Gaoyou, Jiangsu: An Underrated Hidden Gem for Travel

Just discovered how charming Gaoyou is! Rippling waters and vibrant local life. And!! Dressing as a postman at an ancient courier station and savoring oily salted duck eggs by Snow Lake is simply awesome! Verified—the magnolias at Wenyoutai are in full bloom now! This off-the-beaten-path treasure town is a must-visit!

【3-Day Gaoyou Itinerary】

Day 1: Arrive in Gaoyou—【Ancient Canal Charm】

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Morning: Zhenguo Temple Pagoda (the "Southern Big Wild Goose Pagoda" by the Grand Canal, with stunning river views)
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Afternoon: Xidi Canal Scenic Belt (cycle or stroll while watching boats pass) → Jieshou Reed Marsh Wetland (boat through a reed maze, especially beautiful in autumn/winter)
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Evening: Gaoyou Lake Sunset (find any lakeside spot to admire golden waves)
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【Stay】 Old Town/canal-side inn

Day 2: 【Old Town Vibes & Wang Zengqi’s Legacy】

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Morning: Yucheng Courier Station (China’s largest ancient courier station! Dress as a postman and stamp mail) → South Gate Street/North Gate Street (cobblestone paths with time-honored eats: pork in lotus leaf, spring rolls, crispy tofu)
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Afternoon: Wang Zengqi Memorial Hall (stunning design! Learn about Gaoyou’s cultural icon) → Zhujia Lane/Fugong Bridge (trace the scenes from Wang’s writings)
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Dinner: Erzi’s Pork in Lotus Leaf or Wang Family Banquet (try "Wang-style tofu" and pickled vegetable soup)
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【Stay】 Same as Day 1

Day 3: 【Cultural Trails & Lakeside Feasts】

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Morning: Wenyoutai (hometown of poet Qin Guan, with Su Dongpo’s inscribed plaque! Admire magnolias and ancient steles) → Kuixing Pavilion (climb for panoramic views)
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Lunch: Lakeside fish restaurant (must-order: lake shrimp boiled in lake water, steamed egg with whitebait! Pack salted duck eggs)
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Afternoon: Sunbathe at Jingtu Temple Pagoda Square → Depart with salted duck eggs
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(If time allows, add Longqiuzhuang Ruins Museum to see 7,000-year-old rice-farming relics)

【Key Tips】

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Salted duck egg radar on! Look for brands like "Red Sun" or "Sanhu." Loose ones from Huxi are oilier and tastier! Store at room temp; gift boxes available.
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Get around by "foot + tuk-tuk"🚶‍♀️: Old town sights are walkable; for the lake/Jieshou, take a taxi (~¥40 one-way).
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Wang Memorial must-see + caution: Closed Mondays! The architecture is photogenic, but exhibits may feel "niche" for non-fans.
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Eat where locals do! South Gate Street’s "Jiaojia Lane Noodles," Xinhua Garden’s crab roe buns, and street-side fried dough are authentic!
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Pork in lotus leaf is best cold! Sliced like ham, perfect with drinks. Buy loose at markets.
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Avoid "lake food scams": Big lakeside restaurants can be pricey. Old town spots like "Post Lake Tales" or "Xiaokui Fishing Village" offer better value (~¥60/person).
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"Postman for a day" at Yucheng Station: Rent a costume (~¥20), stamp souvenirs, and mail postcards!
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Low season = more chill! Gaoyou’s uncrowded—skip National Day/Labor Day. Best for strolling, tea, and waterfront views in spring/autumn.

Gaoyou! The canal’s shimmer, old streets fragrant with lotus-wrapped pork, Wang Zengqi’s literary soul, and that crimson, oily duck egg yolk oozing at first poke… Three days are enough to fall for this unhurried Jianghuai town! 🚤🥚✨