Hexia Ancient Town is located in the northwest corner of Huai'an District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province. Originally known as Beichen Town, it is one of the key protected cultural heritage areas in Huai'an. This township has witnessed the birth of many historical celebrities such as the heroine Liang Hongyu and writer Wu Cheng’en. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it had produced 67 imperial scholars, 123 provincial scholars, and 12 members of the Imperial Academy. It is therefore known as the “hometown of scholars”. The history of Hexia dates back more than 2500 years. In 486 BC, King Wu ordered the construction of a channel at Hexia (known as Mokou at that time) to connect the Yangtze River and the Huai River, in order to facilitate the transportation of troops and supplies to the north. In 605 AD, Emperor Sui Yang dug up the Grand Canal (then called Shan Yang Du) to open up waterways. Later, Zhou Shizong (955-960) oversaw the construction of dams and floodgates to complete the water routes. During the Jin-Song war (1163-1164), Han Shizhong, Liang Hongyu and their troops were stationed in Hexia to fight the Jins. During the Yuan Dynasty, Shanyang County’s Confucianism was established in Hexia, and was only moved to the county seat during the Ming Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty Imperial Court ordered a court official to be stationed in Hexia to oversee the administration and production of salt. All of the salt produced in the coastal areas were transported to Hexia for inspection and taxation, before being delivered to the rest of the country for sale. Evidently, Hexia has always been an important commercial port in Huai’an. Hexia is the most well-preserved historic block in the ancient city of Chuzhou. The entire district has maintained its architectural style from the Ming and Qing Dynasties till this day. More than 80% of residential houses are brick and wood structures dating back to the Republic of China. And more than 70% of the buildings were constructed during the Qing dynasty. Cobbled streets make up 90% of the land area and the basic historical style is still intact. Heritage streets, alleys and bridges include the Huzui Street, Guyi Street, Flower Lane, Tea Lane and Luo Bridge etc. In addition, there are a number of well-preserved heritage sites and monuments in the township. The main attractions include the former residence of Wu Cheng-en, Zuo Zhongzhuang Ancestral Hall and the ancient mosque. Hexia also boasts of several well-preserved Ming and Qing-style traditional residences and clubhouses, such as the former residences of Wang Tingzhen, Wu Jutong and Xia Yuehu etc. Unfortunately, most of the ancient private gardens have been destroyed.' Hexia Ancient Town has a tourism model of "One River, Two Streets and Five Sights”. A 40,000-sqm classical garden-style building complex at the northern entrance of Hexia, includes a garden, the “Journey to the West” stage and Liang Hongyu Temple etc. The Chuzhou District Party Committee has decided to promote it as Huai'an’s answer to the Confucius Temple and Zhouzhuang, featuring both classical and modern styles. The ancient town of Hexia was officially opened in April 2011. In November 2011, the former residence of Wu Cheng'en was approved as a National AAA Tourist Attraction. It is the only place in China which commemorates Wu Cheng’en with a display of his masterpiece, “Journey to the West”. The entire scenic area covers 15,000 square meters and consists of three parts: the former residence of Wu Cheng-en, the Monkey King Museum of Art and Wu Cheng-en’s life exhibition hall.