Lainyungang, the eastern terminus of the Lanzhou-Lianyungang Railway on the Huanghai (Yellow Sea) coast in northeast Jiangsu Province, is the nearest outlet to the sea for northwest China and the areas in the lower and middle reaches of ht Haunghe (Yellow River). Lying between mountains and sea, it is a newly developed city with an area of 740 square kilometers and a population of 390,000. Its charm and mild climate make it a favorite place for sightseeing and summer vacations.

Yuntai Mountain

Lying across the city proper and with a circumference of more than 140 kilometers, it comprises 136 peaks. The 620-meter Jade Maid Peak (Yunufeng) is the highest in Jiangsu Province. Yuntai Mountain has been called the "number one fairyland in the East China Sea" for its beautiful scenery, deep caves, flowers, and fruits. Many places depicted in the Chinese classical novel journey to the West are said to be based on this mountain's scenic spots: Flower and Fruit Mountain and Waterfall Cave, where the Monkey King Sun Wukong lived, the rock from which the Monkey King was born; Family Reunion Palace, which was the family temple of Monk Xuan Zang; and Pig Rock associated with another character from the same noval. The 1,300-year-old Sanyuan Temple, situated on the mountain four hundred meters above sea level, is one of the famous ancient monasteries in China.

Sucheng Town

This town, about fifteen kilometers to the southeast of Lianyungang, is said to have been built under the order of Emperor Li Shimin (599-649) of the Tang Dynasty when he made an expedition to east China. The town lies on a small plain rimmed with mountains which are studded with waterfalls, old trees, and strangely shaped peaks which can be reached by road. There is a reservoir at the foot of the mountains. Among the famous scenic spots are Boat Hill Cascade (Chuanshanfeipu), Rock Gate (Shimen), and the Crouching Dragon Pine (Wolongsong).

Lianyungang Port

Located at the northern foot of Yuntai Mountain, Lianyungang Port is a natural deep-water harbor where oceangoing ships of ten thousand tonnage can be docked. The offshore area teems with fish and shrimp, particularly prawns, and is one of China's major fishing areas and a base for the cultivation of marine products.