Yangzhou Travel Guide
Yangzhou, historically known as Guangling, Jiangdu, and Weiyang, is located in central southern Jiangsu Province on the northern bank of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Established in 486 BC, Yangzhou boasts nearly 2500 years of history, marked by a rich cultural heritage, thriving commerce, and notable personalities. The city enjoys a mild climate with distinct seasons, picturesque scenery, and a pleasant environment, earning it the United Nations Habitat Award.
A trip to Yangzhou is incomplete without experiencing the Jiangnan charm of Slender West Lake. This scenic lake garden, blending the elegance of southern China with the grandeur of the north, captivates visitors with its graceful weeping willows lining the shores. At He Garden, renowned as the “First Garden of the Late Qing Dynasty,” a stroll through the famous 1500-meter double-path corridor, known as the “First Corridor under Heaven,” reveals the intricate and versatile beauty of traditional Chinese garden architecture, showcasing the ancient craftsmen’s skill and artistry.
In Yangzhou, you can also visit the ancient Daming Temple, a millennium-old site enriched with relics from the flourishing Tang Dynasty. This temple gains additional mystique from the renowned monk Jianzhen, who transmitted Buddhist teachings to Japan before departing from here. The temple’s artifacts still reflect the grandeur of the Tang era.
Another enchanting activity is a boat ride on the Grand Canal, the world’s oldest artificial waterway. As you drift along, the ancient canal softly whispers tales of its storied past.
We arrived on the afternoon of January 11th, and I’ve noticed that many places in Yangzhou are under construction, so it feels quite dusty everywhere. On the first day, we visited the Grand Canal Museum, which has a total of 12 exhibition halls. Some of the exhibits on the second floor require an entrance fee, but the second and third halls on the first floor are worth experiencing. The 3D exhibits really make you feel like you’re on a boat,… Read more »