Things to do in Gaoyou

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!

First experience of Xidi Scenic Area It was my first time to Xidi, and this trip was worth it! I was immediately fascinated by the scenery here. As soon as I arrived, I saw the Yufeng Pagoda, which blended perfectly with the surrounding scenery, like a natural landscape painting. It turned out that this was borrowed from the Summer Palace, which was wonderful. The Jade Belt Bridge is particularly eye-catching, and the high arch bridge body is very unique. It is super beautiful to stand on the bridge and look at Kunming Lake. The six bridges on Xidi have different shapes, and the willows and mountain peach trees along the shore are lush and leafy. I walked slowly for 4 hours, as if I had forgotten all my worries. This is a big treasure, which cleverly combines the scenery outside and inside the park. I will definitely come again in the future!

Gaoyou South Gate Street is located next to Mengcheng Post Station. It was built along the post station and looks like the old one. The blue bricks and black tiles, the dock walls and the ground are all paved with bluestone. There are many shops on both sides, with some local specialties and handicrafts with local characteristics. It's just that there are not many people. But the environment is very good, and it reproduces the former prosperity of Yangzhou very well.

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!

Shanghai After Dark — The Bund Never Sleeps ✨“Where the river reflects a thousand city lights and the future rises above a timeless waterfront. The Bund is more than a view — it’s Shanghai at its most magical, where elegance, ambition, and endless dreams meet.” 🌃❤

My second visit to West Lake was great; the boat tour was excellent. The dock was easy to find, the staff were very friendly, provided clear explanations, and helped with any issues. There were also sightseeing buses, which were nice but a bit pricey. Taking the boat tour and then walking around was both perfectly fine.

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.

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.

At the summit, there's just a rock and a flat area, nothing special. On the other side, there's a temple to the God of Wealth with 1399 steps. You need to be very sincere to reach the top. Below are various Buddhist halls and temples, as well as some stone carvings of Buddha statues. The scenery is pleasant, with mountains, water, and forests.