Yangzhou (扬州), located in Jiangsu Province, is a historic city known for its classical gardens, ancient canals, delicious Huaiyang cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Often overlooked in favor of nearby cities like Nanjing and Suzhou, city is a hidden gem offering tranquility, history, and scenic beauty.
Essential Information
- Location: Eastern China, Jiangsu Province, on the northern bank of the Yangtze River.
- Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8).
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY).
- Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March–May) – Best for blooming gardens and mild weather.
- Autumn (September–November) – Ideal for cool temperatures and beautiful scenery.
- Famous For: Slender West Lake, Grand Canal, Huaiyang cuisine, salt merchant culture, and traditional gardens.
- Ideal For: History lovers, food enthusiasts, photographers, and nature seekers.
Interesting Facts About Yangzhou
- City was a major trade hub during the Tang Dynasty, attracting merchants from all over the world.
- The Grand Canal, the longest artificial river in the world, runs through Yangzhou.
- Huaiyang cuisine, one of China’s four major culinary traditions, originated here.
- Marco Polo reportedly served as a governor of Yangzhou during the Yuan Dynasty.
- City is famous for its refined lifestyle, including tea culture, calligraphy, and classical gardens.
How to Get There
By Air ✈️
- Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (YTY) – Located 30 km from downtown Yangzhou, with domestic and limited international flights.
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) – A larger airport, about 1.5 hours away by train or car.
By Train 🚄
- Yangzhou Railway Station offers high-speed trains from:
With Bus 🚌
Long-distance buses connect city with Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, taking 3–5 hours.
By Car 🚗
Best Things to Do in Yangzhou
1. Visit Slender West Lake (瘦西湖) 🌊
- The most famous attraction in Yangzhou, resembling a traditional Chinese painting.
- Walk along the scenic lake, take a boat ride, and admire the iconic Five Pavilion Bridge.
2. Explore Ge Garden (个园) 🌿
- One of the four most famous classical gardens in China, known for its unique rock formations representing the four seasons.
3. Wander Through Dongguan Street (东关街) 🏮
- A historic pedestrian street lined with ancient architecture, tea houses, and local shops.
- Perfect for souvenir shopping and trying local snacks.
4. Visit Daming Temple (大明寺) 🏯
- A beautiful Buddhist temple with a pagoda offering panoramic views of the city.
- Home to the Jianzhen Memorial Hall, dedicated to the famous monk who spread Buddhism to Japan.
5. Explore the Yangzhou Museum (扬州博物馆) 🖼️
- Showcasing Yangzhou’s rich history, art, and calligraphy.
- Located near Mingyue Lake, a modern urban park.
Best Accommodation Options in Yangzhou
Luxury Hotels 🌟
- Shangri-La Hotel Yangzhou – 5-star luxury with lake views and fine dining.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Yangzhou – Elegant rooms and excellent service.
Mid-Range Hotels 🏨
- Hyatt Regency Yangzhou – Great location with modern amenities.
- Crowne Plaza Yangzhou – Comfortable stay with international standards.
Budget Hotels & Hostels 💰
- GreenTree Inn Yangzhou – Affordable and centrally located.
- Jinjiang Inn Yangzhou Dongguan Street – Budget-friendly with clean rooms.
Cultural and Modern Attractions
- Yangzhou Opera House (扬州大剧院) – Hosting traditional Kunqu opera and modern performances.
- China Grand Canal Museum (中国大运河博物馆) – A fascinating museum about the Grand Canal’s history and cultural impact.
- Heyuan Garden (何园) – A well-preserved mansion with elegant courtyards and pavilions.
Dining and Nightlife
Famous Local Dishes 🍜
- Yangzhou Fried Rice (扬州炒饭) – The original version of this world-famous dish.
- Lion’s Head Meatballs (狮子头) – Tender pork meatballs braised in a rich sauce.
- Wensi Tofu (文思豆腐) – A delicate tofu soup, finely shredded by hand.
Top Restaurants 🍽️
- Fuchun Teahouse (富春茶社) – A historic teahouse famous for breakfast dim sum and Huaiyang dishes.
- Yechun Teahouse (冶春茶社) – Another must-visit spot for authentic cuisine.
Best Bars & Nightlife 🍹
- 1912 Bar Street (1912酒吧街) – A lively area with bars, lounges, and live music.
- Old Brewery Bar (老啤酒坊) – A great spot for craft beer and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best Day Trips from Yangzhou
1. Zhenjiang (45 Minutes Away)
- Visit Jinshan Temple and Xijin Ferry Street for a mix of history and riverside views.
2. Nanjing (1.5 Hours Away)
- Explore Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, and Nanjing Massacre Memorial.
3. Gaoyou (1 Hour Away)
- Home to Gaoyou Lake, Shuangfeng Temple, and ancient city walls.
Getting Around Yangzhou
🚇 No Metro – City does not have a subway system, but taxis and buses are convenient.
🚌 Buses – Cheap and reliable, but not ideal for non-Chinese speakers.
🚖 Taxis & Didi (Chinese Uber) – Best for tourists; affordable and easy to use.
🚲 Bike-sharing (Mobike, Hellobike) – Perfect for exploring parks and ancient streets.
Practical Tips
Cashless payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are preferred.
Visit Slender West Lake early to avoid crowds.
Try breakfast at Fuchun Teahouse for a true Yangzhou experience.
Conclusion
Yangzhou is a hidden gem in Jiangsu Province, offering tranquil gardens, historic temples, vibrant food culture, and stunning canal views. Whether you’re seeking history, nature, or culinary delights, this charming city has something for every traveler.
Plan your adventure today! 🌸🏯🍜
