Huaian to Heze Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Scenic Stops

The G25 Changchun–Shenzhen Expressway, which carries you from Huaian to Heze, was completed in 2004, linking the Grand Canal's eastern terminus with the Yellow River's historical floodplains. This 400-kilometer drive typically takes 5 hours without traffic, but savvy travelers stretch it into a 7-hour journey of discovery.

Budget around 250 RMB for fuel (a mid-size sedan averages 8L/100km, at 7.5 RMB/L), plus 150 RMB in tolls for the entire one-way trip. The G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway parallels the G25 for a stretch near Xuzhou, but G25 offers a more direct southern approach into Heze.

• Natural gas stations are common every 50 km; CNG is cheaper but less powerful for long climbs.
• The route is largely flat, with only the low hills of the Yimeng Mountains near Linyi requiring moderate acceleration.

Road quality on G25 is excellent, but watch for heavy truck traffic between Lianyungang and Xuzhou; maintain a 3-second following distance. For families, service areas like the Jiangsu service area (at 150 km mark) offer playgrounds and clean restrooms; there's also a McDonald's at the Xuzhou service area.

Pets are welcome at most highway rest stops (leash required), and pets can join you at outdoor cafes at the Xuancheng service area, which also has a designated pet relief zone. To manage fatigue, plan to stop every 2 hours; the Linyi North service area (at 280 km mark) is a good midpoint, featuring a quiet garden and coffee shop.

Hidden off-route: just 5 km south of the G25 at the Fengxian exit, lies the ancient Han city of Pei County, birthplace of Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty. There, the Han Wall painting museum houses original tomb murals, a local gem rarely visited by through-travelers.

Before you go, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to maximize your experience.

As you leave the water-rich Jiangsu plains, the landscape transitions to the wheat and corn fields of Anhui's northern fringe, then into Shandong's famous peony cultivation area. The Heze Peony Garden (open April–May) is a local highlight, showcasing over 600 varieties.

At the Lianyungang junction, detour 30 km east to see the Huaguoshan Scenic Area, known for its dramatic granite peaks and the legend of the Monkey King. Xuzhou serves as the cultural midpoint, offering the Han Dynasty stone reliefs at the Xuzhou Museum—a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2024.