Qin Huai River, a branch of the great Yangtze River, is 110 kilometers (about 68 miles) in length and covers a drainage area of 2,631 square kilometers (about 1,016 square miles). The river was originally called Huai River, and it is said that the river was channeled to the city of Nanjing during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, so it was named Qin Huai River from then on.

Qin Huai River is the largest river in the Nanjing City area and is the 'life blood' of the city. Qin Huai River is so fascinating that it captures the imaginations of people both at home and abroad.

There are many famous sites of interest along the banks of the Qin Huai River , including Confucius Temple, Zhanyuan Garden, Zhonghua Gate, and the sights along the Taoye Ferry ride to Zhenhuai Bridge.

The Qin Huai is divided into inner and outer rivers. The most frequented place along the inner river is the Confucius Temple. It is a grand temple with an unassuming style, which was built to commemorate the famous Chinese sage, Confucius.

Zhonghua Gate, also found along the inner river, is the largest city door in China as well as the best-preserved and most intricate city door in the world.

Finally, there is the Zhanyuan Garden, which was constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and is the oldest existing garden in Nanjing City.

The outer river resides between Yangjiawan lock and Qin Huai lock. In June 2005, the area was designated by the government as a new tourist route, because it encompasses views of Nanjing City, a city wall from the Ming Dynasty, and the Jiangsu Nanjing TV Tower, etc. While floating on one of the traditional, recently modernized, painted boats of the region, visitors will have the opportunity to fully appreciate the beautiful sights of the Qin Huai River.

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Rivers
Qinhuai River Cruise