A Guide to Yangzhou, the Ancient City Even Emperor Qianlong Visited 6 Times

Hey everyone! Today, I'm sharing a captivating ancient city in the Jiangnan region—Yangzhou. Emperor Qianlong visited Jiangnan six times and Yangzhou five times. Just how amazing is it? Let's dive into this guide and find out! 1. Slender West Lake 1. Features: This canal, less than 5 km long, encapsulates the essence of Yangzhou. It's the very place where the famous poem "Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night" was inspired. Its name, "Slender West Lake," comes from its smaller size compared to the West Lake in Hangzhou. 2. Must-See Spots: Twenty-Four Bridge, with its length, width, pillars, and steps all related to the number 24, is full of ingenuity. The White Pagoda has an interesting legend about being built overnight. At the Fishing Platform, you can see the Five-Pavilion Bridge and the White Pagoda through a round and an oval window respectively, creating a perfect composition. 3. How to Explore: A boat tour is recommended. It allows you to admire the scenery along the banks and enjoy the beauty of Slender West Lake at a leisurely pace. 2. He Garden 1. Unique Style: Known as the "Best Garden of the Late Qing Dynasty," He Garden blends Chinese and Western styles. 2. Highlights: The 1,500-meter-long covered walkway, known as the "Number One Corridor Under Heaven," is considered a prototype of the Chinese overpass. The Water-Heart Pavilion is a popular filming location. The residential area features traditional Chinese louvered doors and windows, incorporating Western elements such as Japanese sliding doors and French fireplaces. 3. Experience: Strolling through the garden, you can appreciate the beautiful scenery while experiencing the unique architectural charm and historical atmosphere. 3. Old Streets and Alleys 1. Nanhexia Street: One of the first 30 historical and cultural districts in China, it preserves numerous salt merchants' mansions and guild halls, such as He Garden and Hunan Guild Hall, bearing witness to Yangzhou's salt merchant culture. 2. Backstreets: Wandering through the alleys leading to Dongguan Street, you can observe authentic Yangzhou life—elderly people riding bicycles, women chatting by the wells—and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. 4. Dongguan Street 1. Historical Significance: With a history of 1,200 years, Dongguan Street, located at the ancient Grand Canal ferry crossing, is the birthplace of Yangzhou's canal and salt merchant culture. 2. Food and Shopping: The bluestone-paved street is lined with shops, including many century-old establishments like Simei Sauce Garden, founded in 1817. For authentic Yangzhou cuisine, Cuchadanfan and Jindaiwei restaurants are recommended. 3. Dongguan Ferry: Located at the eastern end of Dongguan Street, although its bustling past is gone, the towering gatehouse still evokes its former glory. 5. Travel Tips 1. Best Time to Visit: Spring, especially during the "Misty Rain in March" period, offers pleasant weather and the most beautiful scenery. 2. Itinerary: A 2- to 3-day trip is recommended. Visit Slender West Lake in the morning and He Garden in the afternoon on the first day. Explore the old streets and alleys in the morning and Dongguan Street in the afternoon on the second day. 3. Food Recommendations: In addition to those mentioned above, don't miss Yangzhou fried rice, lion's head meatballs, and Yangzhou morning tea. Yangzhou boasts the elegance of classical gardens and the vibrancy of everyday life. It's truly captivating! You must experience it for yourself. You might just fall in love and never want to leave. See you in Yangzhou next year! Have any of you been to Yangzhou? Share your most memorable experiences in the comments below! I'd love to hear your recommendations!