Spring Flower Viewing Season: Check in at Qianduo Water Rape Blossoms! A 48-Hour Complete Guide to Xinghua's Attractions and Cuisine

Catching the tail end of spring

As temperatures warm up and everything revives, this special spring is the perfect time for outings and flower viewing!

Every year at this time, peach blossoms blush, willows turn green, and hundreds of flowers bloom. Social media feeds are filled with all kinds of flowers and plants. Rape blossoms are, of course, indispensable! The rape blossoms in Wuyuan (Jiangxi), Luoping (Yunnan), and Hanzhong (Shaanxi) each have their own charm. However, this year my favorite is the Qianduo Water Rape Blossoms in Xinghua, Jiangsu! And they are still in bloom.

Unlike ordinary rape blossoms, the rape blossoms in the Qianduo Scenic Area grow on "duotian" (raised fields). This is the unique Xinghua duotian wonder that has the value of a world natural and cultural heritage.

Complete Guide to Xinghua's Attractions and Cuisine

Upon first arriving in Xinghua, I originally planned to leave after seeing the water rape blossoms. But once I came to Xinghua, I was deeply captivated by this city.

Besides the most popular water rape blossoms of the season, Xinghua also has the trendy Li Zhong Water Forest. In the city center, there are Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence, Jindongmen Old Street, Zhuangyuan Archway, and the Sipailou landmark!

Shi Nai'an, author of one of China's four great classical novels "Water Margin," and Zheng Banqiao, the foremost of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou" (Xinghua was once part of Yangzhou region), both hail from here. Xinghua was historically called Zhaoyang, also known as Chushui; it has profound historical and cultural heritage, a long history, and has produced many talents. From the Xianchun period of the Southern Song to the Guangxu period of the late Qing, 262 people passed the provincial examination, 93 passed the imperial examination, and one became the top scholar (zhuangyuan), a rarity nationwide.

As for Xinghua cuisine, there are authentic morning tea, abundant freshwater delicacies, and diverse delicious snacks. Of course, the most distinctive is the morning tea culture! "In the morning, skin wraps water; in the evening, water wraps skin."

Xinghua morning tea is somewhat similar to Yangzhou morning tea, both featuring Huaiyang small bites. Around 6 a.m., locals start having morning tea. At an ordinary tea house, there are dozens of dim sum items: sweetened shredded dried tofu (tanggan si), savory boiled shredded dried tofu (zhu gan si), crab roe buns, pine nut shaomai, steamed dumplings, three-ingredient buns (san ding bao), and finally a bowl of plain noodles (yangchun mian)! Morning tea can last until 10 a.m.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hangzhou – Xinghua Bishui Dongluo Scenic Area

Day 2: Qianduo Scenic Area – Li Zhong Water Forest Scenic Area

Day 3: Jindongmen Old Street – Zhuangyuan Archway – Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall – Sipailou – Bazi Bridge – Dongyue Temple – Hangzhou

Accommodation: Yunduo B&B (Bishui Dongluo Scenic Area)

Food: Zheng Family Kitchen (morning tea)

TIPS: Notes

Transportation: Self-driving recommended. Currently, Xinghua does not have a high-speed rail connection. You can take a bus from Taizhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, etc., or drive yourself. Moreover, Xinghua has many scenic spots, so self-driving is convenient for visiting multiple attractions.

Qiandao Rape Flowers, Duotian Wonder

Qianduo Scenic Area is located in Qianduo Town, Xinghua City. The natural landform here is called "duo" (raised field). "Duo" is a unique agricultural landscape in the Lixiahe region, formed 750 years ago according to historical records. The scenic area is full of "duotian" surrounded by water on all sides, covered with vast stretches of rape blossoms. Tourists can row small boats on the water,穿梭ing among the various "duotian," as if navigating through an ocean of golden rape blossoms.

Here, waterways are dense and crisscross like paths in a field, and the duotian seem to float on the water, earning it the reputation of "Island Country" and "Venice of China." If you look closely at the bottom of the duotian, you'll see many holes – those are crab holes. Come autumn, the scene will turn to yellow chrysanthemums and plump crabs!

Strolling through the fields, wandering in the golden sea of flowers. Spring is at its best when misty willows fill the city. Under the sunlight, the vast fields of rape blossoms shimmer golden, a spectacular sight.

