Lianyungang Reading the City Initiative in China Reveals a Fusion of Cultural Landmarks, Majestic Mountains, and Maritime Legacy: Know More

Published on December 23, 2025

Lianyungang, a city defined by the interplay of mountains and sea, has long drawn meaning from its geographical position. From its mythical connection to Journey to the West to its significance as the eastern terminus of the New Eurasian Land Bridge, Lianyungang occupies a unique space in China’s cultural and historical imagination. In August 2025, the Publicity Department of the Lianyungang Municipal Committee launched the Reading the City initiative, an urban culture program designed to explore the city’s architecture, place names, and long-standing local brands. The initiative invites both residents and visitors to engage with Lianyungang’s rich history and cultural identity through its landmarks and built environment.

The Mountain’s Tale: Lianyungang’s Cultural Foundation

Lianyungang is home to Huaguo Mountain, a site widely regarded as the cultural origin of Journey to the West, one of China’s most celebrated literary works. Huaguo Mountain symbolizes the themes of exploration, resilience, and ingenuity, reflecting the spirit of adventure and the power of human determination. Lianyungang has developed several immersive visitor sites, including the Water Curtain Cave and the Seventy-Two Caves, which allow visitors to physically experience literary references and immerse themselves in the city’s mythic past. These sites are designed to bring the mythical landscapes from Journey to the West into the real world, offering visitors a unique way to interact with the cultural narrative.

Further enriching the region’s cultural heritage, Kongwang Mountain houses Eastern Han Dynasty cliff carvings that stand as an understated counterpoint to Huaguo Mountain’s grand symbolism. These cliff carvings are a testament to Lianyungang’s long-standing role as a crossroads for belief, art, and cultural exchange. The intersection of tradition and artistic expression in Lianyungang highlights the city’s historic function as a place where diverse cultures and ideas converged over centuries. This combination of natural and cultural heritage makes Lianyungang a unique destination for both historical and spiritual exploration.

The Sea’s Chronicle: Lianyungang’s Maritime Legacy

Lianyungang’s coastline is marked by curved bays and protected wetlands that play a crucial role in the region’s ecological balance. These wetlands serve as an important stopover for migratory birds, contributing to the area’s ecological significance. The city’s coastline has long been a place of connection between land and sea, and it continues to be integral to the city’s identity.

Historically, Lianyungang has served as a key junction on multiple land and maritime routes, from the early Silk Road networks to the modern rail corridors. The city’s maritime legacy reflects the patterns of exchange and trade that have shaped its growth and development over time. Today, the Port of Lianyungang maintains shipping connections with nearly 1,000 ports across more than 160 countries and regions. These connections help bridge the city’s rich historical trade routes with the modern dynamics of global commerce. As part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Lianyungang continues to serve as a critical point for international trade, linking historic patterns of exchange with contemporary global trade.

The Reading the City Initiative: Engaging with Lianyungang’s Identity

The Reading the City initiative, launched in August 2025 by the Publicity Department of the Lianyungang Municipal Committee, is a program designed to help visitors and residents alike explore the city’s identity through its architecture and landmarks. This program aims to highlight the historical, cultural, and geographical significance of the city by encouraging engagement with its built environment and everyday landmarks. Lianyungang’s integration of its geographical features—its mountains and sea—into its urban fabric offers a rich opportunity for cultural discovery. By exploring both the natural beauty and the urban history of Lianyungang, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of how the city’s geography and heritage have shaped its modern identity.

The Reading the City initiative serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing the people of Lianyungang to engage with their city’s history while participating in the development of its future. This program encourages interaction with the physical landscape in ways that bring the city’s culture and history to life, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and understanding among residents and visitors.

Connecting Tradition with Modernity

Lianyungang’s unique position as a city where tradition and modernity intersect makes it a compelling destination for both cultural exploration and business. As a port city with deep historical roots, Lianyungang provides a rich blend of cultural and economic opportunities. Its historical significance, particularly in relation to the Journey to the West and its role in ancient and modern trade routes, draws visitors interested in both cultural heritage and contemporary development.

The city’s modern identity is shaped by its thriving port and its role as an integral part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, positioning it as a key player in the future of global trade. Yet, its cultural landmarks, such as the cliffs of Kongwang Mountain and the mythic Huaguo Mountain, ensure that Lianyungang retains a deep connection to its past. The balance between tradition and modernity makes Lianyungang a fascinating place to explore, offering travelers the opportunity to experience both the ancient and contemporary aspects of Chinese culture.

Conclusion: Lianyungang’s Continued Legacy

Lianyungang’s position as a meeting point of mountains and sea offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to engage with China’s rich cultural, historical, and ecological heritage. The Reading the City initiative adds another layer to this narrative, inviting residents and visitors to discover the city through its architecture and historical landmarks. Whether exploring the mythic landscapes of Huaguo Mountain, experiencing the vibrant maritime legacy of the city, or discovering the hidden stories embedded in its everyday spaces, Lianyungang offers a unique and enriching experience for those who visit.

As the city continues to embrace its legacy while navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, Lianyungang remains a significant cultural crossroads in China, where tradition and innovation intersect to create a distinctive urban identity.