01Guannan County is loca…
Guannan County is located in the northeastern part of Jiangsu Province, under the jurisdiction of Lianyungang City, on the coast of the Yellow Sea and downstream of the Guan River. It covers an area of approximately 1,030 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 620,000 (2023 data). Guannan has a long history, with human activity dating back to the Western Han Dynasty. Named for its location south of the Guan River, it is known as the "Hometown of Mushrooms in China" and the "Hometown of Magic in China." As an important agricultural county and emerging industrial base in northern Jiangsu, Guannan is famous nationwide for its edible mushroom industry, producing over 300,000 tons of mushrooms such as king oyster mushroom and enoki mushroom annually. It also boasts unique tourism resources like the Erlang God Cultural Heritage Park and Shuoxiang Lake Wetland. The county's economy is driven by ecological agriculture and light industry, with rapid development in intelligent manufacturing and green energy in recent years. It is a demonstration county for ecological civilization construction in Jiangsu Province.
**I. Core Attractions**
1. Erlang God Cultural Heritage Park (4A-level scenic spot) Located north of Guannan County seat, covering about 200 mu, this cultural scenic area is themed around the legend of Erlang God from "Journey to the West." The park features attractions such as the Zhenjun Hall, Dragon-Slaying Platform, and Guan River Mouth, recreating mythical scenes like Erlang God capturing Sun Wukong and slaying a dragon. Ticket price: 60 yuan/person. Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (17:00 in winter). Suggested visit duration: 2-3 hours.
2. Shuoxiang Lake Wetland Park Located southwest of the county seat, covering about 8 square kilometers, it is the largest urban wetland park in northern Jiangsu. The lake is wide with dense reeds, and facilities include bird-watching towers and ecological boardwalks. Migratory birds can be observed from November to March of the following year. Free admission. Best explored by cycling or hiking around the lake, a total distance of about 10 km.
023
3. Guan River Scenic Belt The Guan River is the largest river flowing into the sea in northern Jiangsu. The scenic belt stretches 15 km along the river. Visitors can take a boat tour (ticket: 30 yuan/person) to see sights like "Fishing Boat Singing in the Evening" and "Spring Scenery at Ancient Ferry" among the "Eight Scenes of Guan River." The night light show is particularly spectacular, suitable for evening visits.
4. Tanggou Ancient Town (Tanggou Liquor Cultural Scenic Area) 20 km from the county seat, famous for Tanggou liquor, known as the hometown of Chinese liquor. The ancient town features Ming and Qing Dynasty brewing workshop ruins and a liquor culture museum, where visitors can experience traditional brewing techniques. Ticket price: 50 yuan/person, including a liquor tasting experience.
**II. Food and Specialties**
1. Mushroom Feast: Guannan is the largest production base of king oyster mushrooms in China. Recommended dishes include "Stewed Chicken with King Oyster Mushrooms" and "Scrambled Eggs with Enoki Mushrooms." The "Mushroom Food Street" in the county seat offers these dishes (about 50 yuan per person). 2. Tanggou Liquor: A national geographical indication product, known for its strong aroma. Recommended to buy five-year-aged liquor (about 80 yuan per bottle). 3. Guannan Huai Pork: A local black pig breed with firm meat. Vacuum-packed products are available (about 60 yuan per jin). 4. Shuoxiang Lake Hairy Crab: Plump in autumn (September to November). Can be steamed and eaten fresh at "Crab King Pavilion" in the county seat (market price about 80 yuan per crab).
03**III
**III. Transportation Guide**
- External Transportation: High-speed rail: Get off at Lianyungang Station, then transfer to a bus to Guannan (1 hour, 25 yuan). Self-driving: Exit at G25 Changshen Expressway Guannan exit, then follow S236 provincial road to the county seat. Air: Lianyungang Huaguoshan Airport (40 km from Guannan), take airport bus to the county seat (about 50 minutes). - Internal Transportation: There are 10 bus routes within the county seat, fare 1 yuan. Taxi starting fare 5 yuan. Shared bicycles cover major attractions.