Jiangsu · Yangzhou | Must-Visit Attractions and Food Guide!

Recommended Reasons: Yangzhou, a millennium-old city nourished by the Grand Canal, boasts a prosperous past of "wealthy beyond measure, riding a crane down to Yangzhou" and a poetic landscape of "flowers and willows lining both banks, pavilions stretching all the way to the hills." The vast misty waves of Slender West Lake, the serene Zen atmosphere of Daming Temple, and the lively vibe of Dongguan Street together paint a picture of "Yangzhou Slow," blending Jiangnan's tenderness with historical depth. Here, a spoonful of Huaiyang cuisine reveals a thousand years of culture, and a cup of fragrant tea captures the charm of city life. 📅 Must-Visit Attractions: 🌊【Slender West Lake】"The finest garden in the world." The reflections of Five Pavilion Bridge and the silhouette of the White Pagoda complement each other beautifully. The spring willows on the Long Embankment, autumn maples on Little Jin Hill, and moonlight over the Twenty-Four Bridge create a picturesque scene in every season. Take a painted boat tour or cycle around the lake to experience the delicate charm of "Yangzhou is good, crossing the Five Pavilion Bridge." 🌿【Lüyang Lake】A green gem in the city of Yangzhou, with weeping willows along the shore and rippling emerald waters. The "Lüyang Chun" teahouse on the island in the lake offers a taste of Yangzhou morning tea. Ancient trees and modern art installations by the lakeside create a tranquil urban oasis. ⛩【Daming Temple】The starting point of Jianzhen’s eastward voyage, the ancient temple’s bell tolls echo through a thousand years. Highlights include Qiling Pagoda, Pingshan Hall, and Ouyang Xiu’s calligraphy of "The Fifth Spring Under Heaven." Cherry blossoms flutter in spring, and ginkgo leaves turn golden in autumn, blending Zen and nature. 🌸【He Garden】"The top garden of late Qing China," famous for "Shuixin Pavilion" and "Pianshi Mountain House." The corridors twist like a maze, and the rockeries are masterpieces, earning it the title of "a unique Jiangnan garden." Strolling in the morning mist feels like stepping into an ink painting scroll. 🎨【Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics Memorial Hall】A gathering place for Qing dynasty’s innovative painters and calligraphers. Masterpieces like Zheng Banqiao’s bamboo, Jin Nong’s lacquer calligraphy, and Luo Pin’s ghostly paintings are exquisite. The collection intertwines with Yangzhou salt merchants’ culture, showcasing the unorthodox artistic spirit of the "Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics." 📚【Zhu Ziqing Former Residence】Located on Dongguan Street, this gray-brick and tile house displays the scholar’s manuscripts, books, and daily items. Walking through the backyard’s "Lotus Pond Moonlight" scene evokes the poetry of "The Qinhuai River in the Sound of Oars and Lanterns." 🏮【Dongguan Street】Yangzhou’s old town "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," with century-old shops and creative stores lining the bluestone road. The carved beams of the Wang family salt merchant residence, the century-old heritage of Xie Fuchun’s perfumed powder shop, and the morning tea culture of Fuchun Teahouse all represent living history. 🍜【Pishi Street】Yangzhou’s "Food Street," where you can taste crab roe soup dumplings and Huaiyang dim sum at Yechun Teahouse in the morning, and Yangzhou fried rice and Wensi tofu in the afternoon at Fuchun. Don’t miss the delicious "Yangzhou San Ding" buns and "Huangqiao Sesame Cakes" at the street corner. 🏯【Wenchang Pavilion】A landmark building in Yangzhou, built in the Ming dynasty, once a gathering place for literati. Climb the pavilion for a panoramic view of the ancient canal and modern city. Nearby, the Yangzhou Museum houses Han dynasty Guangling King’s tomb artifacts, worth a visit. 🗼【Siwang Pavilion】Located by the ancient canal, built in the Eastern Jin dynasty, it is one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Yangzhou. The weathered tower offers a top view of Slender West Lake and the cityscape. Nearby, enjoy "Yangzhou Pinghua" performances to experience intangible cultural heritage. 📅 Travel Guide: 🎉 Day 1: Gardens and Ancient Temples - 🌞 Morning: Full tour of Slender West Lake (Five Pavilion Bridge → Long Embankment Spring Willows → Little Jin Hill → Twenty-Four Bridge) - 🍲 Lunch: Yechun Teahouse for crab roe soup dumplings and Yangzhou fried rice - 🌳 Afternoon: Explore He Garden (Corridors → Pianshi Mountain House → Shuixin Pavilion) - 🌃 Evening: Worship at Daming Temple (Qiling Pagoda → Pingshan Hall → "The Fifth Spring Under Heaven") 🎉 Day 2: Culture and City Life - 🍞 Breakfast: Fuchun Teahouse morning tea (Huaiyang dim sum, hot dried tofu strips) - 🌞 Morning: Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics Memorial Hall → Zhu Ziqing Former Residence (Lotus Pond Moonlight scene) - 🍲 Lunch: "Huaiyang Mansion" on Dongguan Street for Wensi tofu and squirrel mandarin fish - 🌳 Afternoon: Food exploration on Pishi Street (Xie Fuchun perfumed powder → "Yangzhou San Ding" buns) - 🌇 Evening: Wenchang Pavilion night view + ancient canal boat tour 🎉 Day 3: History and Scenery - 🌞 Morning: Yangzhou Museum (Han dynasty artifacts → salt merchant culture exhibition) → Siwang Pavilion - 🍲 Lunch: Yechun on Dongguan Street for Huaiyang cuisine - 🌳 Afternoon: Cycling at Lüyang Lake (teahouse on the island → ancient trees area) - 🌃 Dinner: Pishi Street’s "Huangqiao Sesame Cakes" + "Yangzhou fried rice" 🏨 Accommodation Guide: 🛏 Recommended areas: Around Slender West Lake (walking distance to attractions), Dongguan Street area (vibrant nightlife), Ancient Canal area (historic and convenient) ⭐ Featured stays: "Yangzhou Guesthouse" by Slender West Lake (garden-style design), "He Garden Homestay" on Dongguan Street (traditional residence renovation), "Slender West Lake International Hotel" by the ancient canal (modern style) 💗 Other Tips: 1. 🚇 Yangzhou Metro Line 2 connects Slender West Lake, Dongguan Street, and other attractions; cycling or walking is recommended within the old city. 2. 🍵 Yangzhou morning tea culture is rich; visit "Yechun" and "Fuchun" early to experience the slow life of "three quarters of an hour in the morning." 3. 🎫 Tickets: Slender West Lake 70 RMB, He Garden 55 RMB, Daming Temple 45 RMB (including Qiling Pagoda); some attractions require advance booking. 4. 🌧 Yangzhou is rainy in summer; bring an umbrella. Spring and autumn have pleasant weather and are the best travel seasons. 5. 🍜 Must-try foods: Yangzhou fried rice, Wensi tofu, Huaiyang lion’s head meatballs, crab roe soup dumplings, Yangzhou dried tofu.