

sculptures and so on. These pure clear crystal products make a great choice purchase

when shopping in Lianyungang. 

Picture in Carved Shells (Scrimshaw) 

Due to its coastal position, shell is very common in Lianyungang. After polishing and

working, the colorful shells with diversified natural shapes and textures become

exquisite artistic works. The subject matter is usually based on natural scenes, portraits,

animals and plants. With a unique luster and bright, varying color, carved shell pictures

of Lianyungang boast high artistic and appreciative value.

Yunwu Tea 

Yunwu Tea of Yuntai Mountain is another famous local product of Lianyungang.

Owing to its mellow taste, clear color and delicate fragrance, it is claimed to be one

of the four famous teas south of the Yangtze River. 

Wickerwork

The wickerwork of Lianyungang is also well-known. There are many types of wickerwork

including fruit baskets, pet baskets, present baskets and so on. Some dried marine

products also are a good choice, such as laver (seaweed) and dried shrimps.

Where to Buy 

China Donghai Crystal Market 

This is the largest market for crystal products in China. Various crystal products are

available here including crystal handicrafts, crystal jewelry, crystal commodities and

crystal religious objects. 

Address: No.110, Gangtie Road, Niushan Town, Donghai County 

Longhai Pedestrian Street 

Situated in the city center, Longhai Pedestrian Street is a good place for shopping.

Many shops for clothes, shoes, commodities and so on, stand close to each other.

There are restaurants here too.  

Department Stores: 

Wenfeng Great World 

Various goods including clothing, shoes, cosmetic etc. of famous domestic and

international brands are available in Wenfeng Great World. 

Address: No.118, Tongguan Road (North), Xinpu District 

Lianyungang Shopping 

Clothes, jewelry, food, cosmetics and electrical appliances all can be found here. 

Address: Jiefang Road (Middle), Xinpu District 

Times Extra (supermarket) 

Address: No.39, Tongguan Road (North), Xinpu District 

Nightlife

Although it has not yet reached the same standard as what is available in the larger

cities of Beijing or Shanghai, there are still some options available: a few of bars, cafés

and teahouses are known to provide some entertainment.

Bars

New Scarlet Music Bar

Music of various styles is frequently available in this well-decorated bar. 

Average cost per person: CNY 60~100

Opening hours: 20:00~02:00 the next day

Address: Wanrun Commercial Street, Xinpu District

Bus Routes: No bus service is available at night. Taxis are the only available

form of public transport.

POP

It is claimed to have the most modern decoration and equipment in Lianyungang. 

Average cost per person: CNY 20~40

Opening hours: 19:30~02:00 the next day

Address: to the east of Zhenxing Building, Hailian Road (East)

SOS Storm Bar

One of the most famous chain bars in China. Music here is mainly in electric and R&B. 

Average cost per person: CNY 40~60

Opening hours: 20:00~01:30 the next day

Address: Shihua Road

Cafés

UBC Coffee 

Average cost per person: CNY 50~60

Address: 1st Floor of Wanhao Hotel, Xugou

Dio Coffee

Address: No.36, Haitang Road (Middle), Xugou

Teahouses

Xizi Chalou (Xizi Teahouse)

Small bridge, running waters, and bamboos form leisurely natural scenery.

It is a good place for private conservations or business negotiations.

Average cost per person: CNY 55

Address: 2nd Floor of Nvren Fenghuang Guangchang (Female Phoenix Plaza),

Nanji Road (North)

Cuisine

As a coastal city in Jiangsu Province, Lianyungang is famous for its delicate Huaiyang

cuisine and the abundant fresh seafood. Huaiyang cuisine is a genre of Chinese

traditional cuisine which prefers a light taste, revealing the ingredients' true flavor,

especially that of seafood. Therefore in Lianyungang, the most enjoyable thing to

do is to sample authentic famous local dishes in the elegant restaurants along the

beach as well as the delicious seafood in the streets of the city.

Haitang Road Food Street—the most popular place for tourists to enjoy local seafood

Located in Xugou of Lianyun District, Haitang Road Food Street is one of the renowned

large food streets of Lianyungang City. There are over 70 restaurants serving a variety

of seafood dishes with a fresh taste to satisfy your appetite at a favorable price. 