Boat tours on the water are also a major feature. Imagine yourself drifting among the duotian – it's like touring a landscape painting.

The entire scenic area offers "land, sea, and air" viewing options. Besides boat tours and field walks, you can also climb to high points like observation towers to admire the entire sea of flowers – comparable to drone footage!

In spring, the rape blossoms cover the ground in gold; in autumn, you can savor crab and enjoy chrysanthemums; in winter, reed catkins fly like snow. Every April and May, a Rape Blossom Festival is held here, bustling with activity!

Qianduo Scenic Area Guide:

Address: Dongwang Village, Gangu Township, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transport: Self-driving recommended; you can stay at a B&B in Bishui Dongluo Scenic Area, just a 5-minute drive to Qianduo Scenic Area

Opening Hours: 07:00–17:00

Ticket Price: 50 yuan entrance + 50 yuan boat ticket

Highlights: Water qiandao rape blossoms, duotian wonder

Tips: Bring props like hats and balloons for great photos

Other: Peak season is usually March–May; it's very crowded during this time. It's best to enter the scenic area early in the morning and take the boat as early as possible to avoid long queues.

Forests with water, water with fish, forests with birds

Li Zhong Water Forest Scenic Area is located near Shunsheng Bridge on Xingsha Highway in Qianduo Town, Xinghua City. It is the largest man-made wetland forest ecological reserve in the Lixiahe region. Tourists from home and abroad visit in an endless stream, especially fishing and sketching enthusiasts.

Here, more than 100,000 bald cypress and metasequoia trees are planted, tall and dense. Economic crops like rape and taro are also grown among the trees. Fish and shrimp are raised in the water. Exposed tree roots on the water surface are said to be natural root carvings of great value!

Particularly notable are the many bird species: egrets, black cuckoos, owls, wild ducks, grass parakeets, magpies, etc. At the peak, there are over 60,000 birds in the forest; normally, there are about 30,000. Truly, "forests with water, water with fish, forests with birds"! During midsummer, the trees tower, casting thick shade, thousands of birds flock, gentle breezes blow, and the fragrant plants fill the air – visitors can be enchanted and forget to return.

Must-visit spot: Misty Forest Wonderland! The guide said there are two artificial mist sessions each day, morning and evening, each lasting about 10–20 minutes. After the mist, combined with the blooming February orchids everywhere, it's incredibly beautiful! Especially for women – don't miss the chance for stunning photos.

Another must-visit: "Forest Water Alley"! Looking up, you see a sliver of sunlight; looking into the water, you see a narrow strip of sky. Enjoy a leisurely bamboo raft ride with charm. Put on a life jacket, hop on a wooden raft, and glide across the mirror-like lake, with trees of various shapes passing by on both sides. Quietly enjoy the natural feeling this forest wetland brings you. The metasequoias on both sides of the water alley are like giant green umbrellas, forming a green fairy-tale world, very interesting.

Besides natural resources, there are auxiliary facilities: winding wooden boardwalks, rustic wooden tables and chairs, stone bridges over ripples, and pavilions soaring into the sky. Various structures dot the green trees and clear waters. Attractions include windmills, forest waterside pavilions, Wolong Bridge, flavored tea houses, and Qiao Ting. The park also regularly holds performances such as wild duck releases and cormorant fishing, allowing visitors to truly experience the leisure and delight of "wild ducks sleeping on the shore with idle charm, old trees blooming without ugly branches."

After sightseeing, visitors can also enjoy authentic water town home-style dishes in the park!

Li Zhong Water Forest Scenic Area Guide:

Address: East Shunchuan Road, Lizhong Town, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transport: Self-driving recommended; you can stay at a B&B in Bishui Dongluo Scenic Area, just a 10-minute drive to the scenic area

Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00

Ticket Price: 90 yuan (including bamboo raft)

Highlights: Misty Forest Wonderland, Forest Water Alley

Tips: The artificial mist in Misty Forest Wonderland has specific timings; don't miss it

Other: The metasequoias in the garden look best in the second half of the year when they turn brownish-yellow or green.

First Old Street of Central Jiangsu in Ming and Qing Dynasties – Jindongmen Old Street

Located in the city center, Jindongmen Old Street has a history of over a thousand years and is known as the first old street of central Jiangsu from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was economically prosperous and earned gold by the day, hence the name "Jindongmen" (Golden East Gate). The entire block covers a protected area of 5.33 hectares, with clear and distinct street patterns, centered on the 1200-meter-long east-west East Gate Outer Street.

