Yangzhou

Yangzhou: A Journey Through Ancient Charm and Culinary Delights

Planning Your Trip to Yangzhou

Country and Province

  • Country: China
  • Province: Jiangsu Province

Timezone

  • GMT+8

Languages Spoken

  • Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
  • Yangzhou Dialect

Currency

  • Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Weather and Climate in Yangzhou: A Monthly Snapshot

  • Spring (March-May): Mild weather, occasional rainfall, and beautiful blooming flowers make this a pleasant time to visit.
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and humid conditions prevail, with frequent showers and thunderstorms. Be prepared for the heat!
  • Autumn (September-November): Enjoy pleasant, sunny days and cooler temperatures – ideal for exploring.
  • Winter (December-February): Cold and damp weather, with occasional frost or snow. Pack warm clothing.

Yangzhou City Overview

Yangzhou, a city brimming with history and culture, sits gracefully in Jiangsu Province, China. Strategically positioned on the north bank of the Yangtze River, it has long served as a crucial port and bustling trade hub. Famous for its stunning classical gardens, captivating architecture, and exquisite cuisine, Yangzhou offers a fascinating peek into China’s imperial past. The city truly flourished during the Sui and Tang dynasties, evolving into a vibrant center for merchants, talented artists, and brilliant scholars. Its tranquil canals, charming willow-lined streets, and traditional tea houses create a serene atmosphere, encouraging visitors to unwind and fully appreciate the beauty of traditional Chinese life. Let’s not forget the city’s culinary claim to fame: Huaiyang cuisine. Celebrated as one of the four major traditions in Chinese cooking, it stands out with its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, delicately balanced flavors, and artistic presentation. Explore the ancient city, its food and the historical places and culture.

Best Time to Visit Yangzhou

  • Spring (April-May):
    • Pros: Delightful weather, blossoming gardens create a picturesque scene.
    • Cons: Can get crowded, and occasional rain showers are possible.
  • Autumn (September-October):
    • Pros: Sunny skies, comfortable temperatures make for ideal sightseeing conditions.
    • Cons: You might find travel costs are a bit higher during this peak season.

Getting to Yangzhou & Visa Information

  • Flights: The closest major airport is Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). Book flights and accommodations in advance using websites like Expedia or Kayak.
  • Trains: High-speed trains offer convenient connections from Yangzhou to major cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Beijing. Purchase tickets on Ctrip or China Railway’s official website.
  • Visa Details: Ensure you have the correct Chinese visa for your trip. Check the latest requirements based on your citizenship on the Chinese embassy website.
  • Airport Transfers: Buses and taxis are available for transfers from Nanjing airport to Yangzhou (approximately a 2-3 hour journey). Consider pre-booking a private transfer via a service like Viator for convenience.

Yangzhou: Historical Insights and Fun Facts

Yangzhou holds a prominent place in history, largely due to Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty. He famously commissioned the construction of the Grand Canal, a monumental project that connected the city to northern regions. This ambitious undertaking dramatically increased Yangzhou’s economic and strategic value. Though a controversial figure, Emperor Yang Guang’s legacy is forever intertwined with Yangzhou’s growth, despite the tremendous human cost involved in building the canal.

Famous Personalities from Yangzhou

Jianzhen – A revered Tang dynasty monk who played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism to Japan.