Tips: Seafood here is sold according to weight. You can try to bargain the price down.

 Recommended Restaurants

Jiangnan Ju 

This is one of the famous old restaurants near the seaside. Dishes here are mainly in

Zhejiang and Jiangsu style and the price is very favorable.

Average cost per person: CNY 50

Recommended dishes: Quanshui Yu (Sliced Fish in Hot Chilli Sauce)

Address: No.88, Haitang Road, Xugou

Bayi Cantin (Bayi Restaurant)

This is a medium sized local restaurant famous for its Spicy Crayfish. Sichuan Cuisine

is served here. 

Average cost per person: CNY 30~40

Recommended dishes: Spicy Crayfish

Address: Haichang Road

Maojia Cai

Dishes in Hunan style are served in a simple environment. 

Average cost per person: CNY 30

Recommended dishes: Stewed Pork with Brown Sauce; 

Address: Tongguan Road (South), Xinpu District

Hanzhongge 

Korean food served in a comfortable environment.

Average cost per person: CNY 40~50

Recommended dishes: Rice in Stone Pot; Roasted Beef

Address: No.211-214, Building No.4, Dong Street of Xinpu Pedestrian

Xiaowu Liangpi (Wu's Cold Rice Noodle)

Although this restaurant is small, it has many branches in downtown area thanks for

its tasty cold rice noodle.

Average cost per person: CNY5

Recommendations: Cold Rice Noodle

Address: Hailian Road, Xinpu District

Western Restaurant

Jiulong International Hotel 

The restaurant in Jiulong International Hotel serves various western foods.

Average cost per person: CNY 100~150

Address: No.11, Jiefang Road (Middle), Xinpu District

Bus Route: 3

UBC Coffee

Average cost per person: CNY 30~50

Address: No.96, Nanji Road (North), Xinpu District

Bus Routes: 8

 Others

Hanguo Shao Kao (Korean BBQ)

Most of locals prefer to have leisurely dinner in this well-decorated restaurant. If you

would love to try the Korean BBQ in Lianyungang, please don't miss it!

Average cost per person: CNY50

Recommendations: streaky pork 

Address: Haichang Road, Xinpu District

Shanghai Laochenghuang Temple Snack Street

This restaurant is very popular in local who prefer the delicate Shanghai snacks,

such as the fragrant fried dumpling.

Average cost per person: CNY15

Address: located in the NGS Supermarket, Hailian Road (West), Xinpu District

Attractions

With a reputation as the 'City of Fantasy and Romance', the charming beaches and

nature-blessed resorts of Lianyungang attract tourists from many other cities.

Flowers and Fruits Mountain (Huangguoshan)

The name of Huaguoshan means a place rich in flowers and fruits. It is a famous

scenic spot vividly depicted in the story of Journey to the West, which is usually

known as Monkey King to westerners. It is about seven kilometers (about four miles)

away from urban Lianyunguang City. Having an altitude of 625 meters (about 0.4 miles),

it is the highest mountain of the Yuntai Mountain Range. There are more than 100

scenic spots in the Huaguoshan Scenic Spot, most of which are connected with the

story of Monkey King. Visitors will have the feeling of being in Heaven when they

travel here.

About the Book Journey to the West

Usually known to the western readers as Monkey King or the TV Serial Monkey,

the book Journey to the West is one of the four most famous literary books in

Chinese history. It is based upon a true story about a monk called Xuan Zang set

in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), who went on foot to today's India to seek for sutra,

the holy book of Buddhism, eventually arriving after years of trials and tribulations.

In the story, Monkey King is one of Xuan Zang's four apprentices. He has vast magic

powers and is quite wise. With his help, they undergo 81 dangers before finally

getting the sutra.

Admission Fee:CNY 100

Bus Route:Take tourism bus line 1, line 2 or B11 to get off at 

Huaguoshanjingqu Station.

In the tale, Monkey King is born out of rock in Huaguoshan, and later he chooses

the Water Curtain Cave as his home. In China, Monkey King is the symbol of wisdom,

braveness, and faithfulness.