Xinghua's Jindongmen backs onto the Shangguan River and connects to Longshejin in the east. It took shape in the Tang and Song dynasties and flourished in the Ming and Qing. Historically, commerce and industry thrived, with shops lining the streets. Winding deep alleys and clusters of Ming and Qing buildings reveal the authentic ancient city appearance. The Song and Ming city walls, Ming dynasty Dongyue Temple, Dasima Mansion, Zhuangyuan Archway, Xie Family Ancestral Hall, Qing dynasty Shangchi Zhai Pharmacy, Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence, Zhao Haixian's Western-style Building, and Yang Family Compound are embedded within, reflecting a thousand years of cultural accumulation. It is a historic district in Jiangsu Province.

Century-old Shangchi Zhai Pharmacy

At the bustling entrance of Jindongmen Old Street stands a Ming and Qing style building – the century-old Shangchi Zhai Pharmacy, established during the Kangxi period. This traditional Chinese medicine shop has a long history of famous doctors and medical heritage. Together with Xinghua's "Heshan Tang," "Fusheng Tang," "Zhonghe Tang," and "Dasheng Tang," it is known as the "Four Tangs and One Zhai" of Xinghua.

The "Shuiyin Shangchi" (Drinking Upper Pool Water) section inside Shangchi Zhai is very interesting. "Drink with the water from the upper pool; in thirty days you will know its essence." This is an allusion from Sima Qian's "Biography of Bian Que" in the Records of the Grand Historian, meaning that using pure water from the upper pool to boil Chinese medicine yields the best efficacy. The pharmacy's name "Shangchi Zhai" embodies this meaning. However, the "Shangchi" is now a protected cultural relic and cannot be visited.

Observing the pharmacy more closely, you'll find it still follows the ancient model of "shop in front, workshop in back." That is, the front is the medicinal herb shop, and the back is the workshop for drying and preparing medicines. The pharmacy's style is actually a stone gatehouse, full of gold-lettered plaques, high black lacquer counters, and the nearly 200-square-meter shop floor is paved with imported colored glazed square tiles from the past. The main three counters are decorated with imported blue-and-white glazed square tiles. Everything from the weighing scales (dengzi) to the medicine grinders and pestles is preserved exactly as it was, highlighting the pharmacy's profound cultural heritage.

To the north, Zhuang Yuan Xiang (Zhuangyuan Lane) was where Li Chunfang, the top scholar (zhuangyuan) during the Jiajing period of the Ming dynasty, lived early in life. Local records call this place "the study of Junior Preceptor Li Chunfang of the Ming." The stone archway at the head of Zhuangyuan Lane was built in the 26th year of Jiajing (1547), with a single gate and double pillars.

There is a story about Li Chunfang achieving the top scholar title. Li Chunfang passed the provincial examination at age 21 and studied hard for 15 more years to win the top scholar position. In the 25th year of Jiajing (1546), Li Chunfang went to the capital for the spring exam again. The night before his journey, he slept alone in the Earth God Temple where he studied as a youth. He dreamed of a rabbit rolling on the ground and turning into a deer; he hit it on the head. Upon waking, he felt greatly confident. Later, he returned to his ancestral home in Jurong to pay respects to his ancestors. Staying overnight at a Buddhist temple, he left a poem on the monk's wall: "Year after year I hear the temple bell at the mountain, a lone horse west wind longing for the distant monk. Someday I must leave my jade belt here, inscribing a poem that cannot be veiled by gauze." The next year, Li Chunfang won the top scholar title!

In Xinghua, the most famous person everyone knows is Zheng Banqiao. Xinghua has Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence and Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall. Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence is located at 7-8 Zhengjia Lane, East Outer City, in the downtown area.

Zheng Banqiao was an outstanding historical figure, a main representative of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou," a renowned calligrapher, painter, and writer famous for his three excellences: poetry, calligraphy, and painting. Zheng Banqiao spent his youth here until the first year of Qianlong (1736), when he passed the imperial examination at age 44 and left home.

Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence is very compact. It has two rows with three rooms, plus a gate tower, a small study, and a kitchen. Interestingly, even the small kitchen has couplets written by Zheng Banqiao.

Everyone knows that Zheng Banqiao had a strong preference: "no bamboo, no home." Even with limited living conditions, he never gave up his pursuit of bamboo. He would admire bamboo shadows and paint through window paper. He said, "Whenever I paint bamboo, I have no teacher. I get more from window paper, white walls, sunlight, and moonlight."

Behind the residence is a back garden with piled stones, green bricks and bamboos, stone slabs, and a curved bridge. In Zheng Banqiao's view, although he lived in a friend's house in his old age, being able to see and paint bamboo frequently was enough to "shelter from wind and rain and spend the rest of my life." Hence, he named the small garden "Yonglu Garden" (Embrace Green Garden) and inscribed a plaque: "Liao jie yi zhi qi" (Borrow a branch to perch).

Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence Guide:

Address: 7 Banqiao Road, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transport: Convenient as it's in the downtown area

Opening Hours: 08:30–17:00

Ticket Price: 10 yuan

Highlights: Former residence of Xinghua celebrity

Tips: Staff take a break at noon; avoid visiting during that time

Other: The Zheng Family Kitchen opposite offers good value and tasty food.

Dongyue Temple is a famous Taoist temple, located on East Street in Xinghua city, covering an area of over 800 square meters. It was built in the first year of Zhizheng of the Yuan dynasty (1341), with the first abbot being Jiang Kechang, a direct disciple of Liu Changchun of the Quanzhen sect.

According to folklore, this temple was built by Li Chunfang, the top scholar and prime minister from Xinghua, to fulfill his filial piety. It was constructed according to the layout of the imperial throne hall in the capital at that time, because Li Chunfang's parents regretted never having seen the Forbidden City.

Dongyue Temple Guide:

Address: 13 Pailou East Road, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transport: Take Yizheng Bus Route 10 to "Huaqiao Xincun" stop, then walk east along Qianjin East Road

Opening Hours: 09:00–16:00

Ticket Price: 10 yuan

Highlights: Though it's a temple, it's grand and magnificent.

Landmarks: Sipailou, Bazi Bridge

Xinghua has a long history and a gathering of talents. Sipailou is located in the center of Xinghua's old city. It was called "Sicuan Fang" in the Ming dynasty and Sipailou after the Qing. Under the eaves hang 47 plaques honoring famous figures from the Song dynasty to the early Republic of China, celebrating officials, honest bureaucrats, scholars, and filial sons. Among them are three prime ministers from Xinghua in the Ming dynasty – Gao Gu, Li Chunfang, and Wu Shen – as well as the famous writer, aesthetician, calligrapher, and painter Zong Chen, Liu Xizai, Zheng Banqiao, and others.

Besides the 47 plaques we see today, there were originally two more hung when it was first built: "Guochao Shengge" and "Huaihai Renwen." These two plaques still existed during the renovation in the 23rd year of Kangxi (1684). According to speculation, they were removed during the reconstruction in the 3rd year of Jiaqing (1853).

The 47 plaques of Xinghua's Sipailou have been famous for centuries. The 42 plaques that were destroyed have been rewritten by 40 nationally renowned calligraphers at the invitation of the Xinghua Municipal Political Consultative Conference, based on the content recorded in the county annals. A stele inscribed with "Record of the Reconstruction of Sipailou" is embedded in the surrounding wall. The calligraphic art value of the Sipailou plaques has been unprecedentedly enhanced. Today's Sipailou is not only a cultural relic reflecting Xinghua's history and culture but also a treasure of contemporary Chinese calligraphic art.

To the east of Sipailou is Bazi Bridge. According to historical records, Bazi Bridge was first built in the 2nd year of Chenghua of the Ming dynasty (1466), nearly 540 years ago. It is a single-arch granite bridge at the intersection of East Inner City Street and North Inner City Street, spanning the north-south flowing North Market River. According to the gazetteer: "Also called Dengying, the water from the east turns north here. Zhonghe and Yongfu bridges span it, uneven like the character 'ba,' hence called Bazi Bridge."

Sipailou & Bazi Bridge Guide:

Address: 73 Pailou Middle Road, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transport: Convenient as it's in the downtown area

Ticket Price: Free

Highlights: Landmark buildings

Tips: The night view is even more beautiful.

