Yangzhou has always been a gathering place of culture and a scenic, flourishing city with many famous historical sites, ruins, and elegant gardens. The scenery of Slender West Lake is beautiful, and here you can come to experience what was put down in the famous poem: "traveling down to Yangzhou in a misty and florid March." You can also take a boat cruise to get a sense of the free and unfettered mood which the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty must have had when he visited the lake. Yangzhou also has places like the Daming Temple with its long and storied history. It has the Ho Family Garden with its reputation as the “City Mountain Forest,” and the year-round rock garden known as Geyuan Garden, as well as the remains of the residences of the emperors Sui YangDi, Kangxi, and Qianlong, and countless beautiful natural landscapes.
1. Explore the Historic Beauty of Slender West Lake Discover the enchanting Slender West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with picturesque scenery, traditional gardens, and iconic bridges. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and capture stunning views. 2. Step Back in Time at He Garden Yangzhou China Explore He Garden Yangzhou China, a classical Chinese garden with intricate architecture, serene courtyards, and lush greenery. Marvel at its exquisite craftsmanship and tranquil atmosphere. 3. Experience the Grandeur of the Grand Canal Embark on a boat trip along the ancient Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness historic buildings, bridges, and traditional boats, immersing yourself in its rich history and culture. 4. Discover the Beauty of Yangzhou's Temples Visit Yangzhou's renowned temples like Daming Temple and Jianzhen Memorial Hall. Experience their spiritual heritage, serene atmosphere, and historical significance. 5. Witness the Art of Yangzhou Lacquerware Explore the intricate world of Yangzhou lacquerware by visiting workshops and museums. Admire the vibrant colors, intricate designs, and lustrous finish of this traditional craft. 6. Experience the Elegance of Yueju Opera Attend a Yangzhou opera performance to enjoy elaborate costumes, captivating music, and stylized movements. This unique art form offers deep cultural insights. 7. Explore Yangzhou's Teahouses Enjoy traditional tea ceremonies and local snacks in Yangzhou's teahouses while listening to storytelling or music, offering a rich cultural experience. 8. Savor the Flavors of Yangzhou Cuisine Embark on a culinary adventure with Yangzhou cuisine. Try dishes like Yangzhou fried rice, steamed buns, and enjoy the city's renowned tea culture. 9. Discover Treasures at Dongguan Street Explore Dongguan Street, a historic shopping district with traditional crafts and souvenirs. Find unique gifts like lacquerware, jade carvings, and local snacks. 10. Find Tranquility at the Geyuan Garden Capture the beauty of Geyuan Garden's rock formations, bamboo groves, and serene ponds. Frame the perfect shot of its iconic rockeries for memorable photos. 11. Photograph the Night View of Slender West Lake The night view of Slender West Lake, with its illuminated bridges and reflections on the water, provides a stunning backdrop for memorable photos.
Yangzhou, a city rich in cultural heritage, boasts attractions like the classical Slender West Lake, the historic Dongguan Street, the architecturally innovative Ho Family Garden, the significant Daming Temple, and the informative China Grand Canal Museum, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's storied past and aesthetic beauty.
Yangzhou's culinary delights are celebrated for their careful preparation, distinct tastes, and wide assortment. Popular dishes such as the beloved steamed dumplings, refreshing shredded dry tofu, globally renowned Yangzhou fried rice, and tender, mildly sweet lion's head meatballs each promise to whet the appetite and offer a unique taste journey.
Yangzhou's transportation network is well-connected, primarily through its airport and railway stations, which are essential for intercity travel. Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (YTY / ZSYA) is a significant hub located about 30 kilometers from Yangzhou's city center. It was upgraded to handle larger aircraft like the Boeing 747 after the runway extension in 2018. To reach Yangzhou from the airport, travelers can take a taxi or the airport shuttle bus, which connects to various parts of the city. Yangzhou Railway Station, situated in the northern suburbs, is another major junction about 10 km from the city center. It connects to high-speed rail lines, making it possible to travel to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing. Passengers can take city buses or taxis to reach the city from Yangzhou Railway Station. The station is complemented by Yangzhou East Railway Station (Yangzhoudong), which opened in 2020 and is now the largest station in Yangzhou. It is part of the Lianyungang–Zhenjiang high-speed railway, enhancing the city's connectivity.
The city's hotels are distributed across several key areas, each offering unique experiences and amenities to travelers. From the scenic Slender West Lake area to the historic Dongguan Street and the cultural Wenchang Pavilion, visitors can find lodging that complements their travel itinerary and interests.
The best time to visit Yangzhou is during the spring season, from March to April. This period is ideal as the weather warms up and the Slender West Lake area is adorned with blooming flowers, including the pure white Wild Chinese Viburnum, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. Another recommended time is autumn, specifically September and October, when the city presents a different charm with its lakes enveloped in light mist and clouds. These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, perfect for enjoying the city's natural beauty and cultural events.
The official language in Yangzhou is Mandarin Chinese. To navigate the language barriers, travelers can benefit from translation apps. Key phrases include "Ni hao" (Hello) and "Xie xie" (Thank you). For better communication, use simple terms, gestures, or visual aids.