Top 10 Attractions in Yangzhou

  • Slender West Lake (瘦西湖): A stunning scenic area featuring serene lakes, charming bridges, and beautifully landscaped classical gardens. This is a must-see for any visitor.
    • Address: 1 Daming Temple Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou
  • Geyuan Garden (个园): A classical private garden, celebrated for its bamboo groves, unique rock formations, and thoughtfully designed seasonal landscapes.
    • Address: 10 Yandong Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Heyuan Garden (何园): Another exquisitely preserved private garden showcasing a distinctive architectural style and intricately designed courtyard layouts.
    • Address: 66 Xu Ningmen Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Daming Temple (大明寺): A historic Buddhist temple with ancient pagodas, peaceful courtyards, and a rich cultural heritage.
    • Address: 8 Pingshan Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou
  • Dongguan Street (东关街): A vibrant historic street lined with traditional shops, tempting restaurants, and cultural attractions. Perfect for a stroll and souvenir shopping.
    • Address: Dongguan Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Yangzhou Museum (扬州博物馆): A museum dedicated to showcasing the city’s fascinating history, art, and cultural heritage.
    • Address: 128 Century Avenue, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou
  • Shouxihu Hot Spring Resort (瘦西湖温泉度假村): A relaxing hot spring resort located near the scenic Slender West Lake. Book your stay through Booking.com for the best deals.
    • Address: 488 Fenghuang Island East Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou
  • Han Tomb Museum (汉陵苑): An archaeological site where you can explore ancient Han Dynasty tombs.
    • Address: Yizheng, Yangzhou
  • Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁): An iconic pavilion situated at the intersection of several major streets, making it a prominent landmark.
    • Address: Wenchang Middle Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Luoyang Ancient City Ruins (龙游古城遗址): Discover the historical remnants of an ancient city.
    • Address: Luoyang Town, Gaoyou, Yangzhou

Yangzhou Hidden Gems

  • Wang’s Xiaoyao Garden (汪氏小苑): A smaller, less crowded garden offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
    • Address: 24 Dingjiawan, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Double Museum (双博馆): A combined museum featuring the Yangzhou Museum and the China Block Printing Museum, offering a diverse range of exhibits.
    • Address: 128 Century Avenue, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou
  • Former Residence of Zhu Ziqing (朱自清故居): Explore the former home of the renowned writer Zhu Ziqing and learn about his life and works.
    • Address: Anle Lane, Guangling District, Yangzhou

Local Festivals & Events in Yangzhou

  • Yangzhou Canal Tourism Festival (扬州运河旅游节): A celebration of the city’s rich canal heritage, featuring cultural performances and engaging exhibitions. (Usually held in April/May). Check local listings for dates and times.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节): A traditional harvest festival celebrated with delicious mooncakes and family gatherings.
  • Spring Festival (春节): The Chinese New Year, filled with traditional celebrations, vibrant customs, and family reunions.

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions from Yangzhou

  • Nanjing (南京): The former capital of China, offering historical sites such as the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and the impressive Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum (approximately 1.5-2 hours by high-speed train).
  • Zhenjiang (镇江): Famous for its scenic Jinshan Temple and unique Vinegar Culture Museum (approximately 30-45 minutes by high-speed train).
  • Gaoyou Lake (高邮湖): A vast freshwater lake perfect for boating, fishing, and enjoying the natural scenery (approximately 1-1.5 hours by car).

Top Photography Spots & Instagram-Worthy Places in Yangzhou

  • Five Pavilion Bridge (五亭桥) at Slender West Lake: Capture the iconic bridge reflecting beautifully in the water, creating a stunning visual.
  • Geyuan Garden’s Bamboo Groves: The lush bamboo groves provide a serene and visually appealing backdrop for captivating photos.
  • Dongguan Street’s Traditional Architecture: Explore the historic street and capture the essence of old Yangzhou with its well-preserved traditional buildings.
  • The White Pagoda (白塔) at Daming Temple: Climb to the top of the landmark pagoda for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
  • Heyuan Garden’s Winding Corridors: The intricate network of winding corridors offers interesting perspectives and unique compositions for photographers.

Where to Stay and How to Get Around Yangzhou

Recommended Length of Stay

Plan for a stay of 3-4 days to fully explore the attractions and experience the culture of Yangzhou.

Top Places to Stay in Yangzhou (Sorted by Budget)

  • Budget-Friendly Hotels
    • Yangzhou Jinjiang Inn (扬州锦江之星)
      • Address: Various locations in Yangzhou
    • Hanting Express (汉庭酒店)
      • Address: Various locations in Yangzhou
    • 7 Days Inn (7天连锁酒店)
      • Address: Various locations in Yangzhou
    • Home Inn (如家快捷酒店)
      • Address: Various locations in Yangzhou
  • Mid-Range Hotels
    • Holiday Inn Express Yangzhou City Center (扬州中心假日酒店)
      • Address: 188 Wenchang West Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou
    • GreenTree Inn Yangzhou Slender West Lake Business Hotel (格林豪泰扬州瘦西湖商业酒店)
      • Address: 77 Ping Shan Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou
    • Wyndham Garden Yangzhou
      • Address: 366 West WenChang Road
  • Luxury Hotels
    • Shangri-La Hotel, Yangzhou (扬州香格里拉大酒店)
      • Address: 168 WenChang West Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou
    • Pullman Yangzhou COSCO Centre (扬州中远大酒店)
      • Address: 318 Wenchang East Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou
    • Grand King Hotel (扬州皇冠大酒店)
      • Address: 98 South Fengle Shangcheng Square

