Slender West Lake Scenic Area, Yangzhou

Spot Facts

1. South Gate (Hongqiao · Entrance)

   Start · Entrance

   Peach and willow line the banks; first garden-within-a-garden (Tingli Pavilion). Why this route: the opening of "slim" and "elegant".
2. Xu Garden

   about 540 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
3. Little Golden Hill

   about 70 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Climb the lake's high point to overlook the long, narrow lake. Why this route: classic photo spot.
4. Fishing Terrace

   about 130 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   The moon gate "frames" the Five-Pavilion Bridge and White Pagoda together. Why this route: the ultimate art of "framed scenery".
5. Five Pavilion Bridge

   about 190 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Yangzhou's landmark: five clustered pavilions, fifteen arches. Why this route: praised by Mao Yisheng as "China's most beautiful bridge".
6. White Pagoda

   about 80 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Imitates the Beihai White Pagoda; legend of "a pagoda piled from salt in one night". Why this route: faces the Five-Pavilion Bridge across the water.
7. Xichun Terrace

   about 520 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Gilded and splendid, built by salt merchants for Qianlong's birthday. Why this route: "Spring Terrace Moon" and a sunset viewpoint.
8. Twenty-Four Bridge

   about 80 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Take a painted boat north. The poetic scene of "Twenty-Four Bridges under the moon". Why this route: the most poetic stretch.
9. Wanhua Garden

   about 500 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Spring seas of qionghua and peony blooms; exit via the North or West Gate. Why this route: the core flower-viewing area.
10. North Gate

    about 1330 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Entrance

Things to Note