The Extraordinary Xinghua City Museum

Xinghua City Museum is well worth a visit! It is a combination of several attractions, including Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall, Shi Nai'an Memorial Hall, Fan Zhongyan Memorial Hall, Li Garden, and Xinghua County Office.

Moreover, unlike ordinary museums, it resembles a garden. It is a three-story antique building with white walls, black tiles, and horsehead walls, exuding classic charm. Inside, corridors connect, flowers are fragrant, bamboo and trees are lush, elevated walkways are in the sky, and there is a small bridge with flowing water, sculptures, and murals.

Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall

We already mentioned Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence; now let's talk about the Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall. The memorial hall has a collection of 1,181 items, including 33 original calligraphy and paintings by Zheng Banqiao, 348 works by Jin Nong, Min Zhen, Zheng Luan, Liu Xizai, and others, and 833 calligraphy and paintings created by contemporary celebrities in memory of Zheng Banqiao and Shi Nai'an. The basic exhibition is "Zheng Banqiao's Life and Artistic Achievements." Exhibits include the Zhaoyang Zheng family genealogy, relics of Banqiao, seven editions of the Collected Works of Zheng Banqiao, reproductions and photos of Banqiao's ink works, relevant research, materials, scripts, gold and stone works, and legends.

Here we must mention Zheng Banqiao's famous saying "Nande Hutu" (Hard to Be Foolish), meaning it's rare to pretend to be ignorant when appropriate. This motto, derived from his official career and life path during the Qianlong period, contains profound philosophy. Many later generations hang it as a banner or plaque at home to remind themselves.

In the 16th year of Qianlong (1751), Zheng Banqiao was invited by the magistrate of Juzhou to visit Juzhou. When he arrived at Xishan Wang in Qibei Qishan, he was feasted by a local squire Wang. Squire Wang had long heard of Banqiao's fame and wanted his calligraphy. He entertained Banqiao with a local dish called "Hutu Cai" (Muddled Dish). Hutu Cai is made by wrapping chicken, fish, and meat in flour paste and frying them over low heat until golden. Zheng Banqiao praised the dish and asked its name. The squire replied, "We call it Hutu Cai locally." Seeing Banqiao in high spirits, the squire asked him to write an inscription. Banqiao, aware of the squire's intention, happily wrote down four characters: Nande Hutu. Thus, the saying spread.

Shi Nai'an Memorial Hall

Shi Nai'an (c. 1296–1370) was from Xinghua, Jiangsu, born in Xinghua Baijuchang (now Baiju Town, Dafeng District, Yancheng City). His original name was Yan Duan, courtesy name Zhao Rui, style name Zi'an, and alias Nai'an. His representative work is "Water Margin." This memorial hall is relatively small, mainly commemorating the literary giant and promoting Water Margin culture.

Li Garden Boat Hall, built during the Xianfeng period of the Qing dynasty, has a unique structure and exquisite carvings. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. It was once part of the private garden of Li Xiaobo, a wealthy merchant from Yangzhou.

The entire building resembles a large ship, with the bow facing west and the stern facing east. On the south side of the boat hall, there is a long step-like edge resembling a gangplank, flanked by corridors. The hall has a round roof with black tiles, delicate and exquisite. Outside the bow, there is a flower bed, and the entwined wisteria trunk looks like a mooring line tied to the shore. The entire boat hall seems like an elegantly decorated large ship floating among flowers and trees.

It is said that this design was due to feng shui. Moreover, some of the wood carvings in the boat hall are originals and priceless!

Xinghua County Office – Fan Zhongyan Memorial Hall

Xinghua County Office was first built during the Chunhua period of the Northern Song dynasty. During the Tiansheng period of the Northern Song, Fan Zhongyan served in Xinghua, building sea dikes, establishing schools, and developing the city, practicing his lifelong ambition of "being the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures." In 2009, Xinghua city relocated and rebuilt the Song county office, following the principle of "repairing the old as old," reconstructing the main gate, watchtower, ceremonial gate, main hall, side corridors, and the Plum Ridge and Plum Pavilion built by Fan Zhongyan. Fan Zhongyan Memorial Hall was established in the side corridors.

