Yangzhou Attractions - Things to Do

Lotus Bridge, Slender West Lake

Yangzhou has been without doubt a fascinating symbol of natural beauty in China ever since ancient times. This city of over two thousands years entices numerous people with its endless water scenes, tasteful landscaped gardens as well as various architectures in magnificent or simple delicate styles reminiscent of many outstanding figures.
 The soul of natural beauty in Yangzhou should be the Slender West Lake lying to the northwest of Yangzhou City. Like a long wide green ribbon, its beauty lies in the rippling waters, winding dikes, arching bridges, dancing willows and colourful flowers along the bank. 24 attractions along this delicate lake make up a huge water scene.
 Also with a pleasant climate, the picturesque Yangzhou has been regarded as a perfect place for settling from the earliest times to the present day. Nowadays, there are still many fine ingenious private gardens of some very famous figures. The Ge Garden in Yanfu Lu in the downtown area should be a representative one. The intriguing rockery layout of four seasons in the garden shows originality and intelligence, and the exquisite buildings betray the superb artistic taste of the host.

The other great one worth visiting is He Garden in Xuningmen Jie of urban Yangzhou well-known for its architecture in both Chinese and Western styles. It boasts the reputation of 'No.1 Garden in the Late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)'. In addition, some magnificent residences of the wealthy of ancient times would have been the epitome of property at that time, especially the Lu's Residence at No.22 Kangtang Jie. ( Video of Lu's Residence) It is the most stately and grand one renowned for its continuous building groups and exquisite architectural styles.
 He Garden is reputed as the top private garden of the late Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Many ancient garden experts even praised the He Garden as the‘unique case of gardens' in South Area of Yangtze River.
 

Ge Garden

Daming Temple

Actually, Yangzhou has developed strongly in culture during its long-standing prosperous history as well as its nature-blessed beauty. The part of Buddhism occupies an important place among the many influences on Yangzhou culture. The 1,500 years old Daming Temple in the northern suburb is claimed to be the national Buddhism treasure, for it gathers lots of cultural relics and temples as well as having beautiful garden scenery. Another important temple is the Gaomin Temple which is located in the southern suburb and is one of the eight famous temples in Yangzhou during the Qing Dynasty.