Getting Around the City of Yangzhou

  • Public Transport: Buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Yangzhou.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but always ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. Hail a ride using Didi.
  • Bikes: Renting a bike is a popular and convenient way to explore the city, especially the historic districts.
  • Walking: Walking is ideal for exploring the historic districts, gardens, and smaller streets.

Preparing for Your Yangzhou Adventure

What to Pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot!
  • Light clothing for the summer months and warm layers if you’re visiting in winter.
  • An umbrella or raincoat, especially if traveling during the rainy seasons.
  • Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
  • Basic medications and a small first-aid kit.
  • A phrasebook or translation app to help with communication.

Useful Apps for Your Trip

  • Baidu Maps/Gaode Maps: Essential for navigation and finding your way around the city.
  • Dianping: A popular app for restaurant reviews and finding the best local eats.
  • WeChat/Alipay: Convenient for mobile payments at most shops and restaurants.
  • Ctrip/Trip.com: Useful for booking hotels, flights, and train tickets.

Local Customs, Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette

  • Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
  • Bargain respectfully at markets and smaller shops.
  • Be mindful of sensitive political topics and avoid discussing them in public.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Carry small denominations of currency for taxis, smaller shops, and street vendors.

Food, Fun & Finds: Discovering Yangzhou

Top Restaurants in Yangzhou

  • Fuchun Teahouse (富春茶社): A traditional teahouse renowned for its delicious dim sum and classic Yangzhou-style breakfast.
    • Address: 35 Guanhong Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Xiyuan Restaurant (西园饭店): Offers an extensive menu of authentic Huaiyang cuisine dishes.
    • Address: 168 Fengle Middle Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Lvyangcun Restaurant (绿杨村): Another popular restaurant specializing in traditional Huaiyang dishes.
    • Address: 246 Guanhong Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou

Must-Try Dishes in Yangzhou

  • Yangzhou Fried Rice (扬州炒饭): A globally recognized classic dish featuring shrimp, char siu pork, eggs, and vegetables.
  • Steamed Dumplings (小笼包): Juicy and flavorful pork-filled dumplings served in bamboo steamers.
  • Stewed Pork Knuckle (红烧狮子头): Large, savory meatballs braised in a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (蟹黄汤包): Large, delicate dumplings filled with a flavorful and rich crab roe soup.
  • Thousand Layer Cake (千层油糕): A delicate and flaky pastry with many thin layers.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Yangzhou

  • 1912 Bar Street (1912酒吧街): A popular area with a variety of bars, pubs, and nightlife options.
    • Address: Near Wenchang Pavilion, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Local Tea Houses: Enjoy traditional Chinese tea and snacks in a relaxing and authentic atmosphere.
    • Address: Throughout Yangzhou, especially near Slender West Lake
  • Night Markets: Explore the vibrant night markets for delicious street food, unique souvenirs, and a lively atmosphere.
    • Address: Various locations, check with locals for the latest information.

What to Buy: Souvenirs & Local Markets

  • Yangzhou Lacquerware (扬州漆器): Purchase intricately decorated lacquerware products, known for their exquisite craftsmanship.
    • Address: Dongguan Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Yangzhou Paper Cutting (扬州剪纸): Acquire traditional paper-cut art, a unique and delicate form of local artistry.
    • Address: Dongguan Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou
  • Yangzhou Jade (扬州玉器): Browse jade carvings and jewelry, often considered symbols of good luck and prosperity.
    • Address: Jewelry stores in major shopping areas
  • Pickled Vegetables (酱菜): Sample and purchase famous local pickled vegetables, a flavorful and traditional delicacy.
    • Address: Local supermarkets and specialty shops

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