Things To Do
in Hai’an
Hai'an is a county-level city in Jiangsu Province, located northwest of Nantong in the Yangtze River Delta region. It blends flat agricultural plains, networks of canals and levees, and fast-developing small urban centers. The city is known for its rice fields, fisheries, local industry and a strong sense of local culture tied to nearby waterways.
Visitors find a low-key, authentic Jiangsu experience with easy access to larger cities like Nantong and Shanghai for day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Hai’an, where ancient architecture meets modern life. Stroll through the narrow streets, admiring traditional Chinese buildings and quaint shops selling local handicrafts. Stop for a breakfast of steamed buns and soy milk at a small eatery, immersing yourself in the local culture.
After lunch, head to the Hai’an Museum to learn about the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Engage with exhibits that showcase artifacts from the region's past, including pottery and ancient texts. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through the nearby parks, taking in scenic views and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant along the riverbank to savor a dinner of fresh seafood dishes, a local specialty. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, where you can enjoy the illuminated views of the city. Conclude your evening with a visit to a nearby tea house to experience traditional Chinese tea culture.
Begin your day at the bustling Hai’an Morning Market, filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. Engage with local merchants, practice your Mandarin, and sample delicious street food treats like dumplings and sticky rice. The vibrant atmosphere will give you a taste of daily life in Hai’an.
After the market, visit the nearby Confucian Temple, where you can learn about Confucian philosophy and its influence on Chinese culture. Explore the temple grounds, admire the intricate carvings, and participate in a calligraphy workshop to create your own piece of art. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the depth of Chinese traditions.
For dinner, dive into the local culinary scene by trying a hot pot restaurant, where you can cook your own ingredients at the table. Afterward, take a stroll to a nearby square where locals gather to practice tai chi and dance, inviting you to join in their evening activities. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps make some new friends along the way.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (for two) | $15-30 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, low-key Jiangsu-town experience with riverside and agricultural scenery
- Easy access to fresh local seafood and simple, flavorful home cooking
- Less touristy and more affordable than nearby big cities
- Good base for exploring wetlands and nearby Nantong attractions
- Limited English signage and fewer tourist services compared with major cities
- Fewer varied nightlife and cultural attractions than larger urban centers
- Mobile payment dependence can be tricky for short-term international visitors
- Flat landscape — not suitable for mountain hiking or dramatic scenery seekers
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱? (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "请问厕所在哪儿? (qǐng wèn cè suǒ zài nǎr?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Hai’an
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic Jiangsu scenes: narrow canals lined with willow trees, small fishing boats, and reflections at sunrise or sunset.
Good for birdwatching and wide landscape shots; seasonal migratory birds and reed beds create natural compositions.
Vibrant street photography opportunities — vendors, produce, fishermen and early-morning food stalls.
Evening lights, river traffic and local life provide atmospheric night and blue-hour shots.
Food in Hai’an
Hai’an Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Clear, delicate broth made with local river fish — comforting and widely available at family restaurants and seafood stalls.
Must-Try!
A Jiangsu favorite: tender pork belly braised until glossy and slightly sweet; many local eateries serve their own version.
Common breakfast choice; often served with pickles, preserved vegetables and small freshwater fish or shrimp.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small wet markets where vendors sell fresh fish, shrimp, vegetables and tofu; great for sampling quick breakfasts and observing food prep.
Stalls near canals offering grilled or braised river fish, fried snacks and sugar-coated local pastries — best in evenings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people: greet politely, let elders go first and use modest body language.
In smaller towns, loud behavior draws attention. Keep voices moderate and avoid overt displays that might be seen as rude.
Shared dishes are common; use serving chopsticks when provided and do not stick chopsticks upright in bowls. Try a small amount of dishes offered as a courtesy.
Safety
Tipping in Hai’an
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most small-town China; service charges are rare. In restaurants, small change left on the table is polite but not expected; tipping drivers or guides is appreciated for good service.
Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate even in small shops; cash is still accepted but less convenient. International cards are accepted in few places — carry cash or a mobile-payment-capable Chinese bank card / use a tourist mobile-pay solution.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming fields make it a pleasant time for cycling and photography; occasional rain and muddy countryside roads — bring a light rain jacket.
Hot, humid weather with frequent thunderstorms; ideal for enjoying river foods but expect high humidity and mosquitoes in wetland areas. Stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.
Cooler, drier and generally the best time to visit — crisp air, harvest scenery and comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration.
Cold and damp rather than snowy; temperatures can dip but extreme cold is rare. Some outdoor attractions are quieter; dress in layers and be prepared for cloudy skies.
Hai’an at Night
Hiking in Hai’an
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Long, flat walking routes along levees and riverbanks — great for easy hikes, sunrise photography and watching local boat traffic.
Short, accessible trails through reed beds and marsh viewing platforms ideal for birdwatching and gentle nature walks.
Not traditional hiking, but extensive flat rural routes through rice paddies and villages are perfect for long walking or cycling excursions and seasonal agricultural views.
Airports
How to reach Hai’an by plane.
Closest regional airport with domestic connections; reachable by car or coach from Hai'an in roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Good for flights to major Chinese cities.
About 1.5–2.5 hours by car or train depending on route; offers extensive domestic and some international connections. Convenient for travelers combining Hai'an with Shanghai visits.
Major international hub with global connections; travel time from Hai'an is longer than Hongqiao but offers the most flight options. Access via highway or rail links to Shanghai then onward transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, engaged in agriculture, local industry and services.
Significant portion of residents work in rice farming, fisheries and related trades in surrounding countryside.
Younger adults who move between cities in the Yangtze Delta for factory, construction and service jobs; contribute to a mobile, working-age population.
Like many smaller Chinese towns, a higher visible proportion of older people who maintain local traditions and community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched at schools, community courts and amateur leagues — popular among youth and adults.
Common recreational sport with local clubs and community halls; easy for visitors to find casual play.
Water-based activities related to local rivers and aquaculture, practiced by locals and sometimes offered as leisure experiences.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hai’an.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less varied than in major cities; order vegetable and tofu dishes, egg-based dishes (if ovo-vegetarian) and rice or noodle dishes without meat. Use the phrase “我吃素” (wǒ chī sù) and specify no fish: “不要鱼” (bù yào yú).
Vegan dining can be challenging because many broths are meat-based. Ask for vegetable-only dishes and confirm broths are vegetable-based. Carry a translation card to explain strict restrictions.
Dedicated halal restaurants are uncommon; nearby larger cities have halal options. If required, seek out recognized halal eateries in Nantong or bring snacks from the city.