Yangzhou and Slender West Lake

Yangzhou lies about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Nanjing in Jiangsu province, and the Slender West Lake Scenic Area on Da Hongqiao Road in Hanjiang District is its best-known attraction. The usual route is an intercity coach from Nanjing East or Zhongyangmen bus station, which takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours and costs about ¥40-60, followed by a short taxi or city bus ride to the lake. Leaving Nanjing by 8:00 puts visitors at the gate by mid-morning, with time to return the same evening. The lake is a narrow, winding waterway lined with willows, pavilions and bridges, developed by salt merchants during the Qing dynasty to receive the Qianlong emperor. Highlights include the Five Pavilion Bridge, the Lotus Bridge, the White Pagoda modelled on the one in Beijing's Beihai Park, and the Xiaojinshan island. A relaxed circuit on foot takes about two to three hours, and boats can cover part of the shoreline. A sensible morning arc is to walk the lake early, when paths are quiet, then head into the old city for lunch. Yangzhou is the home of Huaiyang cuisine, and typical dishes include lion's head meatballs, Yangzhou fried rice, and steamed buns and dim sum served in old tea houses. In the afternoon, visitors can walk the Dongguan Street area, visit Ge Garden, one of the best-preserved private gardens in Jiangsu, or follow a stretch of the Grand Canal near the old city. Spring, from March to May, is the classic window for blossom and soft light on the water, while autumn brings clearer skies and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid, and public holidays such as the Qingming and National Day weeks fill the paths. Entry is ticketed, with a higher price in the peak spring season, so it is worth checking the current fee. Return coaches run until early evening, and visitors should leave the lake by about 16:30 to reach the bus station comfortably. Taxis and Didi are readily available in Yangzhou, and the old city is compact enough to combine with the lake in a single day.