Yangzhou in December turns winter into a painting

Who says winter is only for "hibernating"? In December, Yangzhou has fewer people, slower scenery, and sweet prices. I spent 48 hours of my weekend here, and even my suitcase came back smelling of osmanthus. Follow this guide—no rushing, just enjoying the mood.👇 1️⃣ Why visit in December? - Tourist crowds thin out, and you can get the Wuting Bridge all to yourself for photos; the mist over Slender West Lake acts like a natural filter. - Hot spring hotel prices are cut in half. The lakeside room at the Yingbin Hotel where I stayed was just 600+ yuan, including breakfast for two adults and one child plus hot springs. The Trip.com "off-peak special" tag is still available—don’t miss out. - Around the Winter Solstice, locals start pickling salted goods, and the streets are filled with the scent of soy sauce and sunshine—a seasonal treat you only get once a year. 2️⃣ 48-hour itinerary, relax and still check off the must-sees Day 1 09:00 Slender West Lake → Wuting Bridge (must-visit) Tips: Enter before 7:30 am for free admission (morning exercise time). I arrived at 8:45 am; only elderly men practicing Tai Chi were at the bridgehead. Every snap looks like a Northern Song dynasty landscape painting. 11:00 Take a boat to "Fuzhuang" for tea 🍵 20 yuan per person, includes a cup of Lvyangchun tea. Floating in the middle of the lake watching the withered lotus, your phone automatically switches to "daydream mode." 12:30 Have "morning tea" as lunch Choose between Quyuan or Yechun. I went to Quyuan Black Pearl; crab roe soup dumplings are 58 yuan per basket, with skin so thin the juice bursts with chopsticks. Pair it with a Wuding bun for carb happiness maxed out. 15:00 Return to the hotel for hot springs ♨️ The public pool at Yingbin Hotel isn’t crowded. Soaking in 40°C water while snow falls, with bare branches and sparrows overhead, feels like stepping into a Japanese manga. 19:00 Night stroll on Dongguan Street Don’t rush to buy—first, enjoy a bowl of "Jiangjiaqiao shrimp roe dumpling noodles" for 6 yuan. The broth is naturally infused with shrimp roe soy sauce. Then pack half a pound of "Four Happiness pickles" for a midnight snack, 10 yuan for 4 bags. The shop owner says, "Mix it with noodles at home, so fragrant neighbors will knock on your door." Day 2 08:30 Ge Garden + Salt Merchant Courtyard In December, there’s a "Salt Merchant Winter Pickling" live show. The master slices ham on-site; one bite reveals smoky flavor with rose dew wine aroma. Instantly understand why Emperor Qianlong visited Jiangnan seven times. 11:00 Buy "Yangzhou’s Three Knives" on Pishi Street Zhang Xiaoquan scissors + pedicure knife + kitchen knife. I bought a set of "Crab Eight Pieces" for 88 yuan. It adds ceremony to crab eating. The shop offers SF Express shipping, so you can send it home and keep your hands free to shop. 13:00 End with "Yangzhou Fried Rice" At a roadside shop called "Old Yangzhou," 15 yuan a plate. Each grain is distinct, paired with duck egg, sea cucumber, and diced chicken leg. The owner proudly says, "Our fried rice is a heritage item." I checked—it’s on the 2024 Jiangsu intangible cultural heritage list. Impressive! 3️⃣ What to eat? All covered with one mouthful - Must-eats: crab roe soup dumplings, hot dry shredded tofu, Yangzhou fried rice, salted goose (remember to ask the owner to pour a spoonful of old marinade) - Hidden gem: winter-pickled "salted pig head meat," sliced and steamed for 20 minutes. The fat is crystal clear; paired with hot rice, it’s so fragrant you’ll stomp your feet. - To-go: vacuum-packed Yangzhou old goose, Simei pickles, Qinyou Dong sugar. Latest prices as of December 2025: goose 35 yuan per jin, sugar 12 yuan per box, buy three get one free. Tested—no issues at airport security. 4️⃣ Souvenirs, avoid pitfalls - Dongguan Street’s "Xiefuchun" salted duck egg powder, 38 yuan, vintage tin box, perfect gift for girlfriends who’ll ask for the link. - Pishi Street’s "Yangzhou Gong" cultural creative store, Wuting Bridge fridge magnet 15 yuan, opens as a night light—night owls will love it. - Remember: the 10 yuan for 3 "Yangzhou combs" sold at scenic spots are the same as Yiwu’s. If you want the real deal, go to "Lvyang Village," where intangible cultural heritage masters handcraft them. Prices start at 128 yuan each and can be engraved. 5️⃣ Transportation & tips - Take the high-speed train to Yangzhou East, then a 20-minute taxi to downtown, about 35 yuan via Didi. - Attractions are concentrated; shared bikes cover the area in 10 minutes. Riding in winter isn’t cold, plus there are roasted sweet potato stands waiting for you. - Remember to bring a swim cap for hot springs; otherwise, you’ll pay 20 yuan each on-site, and the styles are questionable. 【Heartfelt summary】 Yangzhou in December doesn’t have endless spring breezes, but it slows life down to half speed: morning tea lasts until noon, the wind on the bridge carries the scent of soy sauce, and even soaking in hot springs you can hear sparrows chatting. Give your weekend to it, and you’ll thank your spontaneous self. ❤️