Fan Zhongyan (989–1052), courtesy name Xiwen, was a famous official, politician, and writer of the Northern Song dynasty, a native of Wu County (now in Jiangsu). His lines in "Record of Yueyang Tower" – "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures" – are eternal verses and a reflection of his lifelong patriotism.

Xinghua City Museum Guide:

Address: 2 Fuqian Road, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transport: Convenient as it's in the downtown area

Opening Hours: Daytime

Ticket Price: 20 yuan

Highlights: Contains multiple cultural attractions

Accommodation: Bishui Dongluo

To see rape blossoms and stay at a B&B, visit the characteristic rural village of Dongluo. The B&B I stayed at is Yunduo B&B in Bishui Dongluo Scenic Area, Dongluo Village. It's a 5-minute drive to Qianduo Scenic Area and a 10-minute drive to Li Zhong Water Forest Scenic Area. Also, the B&B's location, Bishui Dongluo, is itself a scenic area.

Dongluo Village is one of the pilot characteristic rural villages, with unique geography surrounded by two rivers and two lakes, offering beautiful scenery.

Located in the hinterland of Lixiahe, within the Bishui Dongluo Rural Tourism Resort in Qianduo Town. It has 10 detached villas surrounding Pingwang Lake. I heard it was built by Vanke and includes a grand auditorium, a village canteen, and a service center. Each room in the B&B has a large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Pingwang Lake and the rape blossoms – absolutely stunning!

Special tip: During peak rape blossom season, it's advisable to book the B&B half a month in advance. The lake-view rooms with rape blossoms are really in high demand!

Food: Recommendation for Morning Tea

As a land of fish and rice, Xinghua boasts many specialty dishes. The "Xinghua Longxiang Taro" grown on duotian has been featured on "A Bite of China." Xinghua hairy crabs, smoked meats, Shagou fish balls, and freshwater delicacies are all traditional foods. There's a popular saying here: "In the morning, skin wraps water; in the evening, water wraps skin."

Recommended restaurants: Zheng Family Kitchen opposite Zheng Banqiao's Former Residence, Water Village opposite Li Zhong Water Forest, the Village Canteen at Bishui Dongluo, as well as Qingfeng Tea House and Gongjiji Private Kitchen.

It's somewhat similar to Yangzhou morning tea, both featuring Huaiyang small bites. Starting around 6 a.m., tea houses begin serving. Popular local spots even have queues starting at 7 a.m. Morning snacks are not just simple buns and steamed bread; there are twenty to thirty types of dim sum. Not to mention various hearty dishes like meatball and egg vermicelli.

Let's talk about the uniqueness of Xinghua's morning tea culture. There is boiled shredded dried tofu (zhu gan si, savory), but each table and each person will order a dish called sweetened shredded dried tofu (tang gan si). Locals call it "cha tou," meaning the start of morning tea. If you have a good appetite, after finishing the tea head and dim sum, you can also have a bowl of plain noodles (yangchun mian)!

This is the sweet shredded dried tofu (tang gan si), sweet and very appetizing. Everyone orders one serving.

Crab roe buns are huge. Rice cakes, shaomai, and steamed dumplings are also very large.

Meatball with egg and vermicelli (yingcai) – a hearty dish. Locals usually order this only when entertaining friends and family from afar; not a typical everyday order.

For main meals, there are also many signature dishes, all delicious! For example, the famous Shagou fish balls, taro braised pork, crab roe tofu, river delicacies, and other water town specialties. Xinghua hairy crabs are also very famous; Xinghua is known as "China's first county for river crab farming." Longxiang taro became even more popular after being featured on "A Bite of China"; it's recommended to try. Smoked meat (xunsao) – I didn't try it this time, but I heard it's delicious. Shagou fish balls have a long history and have been a delicacy for honored guests since ancient times. Xinghua freshwater delicacies – after all, it's a land of fish and rice with water everywhere, so freshwater delicacies are naturally excellent. Perhaps the people of Xinghua believe that good food should not be let down.

Xinghua is a city worth visiting! And prices are very down-to-earth.

March–May: Qianduo Rape Blossom Tourism Festival

July–August: Lotus Culture Tourism Festival

September–October: Crab Tasting and Chrysanthemum Appreciation Tourism Season

Every two years: Zheng Banqiao Art Festival, Shi Nai'an Literature Festival.

Just as Xinghua promotes itself: "Water nourishes Xinghua, poetic and picturesque."