Slender West Lake Travel Guide · 2025 Edition

✨ Highlights Slender West Lake is renowned as "the most beautiful garden in the world," blending the elegance of southern China with the grandeur of the north. In 2025, new light shows and live performances will enhance the nighttime experience. --- 📍 Must-See Itinerary Classic 4-Hour Stroll (South Gate Entry) 1️⃣ Long Causeway Spring Willows: Peach and willow trees line the path, offering stunning views of early spring cherry blossoms and willow reflections. 2️⃣ Five-Pavilion Bridge: Praised by Emperor Qianlong as "a lotus rising from the water," it's a perfect spot to admire the "fifteen moons" during the Mid-Autumn Festival. 3️⃣ Twenty-Four Bridge: The poetic arched bridge from Du Mu's poem is even more enchanting at night with its dreamy lighting. 4️⃣ White Pagoda: Legend says a salt merchant built it overnight using piles of salt. It forms a classic composition with the Five-Pavilion Bridge. 5️⃣ Small Gold Mountain: Climb this island hill for panoramic lake views. Enjoy plum blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn. Quick 2-Hour Tour (East Gate Entry) - Take the sightseeing bus directly to the Ten Thousand Flower Garden → Take the water bus → Enjoy music at Xichun Terrace → Return - Ideal for visitors with limited time, focusing on the Five-Pavilion Bridge and Twenty-Four Bridge. --- 🚢 Unique Experiences 1. Scenic Boat Tour: 50 CNY/person, offering better views of the lake from Five-Pavilion Bridge to Twenty-Four Bridge. 2. Night Light Show: Open from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, featuring the Xichun Terrace water fountain show and the Five-Pavilion Bridge light show. 3. Family Electric Boat: Rent a boat in the Ten Thousand Flower Garden, dine at Qingyunxuan, and have fun at the children's playground. --- 🍜 Food Guide - Yechun Teahouse: Experience morning tea culture with crab roe soup dumplings and emerald siu mai. - 1757 Food Street: Enjoy Yangzhou fried rice, lion's head meatballs, and dried tofu shreds. Around 30 CNY per person for a filling meal. - Night Market Recommendation: Food stalls around Five-Pavilion Bridge offer local favorites like dried tofu shreds with draft beer. --- 📸 Photo Tips 1. Best Spots: - Fishing Terrace: Capture the "Three Stars Reflecting" view of the Five-Pavilion Bridge and White Pagoda through the circular doorway. - Small Gold Mountain Wind Pavilion: Overlook the lake for naturally filtered photos. 2. Lighting Tips: - Photograph the Five-Pavilion Bridge in the morning to avoid afternoon backlighting. - Vertical shots at night enhance the graceful beauty of Slender West Lake. --- ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Tickets: Daytime 95 CNY/person (online discounts), nighttime 104 CNY/person, free for seniors aged 70+. 2. Transportation: Buses available to South/East Gate. For drivers, arrive before 9:00 am to avoid traffic. 3. Services: Free wheelchairs and strollers available. Free hot water at Jingxiang Bookstore. --- 🌿 Seasonal Activities - Spring (Mar-May): Long Causeway Spring Willows and blooming flowers in the Ten Thousand Flower Garden, including cherry blossoms, viburnum, and peonies. - Autumn (Sep-Nov): Maple and ginkgo leaves create picturesque reflections at Five-Pavilion Bridge. - Winter (Dec-Feb): Snow-covered White Pagoda and hot spring hotels offer a "Snowy Night Visit to Dai'an Road" experience.