Yangzhou, known as Guangling and Jiangdu in ancient times, has a long history and is one of the first 24 historical and cultural cities in China. It has won the titles of “World Canal Capital”, “World Cuisine Capital” and “East Asian Cultural Capital” successively. Has reputation of “Huaizuo famous capital, nice place in bamboo west“ and “the canal city in China”. Yangzhou experienced a general historical prosperity from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, accompanied by the prosperity of culture.
Day One: Lakeside Leisure & Garden Grandeur
Morning — Slender West Lake
Begin with a stroll (or boat ride) on Slender West Lake, Yangzhou’s poetic centrepiece. The Five Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda, and 24 Bridge appear like scenes from a Qing dynasty scroll. Every angle is a painting in motion.
Lunch — Tea Culture on a Plate
Step into Fuchun Teahouse, a century-old institution, where breakfast becomes art. Sample the crab roe soup dumplings, silky tofu threads, and layered oil cake. A full sensory portrait of old Yangzhou.
Afternoon — Ge Garden & Dongguan Street
Ge Garden is an exquisite lesson in seasonal symbolism and spatial rhythm. Then head to Dongguan Street, where old apothecaries, lacquered tea shops, and artisan studios bring Ming dynasty nostalgia into today.
Evening — Check into Shangri-La Yangzhou
Return to the Shangri-La for a quiet sunset over the canal. Dine in with local dishes like salted goose or classic Yangzhou fried rice. Or sip a post-dinner cocktail at the lounge, bathed in river-light and silk textures.
Day Two: Spiritual Calm & Cultural Threads
Morning — Daming Temple & Jianzhen Memorial Hall
Start your second day at Daming Temple. Climb the Qiling Tower and breathe in panoramic peace. Next door, the Jianzhen Memorial Hall tells the story of the legendary monk who sailed to Japan, exporting Yangzhou’s spirit along with Buddhism.
Lunch — Garden Dining at Quyuan Teahouse
At Quyuan, dine under lattice windows surrounded by bonsai and rock gardens. Try the three-diced buns and hand-cut lotus root dessert—artful, seasonal, serene.
Afternoon — A Cultural Close
Visit the Chinese Block Printing Museum for a glimpse into Yangzhou’s craftsmanship legacy. Or, walk through the twin alleys of Shuangdong Historic District, where stone-paved paths and wooden shutters hide calligraphy galleries and sake bars.
Parting Note — Afternoon Tea at the Shangri-La
Back at the hotel, indulge in a refined tea set—jasmine-scented, pastry-paired, and perfectly symbolic. A graceful end to a weekend where every moment was made to be remembered.
