Slender West Lake: The Pinnacle of Jiangnan Gardens, the Shining Pearl of the Water Town

Slender West Lake is located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is a royal garden that integrates the characteristics of both northern and southern gardens, famous for its unique 'slender' shape and rich historical culture. This itinerary will take you to experience the natural scenery, architectural art, and cultural heritage of Slender West Lake, and to appreciate the beauty of Yangzhou gardens and the culture of salt merchants. Itinerary Plan Day 1: Arrival in Yangzhou - Slender West Lake • Transportation Recommendation: From Yangzhou Railway Station or Airport, take a bus or taxi to Slender West Lake Scenic Area, about a 20-minute drive. • Attraction Introduction: ◦ Slender West Lake: Known for its winding lake surface and rich historical culture, the scenic area includes famous spots such as the Five Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda, and Twenty-four Bridge. You can take a painted boat tour to enjoy the beauty of the water garden. • Food Recommendation: Taste Yangzhou snacks at the teahouses near the scenic area, such as Yangzhou Fried Rice and Lion's Head Meatballs. Day 2: Slender West Lake - Ge Garden - He Garden • Transportation Recommendation: Walk or take a bus from Slender West Lake to Ge Garden, about a 15-minute drive; then take a bus from Ge Garden to He Garden, about a 10-minute drive. • Attraction Introduction: ◦ Ge Garden: Famous for its rockery art, the garden features seasonal rockeries representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter, with the spring rockery dominated by stone bamboo shoots, full of vitality. ◦ He Garden: Filled with Western-style architecture, it has exquisite corridors and elegant pavilions, making it a great place to experience the charm of Chinese gardens and Western architecture. • Food Recommendation: Taste Yangzhou specialties at the restaurants near He Garden, such as Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish and Yangzhou Salted Goose. Day 3: Slender West Lake - Dongguan Street - Return • Transportation Recommendation: Walk or take a bus from Slender West Lake to Dongguan Street, about a 10-minute drive. • Attraction Introduction: ◦ Dongguan Street: The oldest commercial street in Yangzhou, with century-old shops hidden among the blue bricks and black tiles. You can buy traditional crafts such as Yangzhou paper-cutting and embroidery here. • Food Recommendation: Taste Yangzhou morning tea on Dongguan Street and experience the slow life of Yangzhou. Accommodation Recommendation • Slender West Lake Hotel: It is recommended to choose a lake view room to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and garden. • Dongguan Street Homestay: Experience authentic Yangzhou life, with many characteristic homestays to choose from nearby. Notes • Weather: Yangzhou has distinct seasons, with pleasant weather in spring and autumn, making these the best times to visit. • Safety: Pay attention to your safety while touring, especially on bridges and slippery surfaces. • Tickets: The ticket price for Slender West Lake is 100 yuan, and the night tour ticket is 120 yuan. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance to save time. Estimated Costs • Ticket Costs: About 100-120 yuan per person. • Transportation Costs: In-city transportation costs are low; it is recommended to walk or take a bus. • Dining Costs: About 50-100 yuan per person per meal. We hope this trip to Slender West Lake in Yangzhou allows you to appreciate the exquisite garden and its rich historical culture!