The ultimate one-day National Day tour in Yangzhou! Slender West Lake + Huaiyang cuisine + ancient city night view, follow this plan and you won’t go wrong

National Day one-day tour in Yangzhou｜Local hidden route, leisurely stroll through the ancient city without any pitfalls Want to escape the crowds during National Day and still experience the gentle charm of Jiangnan? Yangzhou, this "slow city," is definitely the top choice! As a frequent visitor, I’ve put together a super practical one-day tour guide to help you efficiently check off beautiful sights and delicious food. Save it, friends~ 🗺️ One-day tour highlights route Slender West Lake → Grand Canal Museum → He Garden → Pishi Street → Caiyi Street → Dongguan Street This route covers Yangzhou’s iconic attractions and also hits artistic neighborhoods and food streets. The pace is just right for a leisurely National Day experience. 🏨 Accommodation tips During National Day, accommodations in Yangzhou are not only tight but prices also rise. If your schedule is flexible, it’s best to make a day trip; if you want to stay and enjoy the night view, prioritize staying near Dongguan Street — within walking distance to many attractions, you can shop and eat at night then head straight back to your lodging. There are plenty of dining options nearby, and after dark you can enjoy the ancient city’s night scenery, offering great value. 🥘 Must-try food list 🍵 Yangzhou morning tea (missing it means missing out) Starting your day in Yangzhou must begin with morning tea! Recommended classic dishes: - Staples: Yangzhou fried rice (each grain distinct and fragrant), San Ding Bao / Wu Ding Bao (rich fillings, balanced savory and sweet) - Dim sum: Jade Siu Mai (thin skin, green filling, refreshing and light), Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (bursting with juice, remember to sip the soup first), Thousand-layer Oil Cake (soft, sweet, with many layers) - Specialties: Hot Dry Shreds (fresh and flavorful, delicate texture), Pine Nut Siu Mai (full of pine nut texture, rich aroma) 🥢 Authentic Huaiyang cuisine For a proper meal, don’t miss these Huaiyang signature dishes: Crab Meat Lion’s Head (soft meat, strong crab aroma), Stir-fried Shrimp (springy and tender, light and not greasy), Wensi Tofu (masterful knife work, as fine as hair), Braised Dried Tofu Shreds (incredibly fresh, perfect with rice). 🚆 Transportation guide For out-of-town visitors, it’s recommended to take the high-speed train to Yangzhou East Station. After exiting, take a taxi directly to attractions. It’s convenient and affordable (fares to Slender West Lake, Dongguan Street, etc. mostly around 20-30 RMB), no need to worry about transfers or buses, saving precious National Day sightseeing time. 🏯 Attraction check-in guide - Slender West Lake: Yangzhou’s “business card,” the lakeside gardens are full of charm! Five Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda, and Twenty-four Bridge are must-photograph spots, especially the Twenty-four Bridge at dusk with soft light, every shot looks like a Jiangnan ink painting. - Grand Canal Museum: Be sure to book 3 days in advance on the official platform! “Boats on the Canal” offers an immersive experience of ancient grain transport, “Impressions of Canal Street” recreates old street scenes, and the “Love of the River” light and shadow show is stunning. The exhibits are exquisite and full of stories; 2-3 hours here is never enough. - He Garden: Known as the “Top Garden of Late Qing,” the circular corridor is its biggest feature, offering panoramic views of the garden. Shui Xin Pavilion, Pian Shi Mountain House, and Yu Xiu Building are very photogenic. The intricate flower window designs inside the garden look different from every angle. - Pishi Street: A must-visit for artsy youth! The street isn’t long but full of exquisitely decorated small shops — handmade cultural and creative stores, niche cafes, intangible cultural heritage workshops. When tired, sit down for a coffee, take photos, and soak in Yangzhou’s bohemian vibe. - Caiyi Street: A foodie’s paradise! It offers local Yangzhou snacks (like lotus root starch balls, Huangqiao sesame cakes) and specialties from other regions. You can bargain with shop owners when buying souvenirs, making it very cost-effective. - Dongguan Street: Just across the road from Caiyi Street, though a bit more commercialized, the night view is stunning! When lanterns light up at night, the whole street is filled with an ancient and elegant atmosphere, perfect for strolling, eating, and shopping. You can also buy Yangzhou pickles, beef leather candy, and other local specialties.