Open Travel Guide
  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. China
  4. Jiangsu
  5. Yangzhou
  6. Adventure
  7. Slender West Lake Boat Ride

Adventure · Jiangsu, Yangzhou

Slender West Lake Boat Ride

  • Difficultyeasy
  • DistanceAbout 4 km of lake and canal waterway
  • Best seasonMarch-May, September-November
  • PricePark ticket about CNY 100 in peak season (approx USD 14.08), CNY 60 off season (approx USD 8.45); boat fares extra, roughly CNY 60-150 (approx USD 8.45-21.13) per person (estimate)
  • OperatorSlender West Lake Scenic Area management; boats board at the south gate and Great Rainbow Bridge pier

Slender West Lake is a narrow, winding lake that was developed by salt merchants into a chain of gardens and pavilions linked by water. Boat rides let visitors see Five-Pavilion Bridge, the White Pagoda and Lotus Embankment from the water rather than only from the shore. Boats run between the south gate and inner piers, and fare structure varies by distance.

Slender West Lake is a narrow, winding lake that was developed by salt merchants into a chain of gardens and pavilions linked by water.

Slender West Lake is a narrow, winding lake that was developed by salt merchants into a chain of gardens and pavilions linked by water. Boat rides let visitors see Five-Pavilion Bridge, the White Pagoda and Lotus Embankment from the water rather than only from the shore. Boats run between the south gate and inner piers, and fare structure varies by distance. Entry and boat tickets can be bought through the scenic area's official mini-program or at the gate with a passport.

Practical information for Slender West Lake Boat Ride · Last updated September 2026
Price Park ticket about CNY 100 in peak season (approx USD 14.08), CNY 60 off season (approx USD 8.45); boat fares extra, roughly CNY 60-150 (approx USD 8.45-21.13) per person (estimate)
Duration 45-90 minutes on the water; 3-4 hours for the full park
Difficulty easy
Season March-May, September-November
Age limit All ages; children should wear life jackets
Address Slender West Lake Scenic Area, 28 Da Hongqiao Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou (瘦西湖风景区, 大虹桥路28号)

Activity facts

Where
Slender West Lake Scenic Area, Guangling District, Yangzhou
Skill level
Beginner

Equipment

  • Passport for ticket reservation
  • Sunhat or umbrella
  • Light waterproof layer in the rainy season

Location

Slender West Lake Scenic Area, 28 Da Hongqiao Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou (瘦西湖风景区, 大虹桥路28号)

32.4118, 119.4182 View on map

Highlights

  • Water-level views of Five-Pavilion Bridge and White Pagoda
  • Boats link gate piers with inner garden stops
  • Lotus blooms in July and willows in April
  • Short enough to combine with a garden walk

Tips for visiting

  • Book the entry ticket in advance on weekends and holidays
  • Choose the first boats of the morning for fewer queues
  • Bring passport and phone for ticket checks

When to visit

Weekday mornings in April-May and October.

Accessibility

Piers have steps; paved lakeside paths are level but include bridges with steps.

Frequently asked questions

How do visitors get to Slender West Lake Boat Ride?

Didi or taxi from Yangzhou Railway Station to the Slender West Lake south gate about 15-25 minutes (CNY 20-30, approx USD 2.82-4.23); city buses run to the Slender West Lake stop

When is the best time to visit Slender West Lake Boat Ride?

Weekday mornings in April-May and October.