City guide: Yangzhou

CONTENT

1. General introduction…………………………

Yangzhou, on the other bank of Yangtze River, emerged during the Spring and Autumn 

Period (770-476 B.C.) when Fu Chai,king of the Wu State, built his defence system, 

Eventually it grew into a large, population city. Emperor Yangdi of the Sui Dynasty 

(581-618) visited prostitutes here; emperors Huizong and Gaozong of the Song Dynasty 

(960-1279) built their temporary palaces here, and Qing Emperor Qianlong visited 

times.

Location & population

Yangzhou is located in the middle of Jiangsu Province and a place where the Yangtze 

River and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal converge. It is within “the Yangtze 

Delta Region”, the most dynamic economic circle in China, and is an important 

port city prosperous with industries and trade in the Yangtze Delta Region.

The city itself is a museum of Chinese culture and a beautiful Chinese garden. 

Small and quite as it is, you have an easy access to all latest modern convenience 

here, too, while enjoying traditional heritage. Through all the ages, scholars and 

poets have lavishly praised Yangzhou in prose and poetry, pouring their love and 

yearning for this city in the most beautiful language. This is the only city in 

China that receives such an honour and it deserves, too.

For westerners, an interesting footnote to Yangzhou's history is that Marco Polo 

served there under the Mongol emperor Kubilai Khan, in the period around 1282-1287.

Climate

Being in the subtropical humid climate, Yangzhou has four distinct seasons with 

mild air temperatures. The topography is characterized with the alluvial plain 

of the Yangtze Delta, which is flat and smooth with over 90% being plain. Within 

the area, there is a dense network of rivers and lakes and a beach line of 80km 

alone the Yangtze River. The section of the River is broad and deep; and the beach 

line runs steady. Yangzhou boasts rich resources, and is abundant in the production 

of foods, cotton, edible oil and aquatic products. It also boasts mineral resources 

such as oil, natural gas, underground hot spring and ores.

Economy & industry

Yangzhou is a broad marketplace, and has been the gate to the North Jiangsu. It is 

an important node city in the Yangtze Delta Region with direct influence over North 

Jiangsu, South Shandong and East Anhui. With Yangzhou as the center, there is a 

population of 40 million within an area of 100km, and a population of 80 million 

within an area of 200km. In 2010, Yangzhou’s GDP reached 220.799 billion Yuan RMB, 

13.4% higher than the previous year with the GDP per capita exceeding USD7000; the 

financial revenue reached 40.088 billion Yuan RMB, and the general budget revenue 

16.778 billion Yuan RMB, up 29.3% and 31% respectively; the disposable personal 

income of the urban residents and that of the farmers are 21766 Yuan RMB and 

9462 Yuan RMB respectively. In the “Blue Print of Competitiveness of Chinese 

Cities 2010” issued by China’s Academy of Social Science, Yangazhou takes 

the 50th place among the 294 cities in the country.

2. Transportation………………………………

Railway

Yangzhou boasts a number of key railway lines and serves as the original station

 with trains to Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan, 

Qingdao, etc. and further connected with almost everywhere in the country, thus 

enjoying highly efficient cargo and passenger transportation. The project for 

the reconstruction of electrical system of the multiple tracks of Ninqi railway 

Line is now underway and has been facilitated, and will be completed by 2012. The 

initial work for Liian-Huai-Yang-Zhen Railway Line and Wufengshan Highway & Railway 

Bridge across the Yangtze River is now going on in full swing; and the scheme for 

the inter-city railway traffic between Nanjing, Zhenjiang and Yangzhou is now 

under research.

Air

Yangzhou Taizhou Airport, often abbreviated to Yangtai Airport, is an airport 

serving the cities of Yangzhou and Taizhou in China's Jiangsu Province. It is 

located in the town of Dinggou in Jiangdu District, Yangzhou, 30 kilometers 

from the center of Yangzhou and 20 kilometers from Taizhou. Another major 

city, Zhenjiang, is also nearby across the Yangtze River.

Designed as a domestic regional airport (class 4C), the airport has a runway 

that is 2,400 meters long and 45 meters wide. It has a 31,000 square-meter 

terminal building and 13 aircraft parking aprons. It is designed to handle 

an annual throughput of 2 million passengers and 24,000 tons of cargo by 2020.

3. Education & Health care………………

International Schools

So far, there is no international school in Yangzhou.

Hospitals

1.Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital

Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital (NJPH), also named as Affiliated Hospital 

to Yangzhou University, Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 

Red Cross Central Hospital and MOH International Assistance Net-work Hospital. 

Its predecessor was a Baptist hospital founded in 1900. It was authorized as the 

first group of “Tertiary Level A” hospitals of Jiangsu Province with other 8 

hospitals in 1994. NJPH is the largest general hospital in Yangzhou with the 

longest history and full function, and becomes the center of medical care, 

education and scientific research in this region.

In recent years, the domestic and international academic exchanges are very active.

The hospital successively built friendly relationships with universities and hospitals of

America, Germany, Korea, Israel and Australia. The connection with domestic medical

universities and hospitals has proceeded even more extensively and deeply. These years

over hundreds of new technologies and projects were carried out, awarded 20 Natural 

Science Foundation projects and more than 100 scientific research projects were 

given at municipal level or above. In these 5 years, gained 254 scientific and 

technological advancement awards and new technology introduction awards at municipal 

level or above and 187 national and provincial medical continuing education projects 

were held in our hospital.

For making an appointment: 86-514-87373113,87373114 

For emergency service: 86-514-87373999

Fax:86-514-87373012 

Email:sbyywsb@sina.com

Address: 98#, Nantong West Rd, Yangzhou China

Website: www.yzsbh.com

4. Recreation……………………………………

Shopping

Jade articles and lacquer wares produced in Yangzhou are famous. They are the 

representatives of Yangzhou handcrafts.

