Slender West Lake: A Trip That Broke My Bank!

I. Basic Information Location: No. 26 Dahongqiao Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province Opening Hours: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm (extended to 6:30 pm during peak season) Tickets: Adult: CNY 120 (March-November) Student/Senior: CNY 60 (with valid ID) Free Admission: Children under 1.2m, seniors over 70 (with valid ID) Recommended Duration: 3-5 hours II. Recommended Core Attractions Five-Pavilion Bridge Features: The landmark of Slender West Lake. The white pagoda and five pavilions complement each other, especially romantic when lit up at night. Things to do: Climb the bridge for panoramic lake views, and take photos at this classic spot. Twenty-Four Bridge Story: Famous for Du Mu's poem "Twenty-Four Bridge on a Moonlit Night," it is actually a single-arch stone bridge. Highlights: Enjoy Yangzhou morning tea at the teahouse by the bridge and experience the charm of "small bridges, flowing water, and houses." White Pagoda Background: Modeled after the White Pagoda in Beihai Park, Beijing. Climb the pagoda for a bird's-eye view of the entire lake. Tips: An elevator is available inside the pagoda, suitable for visitors who prefer not to climb stairs. Long Embankment and Spring Willows Season: Best in spring, with willows brushing the water and peach blossoms in full bloom. Activities: Stroll along the lake and admire the fusion of gardens and natural landscapes. Xu Garden Features: The garden combines the exquisiteness of Jiangnan gardens with a history museum (showcasing the relationship between Xu Xiake and Slender West Lake). Hidden Gem: The "Maple Leaf Island" in front of Xu Garden is covered with red leaves in autumn. III. Suggested Itinerary Morning Route: Cruise Ship Pier → Five-Pavilion Bridge → Smoke-Rain Tower → Xu Garden → White Pagoda (Taking a boat tour offers a more comprehensive view of the lake, tickets are approximately CNY 60/person) Afternoon Route: Long Embankment and Spring Willows → Small Golden Hill → Twenty-Four Bridge → Scenic Area Exit (Walking is recommended if you have the energy; comfortable shoes are advised) Night Tour Highlights: It is recommended to enter the park after 6:30 pm. The light show illuminates the Five-Pavilion Bridge and Twenty-Four Bridge, making the night view even more enchanting. IV. Transportation Guide By Car: Navigate to "Slender West Lake Scenic Area East Gate." Parking is approximately CNY 10/visit. By Bus: Take Tourist Bus Line 1 or 2 to "Slender West Lake Station." By Subway: Take Yangzhou Subway Line 1 to "Wenchang Pavilion Station" and transfer to Tourist Bus Line 1. By Taxi: Approximately CNY 20-30 from within the city; prices may be higher at night. V. Nearby Activities Half-Day Trip Extensions: Morning: Slender West Lake + Yangzhou Museum (free, closed on Mondays) Afternoon: He Garden/Ge Garden (World Cultural Heritage sites, tickets CNY 30-40) Food Recommendations: By Slender West Lake: Yechun Teahouse (must-try crab roe soup dumplings and emerald siu mai), Qu Garden (time-honored restaurant) In the City: Dongguan Street (night market snacks: lotus root starch balls, Huang Jue Lao'e) VI. Important Notes Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent: Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent during the day. Light Packing: There is no shade by the lake, so it is recommended to bring a jacket. Respectful Sightseeing: Do not touch cultural relics or feed animals. Reservation Reminder: Advance online ticket purchase is recommended for holidays (available through the official website or travel platforms).