By Phoulavan Thepphavong

(KPL) “This is Huai’an,” reads a prominent plaque mounted on the central wall of the reception area at Jinling Grand Hotel, warmly welcoming a delegation of journalists from ASEAN countries and Mongolia. Huai’an was the second stop on a regional media tour led by Mr. Jambu Zhang, Director of the China International Press Communication Center, following a visit to Huangshan City in Anhui Province.

Organized by the Huai’an International Communication Center in collaboration with relevant local departments, the program offered the 10-member delegation a curated opportunity to explore Huai’an’s rich historical, cultural, and ecological heritage.

A key highlight of the visit was a tour of Huai’an Xiyou World of Adventure, a large-scale amusement park that combines education with entertainment, offering visitors insights into the city’s history, cultural legacy, and natural environment. The delegation also visited the Former Residence of Zhou Enlai, located at No. 7 Fuma Lane in Huai’an District. This historic site, where China’s first Premier spent the first 12 years of his life, opened to the public in 1979 and continues to draw visitors with its deep historical significance.

The group further explored Hexia Ancient Town, engaging in traditional culinary activities such as preparing Huai’an Tea Sanzi, a signature local delicacy. At the Qingjiangpu Scenic Area, located along the historic Li Canal Cultural Corridor, the delegation admired the tranquil scenery before taking an evening stroll through Huajie Street, a vibrant destination reflecting Huai’an’s lively nightlife and cultural atmosphere.

City officials warmly received the journalists and organized a boat-car tour showcasing the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity. A visit to the Hongze Lake Embankment and Jiangba Ancient Town—part of the UNESCO-listed Hongze Lake Ancient Levee—offered the delegation a chance to enjoy fresh air and observe the area’s extensive conservation efforts, including the protection of forests, birds, and other wildlife.

The two-day visit, held from June 7 to 8, also spotlighted Huai’an’s growing role in economic development and innovation. At the Xuyi National Modern Agriculture Industrial Chain Base, the journalists observed modern farming techniques, including crayfish harvesting, and even participated in hands-on demonstrations using specialized tools and bait. That evening, they dined on local crayfish cuisine at Kei Street, a well-known culinary hotspot rich in flavor and ambiance.

The visit also included a stop at Datang (Jiangsu) Environmental Protection Equipment Co., Ltd, China’s leading provider of flue gas desulphurization and denitration technologies. Recognized as the world’s top producer of denitration catalysts, the company supplies major international corporations committed to sustainable environmental practices.

The visit concluded with warm expressions of gratitude from the journalists for the generous hospitality and well-organized itinerary. Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Zhang Tianchi and the team at the Huai’an International Communication Center for their professional coordination and thoughtful arrangements, which made the visit both insightful and memorable.

KPL