Back from Yangzhou, here are my true feelings

Since returning from Yangzhou, my mind is filled with the aroma of morning tea! This "slow city" hides so many surprises—the ancient canal shrouded in morning mist, the soft and melodious storytelling in old teahouses, even the air carries the sweet scent of pastries🍵! I've put together this firsthand guide, so sisters who want to go can confidently dive in👇 Getting to Yangzhou is super convenient🚇 ✈️ Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport: After landing, take the airport shuttle bus🚌 (25 RMB/person), 1 hour straight to Wenchang Pavilion in the city center; taxis are also affordable, about 60 RMB to Dongguan Street, and the driver will share old Yangzhou stories with you~ 🚄 Yangzhou Station/Yangzhou East Station: Yangzhou Station is close to the old city, bus line 26 goes directly to Dongguan Street; East Station is the high-speed rail station, Metro Line 1 takes 20 minutes to Wenchang Pavilion, and you can smell the nearby steamed bun shops as soon as you exit~ 🚗 For self-driving travelers: Plenty of parking in the old city! Smart parking lots near Dongguan Street and Ge Garden, 10 RMB/hour, just search "scenic area parking lot" on your navigation, super hassle-free🅿️ Accommodation is super comfortable🏠 • Prime location near Dongguan Street📍: Yangzhou Guesthouse is amazing! Open your window to see Slender West Lake, have morning tea on the terrace, watch boats glide across the lake, full vacation vibes~ • Hidden gem homestay in the old city✨: "Yechun Courtyard" tucked in an alley! Old house with blue bricks and black tiles, a pomegranate tree in the yard, sitting on a rocking chair at night listening to cicadas, more cozy than a hotel~ • Best value choice💰: Chain hotels around Wenchang Pavilion, about 120 RMB per person! Right downstairs is a snack street with Huangqiao sesame cakes and lotus root starch balls to eat until full, Metro Line 1 goes directly to major attractions~ Must-visit hidden gems🎈 🌿 Slender West Lake: Stunning in the early morning! In July, lotus flowers cover the lake, painted boats glide among the lotus leaves, and the lake breeze along the long embankment with spring willows is cooler than expected~ Recommended to arrive before 7 AM to avoid crowds and capture the White Pagoda and Five Pavilion Bridge in one frame📸 🏮 Dongguan Street: A paradise for shopping and eating! Buy fragrant balm at the century-old "Xie Fuchun," eat freshly baked Huangqiao sesame cakes, and when lanterns light up at dusk, walking on the bluestone road feels like traveling back in time~ 🎋 Ge Garden: A Qing Dynasty salt merchant’s garden is incredible! Courtyards with swaying bamboo shadows and unique rockeries for each season, on rainy days sit in the pavilion listening to raindrops hitting banana leaves, full of poetic charm~ 🚢 Ancient Canal Night Cruise: A must-try! Take a boat at dusk, watch ancient buildings light up on both sides, listen to the boatwoman tell stories of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou," the evening breeze is super pleasant~ 📜 Yangzhou Museum: Free knowledge boost! See the "Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Vase of Xiao He Chasing Han Xin Under the Moon," exquisitely detailed, book in advance, air-conditioned and perfect for escaping the heat~ Summary of 10 must-try eateries🍜 🍵 Morning tea must-orders: Yechun Teahouse’s San Ding Bao (bamboo shoot, chicken, and pork cubes super fresh), Jade Siu Mai (aromatic shepherd’s purse filling), Hot Dry Shreds (amazing with shrimp roe soy sauce), paired with a pot of Lvyangchun tea, enjoy slowly and comfortably~ 🦆 Yangzhou Old Goose: The old goose at "Jiangjiaqiao Dumpling and Noodle Shop" on the street is well-marinated, tender meat and smooth skin, grab a portion to eat on the go, finger-licking good~ 🍜 Shrimp Roe Wontons: Tiny wontons sprinkled with golden shrimp roe, the broth is so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise, pair with crab roe soup buns, bite a small hole and slurp the soup, so fresh you’ll want to stomp your feet~ 🍡 Lotus Root Starch Balls: A dessert must for sweet lovers! Glutinous rice outer skin wrapped with sesame filling, cooked in lotus root starch, sweet but not greasy, one bite warms your heart~ Helpful travel tips⚠️ 1️⃣ Don’t go to the popular morning tea spots! Yechun and Fuchun are too crowded, try "Garden Teahouse" or "Lu’s Old Residence," locals frequent these, no queues and authentic~ 2️⃣ Wear comfortable shoes! The old city has many alleys, walking around Ge Garden and Dongguan Street is all on foot, flat shoes are the way to go~ 3️⃣ July afternoons can be hot! Suggest visiting outdoor attractions in the morning, then go to a teahouse to listen to storytelling (recommend "Dongguan Street Book Hall"), and take a stroll along the ancient canal at dusk~ 4️⃣ Souvenirs to buy: Xie Fuchun fragrant balm, Sanhe and Simei pickled vegetables, Huangqiao sesame cakes, all beautifully packaged, perfect for gifts or keeping~ Yangzhou’s slow pace is in its bones—drinking morning tea, strolling gardens, listening to storytelling, three days is simply not enough! Follow this guide and you’ll see how captivating this city is—just go for it!🚀