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.
Most Popular Yangzhou Attractions
Other Attractions in Yangzhou
In December, Yangzhou’s scenery is absolutely stunning, with ginkgo and maple trees everywhere—truly beautiful! It’s perfect for taking photos, and once you’re there, you won’t want to leave. The only downside is that it’s really cold! Food: – Ye Chuan Tea House (冶春茶社 – for breakfast tea; it’s okay whether you eat there or not, but I felt it was not as amazing as marketed). – Boss Pan’s Chicken Leg (潘老板鸡腿 – there’s a knock-off store in Dongguan Street selling legs for 12 RMB, the authentic one on Ganquan Road sells for only 8 RMB. I think it’s the only genuine place, and it’s quite delicious). – Yangzhou University Yogurt (扬大酸奶 – it’s decent; I’m just not a big fan of yogurt). – Zhao Jiu Ji Hot Pot (赵九记火锅 – a random place we found; surprisingly tasty and affordable!). Activities: – Rickshaw (costs 30 RMB per person; they introduce Yangzhou’s… Read more »
I made plans with my good friend to spend the weekend in Yangzhou. After a hurried trip back to Nanjing from Nantong, we rushed to the train station.
Once we arrived in Yangzhou, we first dropped off our luggage at the hotel and took a quick rest. Then, we set off towards a hot pot restaurant to enjoy a hearty meal. After eating and drinking to our satisfaction, we thought it would be nice to stroll around the shopping district. However, we found that the first two malls we visited were hardly frequented by anyone. It wasn’t until we reached Jinghua City that we began to see a bit of activity. Although there were plenty of shopping malls, the number of people inside them was surprisingly low.
Although the scenery at Slim West Lake in Yangzhou is beautiful, there are many paths, and perhaps because it was nighttime, I hardly saw any signposts. I heard a broadcast announcing that the park would soon close, but I hadn’t managed to find my way out yet, which made me very anxious. Eventually, I was able to navigate my way out on foot.
The weather is great today; after the rain, it’s very refreshing. The pace of life in Yangzhou is not so fast, and there’s absolutely no pressure at all. There’s plenty to eat, and the prices are quite reasonable, which is acceptable. Although there’s no subway, getting around is easy with shared bicycles and buses. Living here feels very comfortable. I’m leaving tomorrow, and I feel a bit reluctant to say goodbye to this place.
Stepping outside for just five minutes felt like a workout, as I was sweating for two hours.
The weather is not suitable for outdoor activities; I barely spent any time outside before my makeup started to run.
However, stepping into the shopping mall was a breath of fresh air, and I felt rejuvenated again.
Two-day-one-night Travel Guide to Yangzhou Transportation: Arrive at Yangzhou Railway Station or Yangzhou East Railway Station from various places, then take a taxi or public transport to the hotel. By plane: Fly to Yangzhou Taizhou Airport from various places, then take an airport shuttle bus or taxi to the hotel upon arrival. Self-driving: It is recommended by local friends to self-drive from surrounding cities to Yangzhou for a better experience. Where to stay: It is recommended to stay near Dongguan Street and Wenchang Pavilion for convenient access to Shouxi Lake, Ge Garden, and dining options. What to eat: Yangzhou Fried Rice, Yangzhou Dry Silk! A must-try is the “Fireworks-Smelling Shrimp” at the Xiaopangzi Stall on Wangyue Road, highly recommended by locals for late-night snacks. Sightseeing itinerary: Day 1: Slender West Lake -> Daming Temple -> Gulin Academy -> Wenchang Pavilion -> Grand Canal of Jinghang Day 2: Ge Garden ->… Read more »
Three-day travel itinerary in Yangzhou: Day 1: – Morning: Arrive in Yangzhou, check in at the hotel. Visit the Ge Garden and enjoy the beauty of Chinese classical gardens. – Noon: Have lunch near Dongguan Street and taste Yangzhou’s specialty snacks. – Afternoon: Stroll along Dongguan Street, experience the charm of the ancient street, and buy some souvenirs. – Evening: Head to the ancient Grand Canal, take a boat ride, and admire the night view along the canal. Day 2: – Morning: Visit the Slender West Lake and appreciate the beauty of Jiangnan-style gardens. – Noon: Have a meal near the Slender West Lake. – Afternoon: Visit the Daming Temple and learn about Buddhist culture. – Evening: Visit the Hongqiao District for delicious food and leisure time. Day 3: – Morning: Head to the ZhuYu Bay Park and observe the flora and fauna. – Noon: Taste Yangzhou’s specialty cuisine. –… Read more »
Day 1: Morning Tea -> Slender West Lake (瘦西湖) -> Daming Temple (大明寺) -> China Grand Canal Museum Xiangyuan Tea House: Recommended by the hotel receptionist for morning tea, no need to queue, and the service is friendly. The only downside is that many dim sum items can only be ordered in whole servings, which may be inconvenient for those who want to try a variety of options. Slender West Lake: A national 5A tourist resort with a serene beauty different from the West Lake in Hangzhou. A visit to Yangzhou is not complete without visiting Slender West Lake, and the night scenery offers a different kind of beauty. China Grand Canal Museum: The museum is large in scale, divided into thirteen exhibition halls with many digital immersive experience galleries. The VR and 3D interactive experiences are fantastic! ✅ Itinerary suggestions: Day 2: He Garden (何园) -> Leather Market Street… Read more »
The temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius, so it can get hot outdoors at noon, but mornings and evenings are more bearable. When visiting Yangzhou for the first time, you cannot miss experiencing the morning tea culture. Yechun (冶春) and Qinyuan (趣园) are quite famous. With local friends hosting us, we followed their lead without hesitation. At 6 am, our friend lined up at Yechun Tea House, while we woke up naturally at the hotel and entered later, which was quite impressive. Before having breakfast, we enjoyed listening to traditional opera in the large garden on the first floor, even though we didn’t understand it. If you want to have breakfast early, you must line up early, or the locals say you might end up eating around 11-12 pm. The crab roe soup dumplings cost 36 each and are quite good; the broth can be savored for a long time.… Read more »
“Transportation Tips”: There is no subway in Yangzhou, but getting around the city is very convenient with public buses and taxis. High-speed trains can arrive at either the Yangzhou Station or Yangzhou East Station, where there are bus stops right outside the exits. Make sure to get an electronic bus card in advance, which requires a minimum top-up of 10 RMB. It’s only one stop from Yangzhou East Station to Dongguan Street! ️ “Itinerary Arrangement”: Day 1️⃣: Day at Da Ming Temple, Guanyin Mountain, and Slender West Lake. Start your day with a delicious Yangzhou breakfast – try the hot dry noodles, San Ding Bao, Wu Ding Bao, Yangchun noodles, shrimp roe wonton, jade dumplings, crab roe soup dumplings, and vinegar jelly cold dishes, all so delightful! Visit the ancient Da Ming Temple, founded over 1500 years ago, followed by a trip to Guanyin Mountain for breathtaking views. In the… Read more »