The Grand Canal Boat Tour

The Grand Canal Boat Tour is a famous entertainment activity in Yangzhou. The Yangzhou section of the ancient Grand Canal stretches from the Zhuyu Bay scenic area to Gaomin Temple, with the main visitor area concentrated between the South Gate Wharf and Bianyi Gate Square Wharf in the city center. This route passes famous attractions like the Dongguan Street historical district, which can be explored on foot or by boat. At night, the canal lights up, creating a beautiful nighttime scenery.

For a walking tour, we recommend starting from He Garden to Dongguan Street Historical District. The sections between South Gate Wharf–He Garden and Dongguan Street Historical District–Bianyimen Square Wharf have relatively few attractions. Begin at He Garden (not directly by the canal), head south to Kangshan Street, then east to visit the Former Residence of the Lu Salt Merchant family and the adjacent Salt Ancestral Temple. Continue east until you reach Nantong East Road along the canal, then turn north to explore the canal's west bank. The canal's lush greenbelt with willow trees brushing the water creates a picturesque Jiangnan landscape straight out of classical poetry.

Upon arriving at Wu Daotai Mansion, you can enter for a visit. After exploring, head north along the canal, cross Jiefang Bridge on Wenchang Middle Road to reach the east bank, where you'll find Puhaddin Garden, an ancient Arab cemetery. Return to the west bank and continue north until you see the memorial archway of Dongguan Ferry, marking the entrance to Dongguan Street Historical District. Step through the city gate onto the stone-paved Dongguan Street, lined with shops and Yangzhou-style restaurants, featuring attractions like He Garden. The Dongguan Street Historical District can be explored together with the Dongquanmen Historical District, located just 300 meters to the south.

The Yangzhou Grand Canal cruise departs from Bianyimen Square Pier to South Gate Pier, or vice versa, with boarding available at both locations. The cruise takes you under bridges of various designs, with a guide on board. Daytime cruises offer clearer views of the riverside scenery, while evening cruises showcase the city's illuminated skyline with impressive lighting effects. Many visitors may find the night views even more stunning.