Sometimes, when I tell people where I am from, they are perplexed. But when I explain that I come from the same place as the late Premier Zhou Enlai, most people know what I am talking about.

A statue of Premier Zhou Enlai in the memorial hall.

I was born and raised in Huai'an, hometown of our beloved founding premier of the People's Republic of China. Located in the hinterlands of north Jiangsu province, Huai'an is a peaceful city nurtured by the Grand Canal, Huaihe River and Hongze Lake. These waters have likely helped cultivate great people like Zhou, whose name, photos, and statues can be found everywhere in the city. His former residence, his relics' exhibition hall and memorial hall are popular tourist sites.

Wu Cheng'en's former residence

Huai'an is also the cradle of many other significant historical figures, such as Han Xin, a great military leader from the Western Han (206 BC-AD 24); Wu Cheng'en, author of the Chinese classic Journey to the West, and Peking Opera master Zhou Xinfang.

While Huai'an may appear to be solemn, on account of its great men, the city is essentially a place of relaxation and ease.

Cherry Blossom

To recommend some places to have fun, my first choice is always the park on Cherry Blossom Island. When I was in primary school, I often went to Cherry Blossom Island with my little buddies. The labyrinthine woods gave us a perfect spot to play hide-and-seek, and we used to camp and play games near the cherry trees. The gigantic rockery, refined sculptures of animals, and of course, dazzling cherry blossoms, brought me great pleasure at that time.

Today, Cherry Blossom Island is still a popular hangout for youngsters, and almost every primary school in Huai'an will organize a spring outing to the park.

The colorful night scene of Bochi (Bowl Pool) Hill Park