Lianyungang 连云港市 — Gateway to the Sea & Mythical Mountains
Lianyungang is Jiangsu's only major seaport city, sitting on the Yellow Sea coast. The city's name comes from Mount Lian (连山) and Yuntai Mountain (云台山), the most prominent peaks in the area.
The city is associated with the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West' (西游记) — the fictional Huaguo Mountain (Flower-Fruit Mountain), home of the Monkey King Sun Wukong, is based on the real Huaguo Mountain in Lianyungang.
Lianyungang's beaches, islands, and mountains make it a diverse destination with something for every type of traveler.
The legendary home of the Monkey King from 'Journey to the West.' The mountain features water curtain caves, stone monkeys, and temples associated with the novel. At 624 meters, it's the highest peak in Jiangsu province. The Sanyou Temple at the base is dedicated to the Monkey King. Even if you haven't read the novel, the mountain's natural scenery and cultural significance make it worthwhile.
Hours: 7:00–17:30
Admission: ¥90
Jiangsu's largest island, connected to the mainland by a 6.7-km sea-crossing bridge. The island features sandy beaches (Dasha and Fujiabian), clear seawater, and seafood restaurants. The Da Pao Ge (大沙角) beach is the most popular. Summer (June–September) is the best time for swimming.
Hours: 全天开放
Admission: ¥50 (island entry)
Ancient Buddhist stone carvings dating from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD), among the earliest Buddhist carvings in China. The site includes over 100 figures carved into a cliff face, predating the more famous carvings at Dunhuang and Longmen. A significant but under-visited historical treasure.
Hours: 8:30–17:30
Admission: ¥40