Things to do in Yangzhou

The museum is beautiful, with many exhibits and exhibits, and some of the interactive exhibits are very interesting. Director Ge's explanations were excellent, covering everything from antiques and historical sites to canal technology, giving us a deeper understanding of canal culture.

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.

文昌阁真给我留下老深印象了。它就大大方方立在市中心十字路口，老远就能瞅见，跟周围现代建筑一搭配，特别有穿越感。这可是400多年的老宝贝，以前学子都来这祈愿文运亨通。我在那咔咔拍照，怎么拍都出片。逛累了，周边还有各种美食。来扬州真得去文昌阁看看，太值啦！

Pi Shi Street, an ancient street in Yangzhou, is filled with the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life and a touch of art, making it a truly captivating place. Walking along Pi Shi Street early in the morning, the cobblestone pavement was scrubbed clean by rain. Most of the shops along the street remained closed, with only a few breakfast stalls lighting up early. Steaming steamed buns and fragrant soy milk brought this ancient street to life. I walked into a quaint little shop filled with a variety of handicrafts: exquisite embroidery, quaint wood carvings, and small stone-carved objects, each bearing the ingenuity and meticulous care of the artisans. Continuing on, I found myself surrounded by cafes one after another. Sunlight filtered through the glass windows, filtering through the wooden tables and chairs, creating a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. I ordered a latte and sat by the window, watching the people passing by. Some tourists, cameras strapped to their shoulders, busily captured the beauty of the ancient street; others, elderly people, sat on benches, leisurely chatting and basking in the sun, their faces beaming with contentment. Pishi Street offers not only delicious food and art, but also a unique charm. Here, there's no hustle and bustle of traffic, only tranquility and comfort. It's like an ancient painting, waiting to be savored.

It's a free park with beautiful scenery, featuring a lake, magnolias, crabapple blossoms, and cherry blossoms in full bloom. We happened to be there during the lantern festival, which was spectacular. The East Garden Restaurant inside the park also offers convenient and affordable dining options.

For avid readers, a visit to Gaoyou wouldn't be complete without seeing the Wang Zengqi Memorial Hall. Tucked away in an alley, it's surrounded by local delicacies reminiscent of Wang Zengqi's descriptions of his hometown. The memorial hall itself is small, with three floors, and has a charming, quaint feel. Inside, it introduces Wang Zengqi's life story, and his works are available for purchase in the souvenir shop.

Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! This thousand-year-old temple on a river island! ⛩️ Zhenguo Temple was definitely the most unique discovery of my trip to Gaoyou! 📍 Located on a river island in the middle of the Grand Canal 🌊 It's the only "river island temple" on the entire ancient canal 🏯 It boasts the stunning title of "Canal Buddhist City"~ The most stunning feature is the Zhenguo Pagoda within the temple 🏮 Originally built during the reign of Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty 📏 Standing a full 35.36 meters tall 🍃 It retains a unique "Tang-Ming style" architectural aesthetic. Every brick and tile is steeped in history~ Visit when the weather is perfect ☀️ The golden sculptures shimmer in the sunlight 🌳 Against the backdrop of blue sky and green trees, it's absolutely gorgeous!

You can visit Zhu Ziqing's former residence by making an online reservation in advance. The small courtyard wasn't crowded, and I finally saw Mr. Zhu Ziqing's face. For so many years, his articles have been in elementary school textbooks, as solid as a rock, imprinted in the minds of generations. A patriot who would rather starve than lose his integrity, a writer with precious sentiments.