By Zhang Xueying

Traditionally woven blue-and-white fabric is in vogue once more. Photo: China Today

He Garden: Being formerly the private garden of a Qing minister to France, the He Garden comprises two sections: the eastern part that serves as an anteroom, and the western part as the dwelling. The most attractive features of the garden are the two-tier corridor, dubbed the earliest crossroad in China, and the Pianshishanfang courtyard, which was constructed by Shi Tao, a renowned painter of the Qing Dynasty. The yard embodies the aesthetic tastes of Shi, and has great research value.

Ge Garden: Located on the Yanfu East Road, the Ge Garden used to be the private garden of a Qing government-general in charge of the salt industry in Jiangsu and five neighboring provinces. Its main features are piled rockeries and bamboo. It is said that the Ge garden was also designed by Shi Tao.

Crane Mosque: Listed among the four most famous ancient mosques in China, this mosque is named for its crane-shaped composition. The architecture mingles both Chinese and Arabic styles.

Han Tomb Museum: Located in the northern part of Yangzhou City, the Han tomb is believed to be the grave of Prince Guangling, son of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty. Constructed from precious timber, this grand-scaled tomb has a layout typical of a prince's tomb chamber, and is known as the huangchangticou.

Other tourist attractions in Yangzhou include the Yangzhou Museum, Shi Kefa's Tomb, the Eight Yangzhou Eccentrics Memorial, the Daming Temple, Pingshan Hall, and the Museum of Xylograph Printed Ancient Books.

To experience the life of the local people, or admire the traditional architecture, a tour around the lanes of the old city, especially those between the Guoqing Road and the Jiefang Road, where many ancient buildings are well preserved with carved beams and painted rafters, is highly recommended.

A bronze lion sculpture that guards the Marco Polo Memorial, a gift from Venice. Photo: China Today

The Best Season in Yangzhou

A visit to Yangzhou is suggested in late March to mid-May, and in September. A tourist festival "Going to Yangzhou in the Lovely Spring" is held at this time each year, and includes a river trip along the route the Qing Emperor Qianlong took during his inspections of Yangzhou. From the boat, visitors can enjoy a visual feast of beautiful scenery, admire the Qiong flower (a kind of hortensia which is said to prolong lifespan when eaten) indigenous to Yangzhou, and try various local snacks. September is the ideal season to come moon gazing. Sipping tea at the stem of a skiff with the reflection of the moon rippling on the water ahead, one may feel removed from all temporal matters.

Recommended Route

The ancient canal route: this route links Gaoyou in the north with Guazhou and Zhenjiang in the south. The main scenic spots are the Crane Mosque, Pu Hading's Tomb, the He Garden and the Wenfeng Pagoda.

Yangzhou relics and historical sites route: this tour helps visitors learn about the history of Yangzhou, by hearing about the Guangling Enfeoffment during the Han Dynasty and the life of its royal family, and the golden age of Yangzhou in the Tang Dynasty. There are also stories about national hero Shi Kefa, and the eight eccentrics of Yangzhou. The main sights are the Han Prince Guangling's Mausoleum Museum, the Ruins of the Tang City Museum, the Shi Kefa Memorial, and the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou Memorial.

How to Get There

You can convenient reach Yangzhou by plane, by train or by bus from major cities in China like Beijing and Shanghai.

source:china today