My spending mindset was shattered after 3 days in Yangzhou!

Guys! Strolling through gardens, enjoying morning tea, and listening to storytelling in Yangzhou made me feel like an ancient scholar for 3 days, and it cost less than a hot pot meal?! The prices in this "hometown of Huaiyang cuisine" are incredibly friendly—my spending perspective was completely refreshed 🌿 Must-save guide!

Why Visit?

"Going to Yangzhou in March when flowers bloom" truly lives up to its reputation! In July, Yangzhou avoids peak-season crowds, the Slender West Lake is full of blooming lotuses, and morning tea for 20 RMB will stuff you. You can admire exquisite pavilions and towers while soaking in the "slow life"—perfect for students and artsy souls!

Transport Guide

✈️ Flight: Yangzhou Taizhou Airport, take the airport shuttle (1 hour to downtown, 25 RMB) or taxi (~100 RMB)
🚄 High-speed rail: Yangzhou East Station/Yangzhou Station are both convenient, with Metro Line 1 directly to downtown or Bus Tour 1 connecting major attractions
🚌 Local transport: Shared bikes (2 RMB/30 mins) are great for exploring old alleys—just 10 minutes from Slender West Lake to Dongguan Street with a refreshing breeze

Itinerary

Day 1: Slender West Lake - Daming Temple - Dongguan Street
Morning: Slender West Lake's "flowers and willows lining the water," July lotus ponds 🪷, and perfect photos at Twenty-Four Bridges
Noon: Savor San Ding Bao (three-diced bun) and emerald shaomai—morning tea lasts till afternoon
Afternoon: Climb Pingshan Hall at Daming Temple for a panoramic lake view, shaded by ancient cypresses in July
Evening: Stroll lantern-lit Dongguan Street and snack on Huangqiao sesame cakes

Day 2: Ge Garden - He Garden - Ancient Canal
Morning: Ge Garden’s "Four Seasons Rockeries," cool bamboo groves in July, and the poetic "Spring in a Pot" vibe
Noon: Try Yangzhou fried rice with Wensi tofu—so finely crafted it’s mesmerizing
Afternoon: He Garden’s "moon gates" and maze-like corridors—ideal for vintage photos
Evening: Ancient Canal boat ride (60 RMB/person) with lantern reflections on water

Day 3: Wang’s Residence - Departure
Morning: Explore Wang’s Residence’s Republic-era mansion, exquisite carvings, and rare July crowds
Noon: Soft-braised eel—tender and flavorful
Afternoon: Buy pickles and Yangzhou salted goose as souvenirs before leaving

Must-Visit Spots

1. Slender West Lake: July lotuses frame the white pagoda; boating (60 RMB/hour) under bridges is magical (student discounts available)
2. Dongguan Street: Free! July sees historic shops open, Huangqiao cakes at 1 RMB each, and street storytelling
3. Ge Garden: One of "China’s Four Great Gardens," July’s summer rockery brings instant coolness
4. He Garden: July shaded corridors and "moon gates" create natural photo frames, plus stunning night lights
5. Daming Temple: Starting point of Jianzhen’s eastward journey, bustling with incense in July; Pingshan Hall’s "distant mountains level with the hall" view is unmatched
6. Ancient Canal: July evening breezes + boat rides past South Gate ruins feel like time travel to Ming/Qing dynasties
7. Yechun Teahouse: Must for morning tea! Arrive by 6 AM in July to skip lines; dried tofu shreds with tea = bliss

Food Recs

Yangzhou Morning Tea: San Ding Bao + emerald shaomai + Yechun tea (20 RMB/set, best enjoyed early) 🍵
Yangzhou Fried Rice: Perfectly separated grains, loaded with ingredients (15 RMB, "Shi Wei Tian" is iconic)
Huangqiao Cakes: Salty/sweet options, ultra-fragrant sesame (1 RMB, made fresh on Dongguan Street)
Wensi Tofu: Hair-thin tofu soup—light yet savory, plus chef’s knife skills are ASMR
Lion’s Head Meatballs: Tender and juicy; July’s stewed version isn’t greasy—you’ll want two with rice

Accommodation

1. Dongguan Street B&Bs: Converted courtyards with lantern views (~100 RMB/person, wake to tea aromas)
2. Slender West Lake Hotels: From 150 RMB/night, 10-min walk to the lake (some rooms have lake views)
3. Wenchang Pavilion Hotels: Downtown, easy access to He/Ge Gardens, Metro Line 1 nearby

Tips

1. July rains often! Pack foldable umbrellas + non-slip shoes—post-rain gardens are dreamy 🌧️
2. Morning tea early! Historic spots queue after 7 AM; dried tofu shreds MUST pair with shrimp roe soy sauce
3. Slender West Lake tickets are valid 2 days! Return next day if unfinished
4. Buy "Sanhe Simei" pickles—supermarkets are half the price of scenic spots

Yangzhou engraves "refinement" into its DNA! 3 slow, comfy days here cost little but enrich much—tag your travel buddy now! 💕