The port of Qingjiangpu was opened in 1415. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has been a famous and prosperous transportation hub, grain storage area and commercial city along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Up until now, the place has had a history of over 600 years. It is hailed as “South Boats North Horses” (meaning very important for transportation), “World’s Granary”, etc.
Qingjiangpu Building:
Qingjiangpu Building was built in 1729. During the Qing Dynasty, Qingjiangpu Building stood on the bank of the Li Canal and was positioned as a direction marker for ships coming from the south to the north. China’s founding Premier Zhou Enlai recalled his childhood and said, “When I was young, I used to climb on this building to view landscapes of the canal and enjoy the breeze and clouds.” In 2003, the government invited experts to rebuild a new Qingjiangpu Building in accordance with the original one and the regional architectural style in Huai’an. At present, the new Qingjiangpu Building has become a landmark in Huai’an.
Qingjiangpu Scenic Area
The Qingjiangpu Scenic Area is the essence of the Li Canal Cultural Corridor. With a history of 600 years, Qingjiangpu has been honored the “First River Mouth along the Thousand-Mile Canal”. The Qingjiangpu Memorial Hall on Zhongzhou Island in the scenic spot shows the historical development of Qingjiangpu for the 600 years since the Ming and Qing dynasties. By mainly displaying stories of the city’s memory, with the methods of scenario reproduction and some film languages, it explores the roots of Huai’an’s urban development and brings people back to experience the past prosperity of Qingjiangpu District.
