Things To Do
in Huai’an

Seasonal freshwater or river crab prepared simply to highlight sweetness; available at seafood stalls and mid-range restaurants when in season.

Must-Try!

A delicate, slow-braised pork dish typical of Huaiyang technique — tender and lightly seasoned — commonly found in local banquet restaurants.

Small steamed buns and dumplings with finely minced fillings; street stalls and breakfast shops are good places to try these.

Clear, fragrant fish soup made with local freshwater varieties and vegetables; a comforting local staple available at many traditional eateries.

Early-morning wet markets selling fresh produce, live fish and prepared breakfast snacks — great for seeing local ingredients and trying quick bites like steamed buns and soy milk.

Evening street-food stalls near the canal offering skewers, fried snacks and regional desserts — ideal for casual sampling and people-watching.

Show respect to older people in public and when addressing locals; polite greetings and modest behavior are appreciated.

Dress modestly and speak quietly at temples and memorial sites; follow posted rules, remove hats and avoid disruptive behavior.

Shared dishes are common; use communal serving utensils when provided and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (considered bad luck). Toasting and offering to pour drinks for others is polite.

Bargaining is acceptable at street markets and small stalls but not in supermarkets or fixed-price stores; remain polite and smile during negotiations.

Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants and taxis, though small tips are increasingly accepted in higher-end hotels or for exceptional service. In tourist-oriented venues, service charges may be included; tipping is discretionary.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate daily transactions; cash (RMB) and major Chinese bank cards work in many places, but international credit cards are only widely accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and chain stores. Carry some cash for small vendors.

Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring pleasant for walking and wetland birdwatching; occasional rainy days as the monsoon approaches in late spring.

Hot, humid and often rainy — expect high temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms. Ideal for lake excursions early or late in the day, but midday can be sultry.

Crisp, comfortable weather with clear skies — one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities, photography and sampling seasonal produce.

Cool to cold, damp winters with occasional freezing temperatures; fewer tourists and lower prices, but pack layers and rainproof outerwear.

Vegetarian options are available but less common; many vegetable dishes and tofu preparations exist — bring a translated note explaining 'I don’t eat meat' (我不吃肉) and point it out in restaurants.

Vegan dining requires care because many broths contain meat; ask specifically for vegetable-only preparations and avoid dishes that may use lard or fish sauce.

Dedicated halal restaurants are fewer than in larger Chinese cities; Muslim travelers should seek out Muslim eateries or larger hotels that can accommodate halal needs and use an app or local guide to locate certified places.

Rice-based dishes and simple steamed foods are usually safe, but wheat is common (noodles, dumplings, soy sauce). Carry a card that explains gluten intolerance in Chinese when dining out.