Yangzhou

In the south of Jiangsu province, Yangzhou has had a long fascinating history going back over 2,000 years from the Han to the Ming dynasties, and beyond. Rich in cultural assets, the city is teeming with myriad elegant architectural styles, endless water promenades, gorgeous landscaped gardens, such as those of Slender West Lake, Ge Garden, He Garden, and Daming Monastery. Yangzhou is famous for its carved lacquerware and jade, public bathhouses, embroidery, and paper-cut creations. Thanks to a direct connection to many Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Nanjing, Yangzhou is best reached by train though the city also has its own airport and bus services. Famed for its fine cuisine, don’t leave without trying the Yangzhou fried rice and Jiangdu short pastry.