Things to do in Yangzhou

Slender West Lake, located in Yangzhou, is an important part of the Grand Canal World Cultural Heritage site and a landmark lakeside garden in Yangzhou. Its long, winding shape resembles a slender beauty, hence its name. Willows line the banks, pavilions and towers are built along the water, and attractions such as the Five Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda, Twenty-Four Bridges, and Xu Garden are arranged in succession, offering a picturesque view at every turn. It blends the delicate beauty of southern gardens with the grandeur of northern gardens, possessing both natural beauty and poetic charm. Countless poets throughout history have left behind verses praising it. Boating on the lake, with a gentle breeze caressing the shore and the pavilions reflected in the water, one perfectly captures the poetic imagery of "willows and flowers lining both banks, pavilions and towers stretching all the way to the mountains," making it an unmissable scenic spot in Yangzhou.

Ge Garden in Yangzhou, a private residence of a salt merchant during the Qing Dynasty, is most stunning for its four-season rockery, a unique example within the garden. Within the garden, stones are stacked to represent the four seasons, while the bamboo groves offer tranquility and a different view at every turn. The garden connects to Dongguan Street, allowing visitors to experience the local life and atmosphere after exploring the garden, making it well worth a visit.

He Garden (Jixiao Villa) truly lives up to its reputation as the "Number One Garden of the Late Qing Dynasty"—it's definitely worth a visit! The most stunning feature is its covered walkways and corridors, two stories high, interconnected like an ancient overpass. Even on rainy days, you won't get wet. Every step reveals a new vista, with various latticed windows framing the garden like paintings—every snapshot is a masterpiece. The Pian Shi Shan Fang (Stone Retreat) is a unique example of rockery by the master Shi Tao, incorporating the ingenious concepts of "flowers in a mirror" and "moon in the water." The brick and wood carvings in the Shui Xin Ting (Water Pavilion) and Mu Dan Tang (Peony Hall) are exquisite, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles of the late Qing Dynasty. The garden is full of detail and rich in cultural heritage. A leisurely two-hour stroll is just right—highly recommended! A guided tour is still necessary! A wonderful visit! Learned a lot!

The ancient Daming Temple, with its thousand-year history, is adjacent to the Slender West Lake, boasting a tranquil environment with towering ancient trees. The Jianzhen Memorial Hall, designed by Liang Sicheng, exudes Tang Dynasty style. Climbing the Qiling Pagoda offers a panoramic view of the Slender West Lake and Yangzhou city, a truly magnificent vista. There's also Pingshan Hall and the Fifth Spring Under Heaven, combining Buddhist heritage with the literary atmosphere of Ouyang Xiu. The gentle chimes under the eaves bring a sense of peace. A visit to Yangzhou is definitely worthwhile.

The entertainment value was decent, but the lighting along the way seemed rather unremarkable, somewhat detracting from the ticket price. However, it's true that the actors worked very hard, considering the heat, the costumes, and the lighting – adding insult to injury. Thumbs up to these hardworking actors!

The Yangzhou Grand Canal Three Bends Scenic Area, situated on the banks of the ancient Grand Canal, is an extension of the Grand Canal near the Slender West Lake. Originally a series of sharp bends in the canal, it has been cleverly transformed, turning the engineering marvel of "three bends equaling one dam" into an ecological and cultural landscape. From its vantage point, one can view the iconic China Grand Canal Museum, with the Lingbo Bridge and Silhouette Bridge arching across the water like rainbows. Together with the wetland boardwalk and birdwatching huts, they form a beautiful picture of urban-canal coexistence, blending the ancient and modern, making it a model for showcasing the ecological civilization of the Grand Canal and the charm of Yangzhou's cultural tourism. Admission is free.

Dongguan Street in Yangzhou is one of the city's most representative historical streets, stretching approximately 1122 meters. It begins at Dongguan Ancient Ferry in the east and ends at Guoqing Road in the west, traversing the core area of ​​Yangzhou's Ming and Qing dynasty city. Originally built in the Tang dynasty, it became a main thoroughfare in the Song dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to the influx of salt merchants, earning it the reputation of being a microcosm of the "Number One Commercial Port in Southeast China." The street retains its "chessboard" layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with cobblestone paving, blue brick and gray tile roofs, and shops interspersed with residences. In 2010, it was jointly awarded the title of "One of China's Top Ten Historical and Cultural Streets" by the Ministry of Culture and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, and in 2013, it was upgraded to a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Dongmen Ruins Square (East Gate of the Song Dynasty City): The earliest discovered double-barbican structure in China, with walls overlapping from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. A restored Dongguan gate tower, built according to the *Yingzao Fashi* (Building Standards), stands atop the wall, offering panoramic views of the ancient Grand Canal and Dongguan Ancient Ferry. Historical relics of Dongguan are displayed free of charge inside the gate tower. Ge Garden (one of the four famous gardens): The former residence of Huang Zhijun, a salt merchant during the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its bamboo, rocks, and seasonal artificial mountains. A side gate is located in the middle section of Dongguan Street, where tickets can be purchased for entry. Yi Garden, Jienan Study, Hu Garden, and Hua Garden: A series of interconnected salt merchant residences, featuring brick-carved gate towers and Hui-style firewalls. A combined ticket for 45 yuan allows in-depth visits to any six smaller attractions. Dongguan Ancient Ferry & Canal Night View: One of the oldest sections of the ancient canal. After dusk, the water is illuminated by lights, and you can take a painted boat for a night cruise at the dock. A 28-meter bronze sculpture, "The Grand Canal Through the Ages," stands on the bank. Intangible Cultural Heritage Mini-Theater: Encounter Yangzhou storytelling, Yangzhou opera, and guqin performances at any time on the streets. Puppet shows are added on holidays, allowing you to experience the dual facets of Yangzhou: a "World City of Gastronomy" and a "Hometown of Folk Arts." Dongguan Street is the "living room of Yangzhou Ancient City". You can see the canal, salt merchants, gardens, folk arts and morning tea in one street. It is suitable for leisurely strolling and eating, and feel the urban life and thousand-year cultural heritage of the famous city of Huaizuo.

Take a leisurely boat ride on the Slender West Lake and immerse yourself in the poetic charm of Jiangnan. The boatwoman gently rows, explaining the stories behind the White Pagoda and Five Pavilion Bridge along the way, occasionally humming a soft, melodious Yangzhou folk song. Willows sway gently on both banks, the lake is serene and tranquil, and the scenery changes with every step, offering unique and beautiful views from the water. The boat ride is smooth and comfortable, with a leisurely pace. The overall experience is elegant and an unmissable way to visit the Slender West Lake.

The "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou" were a group of calligraphers and painters, represented by Zheng Banqiao, who were active in the Yangzhou area from the mid-Kangxi period to the late Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. They created a unique style by integrating poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, breaking through the foundations laid by their predecessors. This was unacceptable to the conservative and orthodox painters, hence the name "eccentric".

Visit Gaoyou Mengcheng Post Station, an important remnant of the Grand Canal, a World Cultural Heritage site. This 600-year-old post station retains its original layout, with its Drum Tower and Imperial Hall exuding ancient charm. Here, you can learn about the ancient postal system and imagine the messengers traveling along the canal in bygone days. The ancient post station is quiet and serene. After exploring the station, stroll along South Gate Street to find Huaiyang snacks and experience the unique charm of the ancient city's postal culture.