Slender West Lake
Slender West Lake, or Shouxi Hu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the soul of Yangzhou’s classical elegance. This 4.3-kilometer-long canal, dotted with willow-lined banks, ornate bridges, and pavilions, mirrors the poetic sensibilities of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Once a royal waterway for imperial barges, it later inspired poets like Li Bai and Du Fu with its "twenty-four bridges under moonlit skies." Today, it blends natural beauty with cultural landmarks, offering visitors a journey through China’s refined garden artistry and waterborne heritage.
Historical Overview
The lake’s origins trace to the Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD) as part of the Grand Canal, but its golden age began in the 18th century under Emperor Qianlong, who expanded its gardens and bridges during six southern tours. Merchants and scholars of the Qing Dynasty transformed it into a hub of classical garden design, with pavilions, moon-viewing decks, and rockeries. In 2014, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Grand Canal, cementing its status as a masterpiece of human-water harmony.
Structural Layout
The area is divided into three thematic zones, interconnected by waterways and walkways:
Southern Zone: The Five-Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda, and Lotus Flower Pavilion.
Central Zone: The Small Golden Hill, Xiaopan Hill, and Twenty-Four Bridge Scenic Area.
Northern Zone: The Shugang Garden, Spring Breeze Bridge, and Flower-Viewing Corridor.
Supporting Structures: The Xuyuan Gate, Fishing Platform, Moon-Watching Pavilion, and Calligraphy Stele Forest.
Major Attractions
Five-Pavilion Bridge (Wuting Qiao): A 55-meter-long arched bridge with five pavilions, offering panoramic lake views and a mirror-like reflection on still days.
White Pagoda (Baita): A 27.5-meter-tall Tibetan-style stupa built in 1581, its slender silhouette a iconic symbol of Yangzhou.
Twenty-Four Bridge (Ershisi Qiao): A network of 24 bridges and pavilions mentioned in ancient poems, ideal for moonlit strolls.
Lotus Flower Pavilion (Helian Ting): A summer retreat where visitors admire lotus blooms and sip tea to the sound of lute music.
Xiaopan Hill (Xiaopan Shan): A miniature landscape garden with rockeries, bamboo groves, and a hidden pavilion named Moon-Over-Water.
Shugang Garden (Shugang Yuan): A Qing-era private garden with winding corridors, fish ponds, and a "pavilion of floating fragrance."
Calligraphy Stele Forest (Shibei Lin): A collection of 135 stone tablets inscribed with masterpieces by Su Shi, Mi Fu, and other literati.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Xuyuan Gate → Five-Pavilion Bridge → White Pagoda → Lotus Flower Pavilion → Twenty-Four Bridge → Moon-Watching Pavilion → Exit
Highlights: Iconic bridges, pagodas, and moonlit vistas.
Extended Route (4–5 hours):
Xuyuan Gate → Five-Pavilion Bridge → White Pagoda → Lotus Flower Pavilion → Twenty-Four Bridge → Xiaopan Hill → Shugang Garden → Spring Breeze Bridge → Fishing Platform → Exit
Highlights: Adds intimate gardens, rockeries, and fishing culture.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Xuyuan Gate → Five-Pavilion Bridge → White Pagoda → Lotus Flower Pavilion → Twenty-Four Bridge → Xiaopan Hill → Shugang Garden → Calligraphy Stele Forest → Flower-Viewing Corridor → Traditional Boat Ride → Tea Ceremony at Moon-Watching Pavilion → Sunset Cruise → Exit
Highlights: In-depth cultural immersion, calligraphy appreciation, and waterborne experiences.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official Slender West Lake WeChat mini-program or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the Xuyuan Gate or South Gate, but queues peak during holidays.
Prices:
Peak Season (March–May, September–November): ¥100 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (June–August, December–February): ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Boat Tickets: ¥40–80 (varies by route).
Transportation
Subway: Line 1 to Wenchang Ge Station (Exit 5), then a 15-minute taxi ride.
Bus: Routes 4, 5, 6, 17, or Tour Bus 2 to Slender West Lake South Gate Stop.
Taxi: Direct to the Xuyuan Gate or South Gate entrance.
Departure: Exit via the North Gate to Daming Temple or the East Gate to Dongguan Street.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–3 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day holidays are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (March–May) for peach blossoms and willow fluff; autumn (September–November) for maple leaves and crisp air.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (uneven stone paths and bridges).
Bring a hat and sunscreen (limited shade in open areas).
Rent a traditional wooden boat for a 40-minute guided tour (¥60/person).
Photography allowed (no drones).
Prohibited items: Littering, swimming, and feeding wildlife.
