First time in Yangzhou? Just copy this itinerary!

I was amazed on my first trip to Yangzhou! 3 days & 2 nights to experience the poetry of Slender West Lake, the slow life in old teahouses, and the local charm of narrow alleys~ Here's my foolproof itinerary for a worry-free and delightful trip – perfect for first-timers👇

Getting to Yangzhou is super convenient🚗

✈️ Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport: Take the airport shuttle bus🚌 (¥25/person) to Wenchang Pavilion downtown in 1 hour (frequent departures). For faster options, taxis cost ~¥100 (40 mins to downtown) – drivers often share fun Yangzhou stories!
🚄 Yangzhou Station/Yangzhou East Station: Yangzhou Station is closer to the old town – take Bus You 2 directly to Slender West Lake. Yangzhou East Station has more high-speed trains – take Metro Line 1 to Wenchang Pavilion (20 mins) while enjoying city views.
🚗 For drivers: The downtown area is compact with ample parking! Parking near Slender West Lake and Dongguan Street costs ¥10/hour – better to park and explore by shared e-bike🛵 for authentic alleyway vibes~

Best areas to stay🏠

•Old Town Center📍: Yangzhou Guest House is unbeatable! Wake up to Slender West Lake views, 5-min walk to Ye Chun Tea House for morning tea amid birdsong~ Its classical gardens make you feel like you're in a period drama📸

•Hidden gems near Dongguan Street✨: "Xiangmo Renjia" homestay hides in ancient alleys! A grey-brick courtyard where the owner serves local Lüyangchun tea – stargazing in the courtyard at night beats any hotel~

•Budget picks💰: Chain hotels near Wenchang Pavilion (~¥120/person)! Steps away from snack streets – grab red bean rice balls on your night return, with Metro Line 1 accessing all attractions~

3-Day Highlights🎈

🌿 Day1: Slender West Lake + Daming Temple

•Slender West Lake at 8AM! July lotus blooms are spectacular – walk Long Dike Spring Willows for "endless emerald lotus leaves," cruise to Fishing Terrace, and frame White Pagoda & Five Pavilion Bridge through triple arches (prime photo spot📸)

•Afternoon at Daming Temple! Climb Pingshan Hall for panoramic lake views, discover inscriptions by Ouyang Xiu and Su Shi, and relax under ancient ginkgo trees~

🏮 Day2: Dongguan Street + Ge Garden + He Garden

•Morning at Dongguan Street! Get sesame-filled "Huangqiao Sesame Cakes" fresh from century-old shops, pick classic perfumes at Xie Fuchun for souvenirs, and explore nostalgic barber shops/bamboo weaving stores~

•Afternoon garden hopping! Ge Garden's "Four Seasons" rockeries change with every step – listen to bamboo whispers; He Garden's double-level corridors let you tour rain-free – late Qing luxury at its finest~

🍵 Day3: Morning Tea + Xiaopangu + Ancient Canal

•Dawn at Ye Chun Tea House! Order "Three-Diced" buns, emerald shaomai, and shrimp roe wontons while eavesdropping on locals' chess games – savor the "morning wrapped in water" slow life~

•Afternoon at hidden Xiaopangu! This niche garden has dramatic rocks and tranquil ponds – perfect for avoiding crowds~

•Sunset canal cruise! Watch lanterns glow as boat ladies recount salt merchant tales – disembark at Dongguan Street for optional "night wrapped in water" spa scrubs~

Must-Eat List🍜

🍲 Breakfast trio: Three-Diced buns (chicken/bamboo/pork), emerald shaomai (fragrant shepherd's purse), and tender dried tofu (sesame oil heaven) – try Ye Chun or Fu Chun Tea Houses!
🦆 Yangzhou old goose: Street stalls' "Huangjue Old Goose" is unmissable! Meltingly tender with sweet brine – pair with yangchun noodles.
🍜 Yangchun noodles: Jiangjiaqiao's version uses shrimp roe broth – upgrade with sliced cured pork!
🍡 Lotus root dumplings: Chewy glutinous balls with sesame/walnut filling in osmanthus syrup – the perfect sweet ending~

Pro Tips⚠️

1️⃣ July mornings/evenings are cool! Pack a light jacket for Slender West Lake sunrise.
2️⃣ Arrive early for tea! Popular spots queue by 7AM – "Garden Tea House" offers local-approved value.
3️⃣ Wear muted colors for gardens! Hanfu/cheongsam complement grey bricks – best light at 9AM/5PM.
4️⃣ Skip overpriced souvenirs! Dongguan Street's side alleys have authentic treats at "Daqilin Pavilion" for less.

Yangzhou's beauty lies in details – slow down for 3 days to understand why "spring mist and flowers draw travelers." July visits are equally magical~ Save this guide and go! 🚀