The phrase ‘fireworks in the third month’ beckons us to Yangzhou in spring, where the Slender West Lake awaits. This elongated waterway offers visitors the chance to stroll along its banks and immerse in the natural beauty, or step into pavilions and towers to appreciate the poetic and artistic treasures left by generations of literati. Alternatively, one can cruise on the lake, experiencing the carefree mood of Emperor Qianlong during his imperial tours.
The Slender West Lake Scenic Area is vast, starting from the Da Hong Bridge in the southeast and extending northward to Guanyin Mountain, with dozens of attractions along the way. The area has four gates, and most visitors begin their tour from the south gate on Da Hong Bridge Road.
Known as a renowned lakeside garden, the Slender West Lake boasts a picturesque natural landscape. In spring, the lake is shaded by green willows, accompanied by camellias, pomegranates, rhododendrons, and peach blossoms, attracting tourists from afar to enjoy the fresh greenery and blooming flowers. Over the centuries, countless poets and artists have lingered here, creating numerous works and stories, and constructing many scenic buildings that harmonize with the environment.
The Five Pavilion Bridge, a symbol of the Slender West Lake with a history of over two centuries, features five pavilions on the bridge. On full moon nights, each of its fifteen arches reflects a moon, creating a magical scene. Another famous spot is the Twenty-Four Bridges, inspired by the poem ‘Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlit Night, where does the jade-like person teach to play the flute?’ The original bridge is no longer there, but the reconstructed one stands in its place.
The area was also a destination for Emperor Qianlong during his southern tours, and the existing structures such as the Da Hong Bridge, Fishing Platform, White Pagoda, and Xi Chun Platform all bear indelible stories related to him. Yangzhou is known for its beautiful women, and the scenic area’s female guides are a bright feature within the park.
In summer, when the Slender West Lake opens for night tours, visitors can admire the illuminated pavilions and the moon’s reflection in the lake. Night tours are conducted by boat, providing a relaxing experience with a gentle lake breeze, making it an excellent place to cool off during the hot season.
Opening hours are from 06:00 to 19:00 all year round; for night tours, from 18:00 to 21:30. Daytime garden entry ceases at 17:30, with the latest exit time at 19:00. Those who exceed the time without exiting must pay the difference between daytime and night tour tickets. Night tour entry starts at 18:00, with the latest entry at 21:00 and the latest exit time at 21:30 (the north gate is not open for night tours).
Preferential policies include free entry for children under six years old with valid identification, free entry for children under 1.4 meters in height, free entry for seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID, half-price entry for seniors aged 60 to 69 with ID (seniority card), half-price entry for full-time undergraduate and below students with student ID, free entry for disabled persons with Disability Certificate or disabled veterans, free entry for active-duty military personnel with officer, soldier, non-commissioned officer, cadet, or civilian officer ID, free entry for retired military cadres (including armed police) with retirement certificate, free entry for retired personnel with Retirement Honor Certificate allowing one accompanying person for free, and half-price entry for minors aged 6 to 18 with valid identification, and half-price entry for teachers during the summer vacation.
During January 1st to January 31st, teachers with a ‘Teacher’s Qualification Certificate’ can enjoy half-price admission. Veterans with a ‘Veteran’s Preference Certificate’ can enter the daytime event for free. Journalists with a unified press card issued by the National Press and Publication Administration (excluding junior press cards) can enter for free. Other free admission includes: high-level talents in Jiangsu Province with a ‘Hero Model Certificate’; Yangzhou City VIPs with a ‘Yangzhou City VIP’ card; reserve officers of the People’s Liberation Army with a ‘Reserve Officer’s Certificate’ (limited to units: Jiangsu Reserve Anti-Aircraft Artillery Second Division); returned overseas Chinese in Yangzhou City with a ‘Returned Overseas Chinese Certificate’; members of Yangzhou City Cancer Association with a ‘Yangzhou City Cancer Association Membership Card’; retired personnel with a ‘Scenic Spot Preference Certificate’ that must have a current sticker and be stamped by the garden authority; retired cadres of Yangzhou City with a ‘Yangzhou City Retired Cadre Preference Certificate’ can have one accompanying person enter for free; labor models in Jiangsu Province with a provincial-level or above ‘Model Worker Certificate’; travel agency managers with a valid general manager qualification certificate and tour guide certificate issued by the National Tourism Administration; and moral models in Jiangsu Province with a ‘Moral Model Certificate’. Free admission is not applicable for night tours. The information above is for reference only; please check the details disclosed by the scenic spot on the day of the visit.
Service Facilities: Parking: [Yangzhou Slender West Lake North Gate Parking] Reference price: ¥5/hour; Address: No. 35, Ping Shantang East Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou City; Spaces: 400. Mobile Charging: Charging power sockets are available at visitor service centers at each entrance. Luggage Storage: Reference price: Free; Address: Visitor Center.
Scenic Spot Interpretation: Electronic guide interpretation devices and human guide services are provided at the ticket booths at each entrance. Scenic Spot Map: Free scenic spot maps can be obtained at the visitor service center or ticket booths at the entrance of Slender West Lake.
Transportation within the Scenic Area: Reference price: Full ticket 20 yuan per person; Address: Within the scenic area. Stroller Rental: Reference price: Deposit 300 yuan; Address: Visitor Center.
Restrooms: There are multiple restrooms within the scenic area, with clear signs. Nursing Rooms: Some star-rated restrooms within Slender West Lake have their own nursing rooms.
Catering: Located near the Wanhua Garden. Souvenir Shops: Slender West Lake Visitor Center offers souvenirs for purchase. Vending Machines: Multiple vending machines are set up within the scenic area, near buildings, and can be paid using Alipay/WeChat Pay. Convenience Stores: Clearly marked at kiosks, Alipay/WeChat Pay is accepted.
Slender West Lake
The phrase ‘fireworks in the third month’ beckons us to Yangzhou in spring, where the Sl[...]
