One of the Yangzi River delta’s great cities, Yangzhou has always been known for its prosperity and culture. Its location on the Grand Canal dictated the rise and fall of its fortunes. The city declined with the fall of the Sung Dynasty and the diminished use of the canal, but revived again in the Ming Dynasty, when the canal was restored and used to transport silk, rice, and salt. The salt merchants in particular built elegant villas and gardens, especially in the 18th century when Yangzhou was part of the imperial inspection tours. Despite development, the city has much to offer, including its several gardens.

Daming Si, sitting atop a hill, the Temple of Abundant Light dates to the 5th century AD, but was rebuilt after being destroyed in the Taiping Rebellion. The central Jian Zhen Hall was erected in 1973 in honor of the monk, Jian Zhen, who traveled to Japan in 753. Credited with introducing many aspects of Chinese culture to Japan, he is revered by the Japanese, who funded the main hall’s construction, and modeled it on the Toshodai Temple in Nara, Japan. Nearby is a natural spring with an adjoining teahouse.

Shou Xi Hu (Thin West Lake), Yangzhou’s most popular sight, the Thin West Lake is a slim version of Hangzhou’s famous West Lake. It winds through a park filled with willow trees, pavilions, and bridges. The handsome Wuting Qiao (Five Pavilion Bridge) is its most famous structure, built by a salt merchant in 1757 to honor the Qianlong emperor’s visit to Yangzhou. To the west is Ershisi Qiao (Twenty-Four Bridge), so called because its 24 archways could be appreciated 24 hours a day. Bai Ta (White Dagoba) is a Tibetanstyle stupa, modeled on the one in Beijing’s Beihai Park. In the Xu Garden, the Listening to Orioles Pavilion has fine woodwork, while the Pinyuan Lou offers views that supposedly demonstrate the rules of perspective as compiled by the Sung Dynasty artist, Guo Xi. East of the lake, the Imperial Jetty is where Qianlong’s barge was moored.

Ge Yuan, Yangzhou’s most famous garden, Ge Yuan was once owned by the painter Shi Tao, and later by a salt merchant. Its name derives from the leaves of its bamboo plants, that resemble the character “Ge” meaning “self”. Its central feature is its rockeries, but it also has some fine pavilions.