Two-Day Healing Trip to Slender West Lake | Visit Yangzhou in Spring

| Visit Yangzhou in Spring. Right after the Qingming Festival, the willow catkins in Yangzhou dance with the wind. Taking a taxi from the high-speed rail station straight to Slender West Lake, I pass by the city emblem of "China's No.1 Canal City." This city, immortalized in Li Bai's poetry, welcomes me with its full spring splendor. Transportation Tips The best choice is Yangzhou Station for high-speed rail, then a 15-minute taxi ride to Slender West Lake. Walking is recommended inside the scenic area. Enter from the north gate and exit from the south gate, connecting Daming Temple and Dongguan Street, allowing 4 hours for the entire route. Ticket Reservation Slender West Lake costs 100 yuan during peak season (March-October). It's recommended to purchase a combo ticket (Slender West Lake + Daming Temple + Ge Garden) on Trip.com in advance to save 30 yuan. Night tour tickets include a light show but are more crowded. Morning visits are recommended. Photography Spots 1. Five Pavilion Bridge: Use a telephoto lens to compress space and frame the white pagoda with the reflection of the Five Pavilion Bridge 2. Fishing Platform: The round doorway creates a natural frame for photographing three bridges at once 3. Twenty-four Bridge: Shoot against the backlight in the evening, with bridge railings and willow branches creating a poetic scene 4. Cherry Blossom Avenue: In April, cherry blossoms bloom like clouds, perfect for Hanfu photography Food Map 1. Quyuan Teahouse: Book 1 week in advance; must-try jade shrimp dumplings and Wensi tofu 2. Jiangjiaqiao Dumpling Noodle Restaurant: About 20 yuan per person, the combination of shrimp roe dumpling noodles and pot stickers will awaken your taste buds 3. Dongguan Street: Rice ball desserts and osmanthus wine rice, enjoy street food while walking 4. Lion Pavilion: The crab roe lion's head meatballs melt in your mouth, the pinnacle of Huaiyang cuisine Accommodation Recommendations 1. Yangzhou Guest House: A garden hotel by Slender West Lake with views of the Five Pavilion Bridge from your window 2. Hidden Retreat at Slender West Lake: New Chinese-style courtyard with hot springs and lake views 3. Blossom Hill: Republic-era style, great value for money Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Morning tea queues: Quyuan releases numbers at 6 AM; arriving at 6:30 AM usually gets you in the first dining group 2. Boat options: Electric boats cost 50 yuan per person, while hand-paddled boats at 120 yuan per hour offer a more leisurely experience 3. Hanfu rental: Prices on Dongguan Street are inflated; buying online in advance is recommended 4. Shopping warnings: Be cautious with jade shops; time-honored brands are more reliable As dusk falls, the lights of Slender West Lake gradually illuminate. Standing on Xichun Terrace looking into the distance, the silhouette of the Five Pavilion Bridge shifts in the light and shadow. I suddenly understand why the ancients said, "Yangzhou is suitable for rain and sunshine, for poetry and wine." This city infuses romance into every moment of spring, just waiting for you to slowly discover it.