Yangzhou – Where the Yangtze and Grand Canal Meet
Yangzhou is a small city by Chinese standards, bordering the much larger city of Nanjing. The city has around five million inhabitants, yet despite this it is largely unknown outside of China. It sits on what was once a key trade route across China, where the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal meet. Yangzhou is also supposedly where Marco Polo served Kublai Khan in some official capacity.
Although small, there are some great places to visit in Yangzhou. It makes for a good day trip from Nanjing, or for a longer weekend trip. My trip to Yangzhou was one of the first I took when living in China. If you visit this city, make sure to try the Yangzhou fried rice!
Things to do in Yangzhou
- Slender West Lake
- Daming Temple
- Yangzhou Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall
- He Garden
- Dongguan Street
Slender West Lake
The Slender West Lake is a large national park in the centre of Yangzhou. Within this park there are lots of gardens to explore, including a large variety of plants, flowers, and wildlife. There are waterfalls, bonsai, and even a Korean friendship garden featuring dol hareubang from Jeju.
You can sail around the lake to see it all from the comfort of the slow-moving river boats.
Around the lake you’ll find lots of traditional architecture, from pavilions to bridges and terraces. The highlight is Wuting Bridge, an incredible bridge whose distinct colours and shape has become a symbol of Yangzhou.
Slender West Lake is a place to relax and enjoy nature, while seeing traditional Chinese architecture. You can easily spend most of the day exploring this national park, coupled with Daming Temple.
Daming Temple
Just to the northwest of Slender West Lake is the Daming Temple. Daming Temple was originally built during the 5th century. There are lots of beautiful Buddhist artworks and statues to be found here.
The highlight of Daming Temple is the Qiling Pagoda. This nine-story pagoda towers over the rest of the temple. You can head to the top for great views over the temple, Slender West Lake, and the surrounding city.
Yangzhou Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall
At the northern exit of Slender West Lake, just before reaching Daming Temple, you’ll find the Yangzhou Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall. This memorial hall is to commemorate those who died in the Chinese Civil War that led to the formation of the People’s Republic of China.
This site is perhaps more geared towards locals or those with an interest in the history of communist China, but the hall is worth visiting for the beautiful park by its entrance. If for nothing else, stop in to see this on your way between Slender West Lake and Daming Temple.
He Garden
The He Garden is a typical residential garden found during the Qing Dynasty era. The garden originally belonged to the He family, who built the garden in 1883.
The garden is a beautiful place to find peace in the middle of the city, and you can also look around the residence that surrounds the garden.
The highlight is Shuixin Pavilion, which is reflected in the pond that lies in front of it.
Dongguan Street
Dongguan Street is an ancient narrow street that runs east to west across part of Yangzhou. This 1122m long street makes you feel like you’re walking through China of the Ming or Qing dynasties, with much of the original architecture preserved. Here you can find delicious street food or souvenirs.
The street ends at Dongmen, the old east gate of the city. What remains of the gate is impressive to see and lights up at night.
Recommendations:
