Yangzhou

Slender West Lake, or Shouxi Hu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the soul of Yangzhou’s classical elegance. This 4.3-kilometer-long canal, dotted with willow-lined banks, ornate bridges, and pavilions, mirrors the poetic sensibilities of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Once a royal waterway for imperial barges, it later inspired poets like Li Bai and Du Fu with its "twenty-four bridges under moonlit skies." Today, it blends natural beauty with cultural landmarks, offering visitors a journey through China’s refined garden artistry and waterborne heritage.

Ge Garden, a UNESCO-recognized gem in Yangzhou, China, blends natural beauty with scholarly refinement, renowned for its bamboo groves, intricate rockeries, and Ming-Qing architectural heritage. Built in the 18th century for salt merchant Huang Zhiyun, the garden’s name honors its "Four Seasons Bamboo" collection, where each courtyard represents a distinct season through unique bamboo varieties. Explore the Taihu Stone rockeries—masterpieces of karst formations symbolizing mountains and clouds—or relax in the Moon-Watching Pavilion, a serene spot for poetry and tea. With its harmonious balance of water, stone, and greenery, Ge Garden offers a glimpse into China’s classical garden artistry, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

He Garden, a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty garden design in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, blends architectural ingenuity with natural beauty. Built in 1883 for He Zhidao, a high-ranking official, the garden is celebrated for its "four seasons in one garden" concept, merging Northern and Southern Chinese garden styles. Spanning 14,000 square meters, it features intricate rockeries, winding corridors, and pavilions that reflect the elegance of 19th-century scholarly life. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, He Garden offers a journey through China’s horticultural and philosophical heritage.

Dongguan Street Historic District, a vibrant testament to Yangzhou’s 1,200-year legacy, is a labyrinth of ancient lanes, traditional architecture, and time-honored crafts. Listed as a National 4A Tourist Attraction, this 1.1-kilometer-long pedestrian zone blends Ming-Qing dynasty charm with modern commerce, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s storied past.

Nestled in Yangzhou’s northwest hills, Daming Temple stands as a 1,500-year-old Buddhist pilgrimage site renowned for its spiritual legacy, architectural marvels, and scenic beauty. Founded in the 5th century, this UNESCO-listed temple complex blends history, art, and natural tranquility, making it a must-visit for cultural explorers, history enthusiasts, and meditation seekers.