Yangzhou pickles have a long history. It is famous in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces. 

Being one of the representative snacks in Yangzhou, Yangzhou pickles taste fresh, 

sweet and crisp.

In addition, there are other famous local special products like fluffy toys, 

paper cuttings and bonsai (potted landscape).

The busiest shopping street in Yangzhou is Wenchang Road. All the large shopping 

centers are located along the street. The Siwangting Road (四望亭路) near the 

Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁) is a popular food street among the locals .

Recommended Shopping Centers

Fluffy Toy Markets (长毛绒玩具市场)

Location: there are fluffy toy markets around the North Gate (北门), West Gate 

(西门) and South Gate (南门) of Slender West Lake (瘦西湖).

Summary: they are large-scale markets. Prices at the North Gate are relatively 

lower.

Transportation: passengers can take public bus No. 20 to the South Gate, or take 

tourist bus No. 1 or No. 2 to the North Gate

Daqilinge Tea Snack Shop (大麒麟阁茶食店)

Location: No.52, Guoqing road, Guanglin District (广陵区国庆路52号)

Summary: A well-known and time-honored store in Yangzhou, selling authentic 

local tea snacks.

Specialties: peanut brittle (花生糖), Jinguo powder (金果粉) and double-ninth 

cake (重阳糕)

Golden Engle International Shopping Center (金鹰国际购物中心)

Location: No.120, South Wenhe Road (汶河南路120号)

Transportation: passengers can take public bus No.12, 26, 29 or 32 to get 

there.

Summary: Located at Yangzhou’s busiest area – Wenchangge Square, it is a 

large comprehensive shopping center with numerous brands.

Daruifa Supermarket (大润发超市)

Location: No.2, Hancheng Street (邗城大道2号)

Transportation: passengers can take public bus No. 20, 26 or 66 to get there.

Summary: A large supermarket popular among the local people.

Wanjiafu Shopping Center (万家福商城)

Location: No.1, North Wenhe Road (汶河北路1号)

Transportation: passengers can take public bus No. 29 or 30 and get off at 

the Wanjiafu station.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Yangzhou is very colorful. Yangzhou snack streets, cinemas, 

theatres, bars and cafés are where you may go to enjoy the nightlife in 

Yangzhou if you are in the mood. Today, more and more locals head to bars and 

cafes after work to wind down after a long day. Students also head to the snack 

streets to spend a weekend night.

Bars and Nightclubs in Yangzhou

Yangzhou is one of the wealthiest city in South China. It has many bars and cafes.

 So you could spend your nightlife here 

Ming Tien Coffee

Location: No.1 Si Wang Ting Road Weiyang District

Phone:0514-7333666 

U.B.C Coffee

Location:No.10 Yanfu West Road Guangling District

Phone:0514-7338313 

Blue Mountain Coffee

Location:No.133 West Wenchang Road Weiyang District

Phone:0514-7868333 

Jazz Bar

Location: No.38 Youyi Road Weiyang District

Phone:0514-7191958 

The Fifth Channel Bar

Location: East Gate of Baodai Yangtze Middle Road Weiyang District

Phone:0514-5103183 

Taiji Bar

Location:No.38 Youyi Road Weiyang District Yangzhou

Phone:0514-87366848 Bar in New Century Hotel

Location: New Century Hotel,No.2 South Wenhui Road Development Zone

Phone:0514-87878888

Cuisine

Shi Wei Tian Hotel Western District Branch

The hotel enjoys an ideal geographical position which is convenient for traffic. 

It’s a comprehensive hotel that offers accommodation, catering and recreation. 

Being 7 stories high, the hotel has 95 guest rooms. Many dishes are great delicacies, 

although the price may be a bit high. Also, wedding parties can be held there.

Chinese name: 食为天酒店（西区店） Shi Wei Tian Jiudian

Recommended dishes: flippers cooked with chili sauce (麻辣鸭掌), large crabmeat 

balls (蟹粉狮子头)， braised shredded chicken with ham and dried tofu (大煮干丝), 

Yangzhou fried rice (扬州炒饭), braised chub heads (红烧鲢鱼头), fried shrimp meat 

(清炒虾仁), duck cooked in saline (盐水鸭), animal belly and lungs cooked in bamboo 

tubes (竹筒肚肺), braised eels (淮安软兜), crabmeat cooked with tofu (蟹粉豆腐), 

large meatballs (狮子头), and bean curd noodles & celery salad (拌干丝)

Average price per person: 83 yuan

Address: 785 Yangzijiangzhong Road, Hanjiang District 邗江区扬子江中路785号

Tel: 0514-87702366, 0514-87702377

Special services: Parking is free, a swiping card facility is available and wireless 

Internet is accessible.

Shi Wei Tian Hotel Donghe Branch

Average price per person: 73 yuan

Address: 2 Chengdong Road, Guangling District 广陵区城东路2号

Tel: 0514-87227111, 0514-87900762

Opening hours: 11am – 1:30pm; 5pm – 8:30pm

Transportation: Take Bus 2, 4, 19, 25, 26 or 66 and get off at the East of 

Yuejin Bridge (跃进桥东站).

Special services: Parking is free, a swiping card facility is available and 

banquets can be held.

Banana Leaf

Both the dishes and the environment can satisfy you and cheer you up. Many Thai 

servers can be seen there, who will receive guests with great enthusiasm. Also, 

there are performances every evening from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, and at noon every 

Saturday and Sunday.

Chinese name: 香江蕉叶 Xingjiang Jiaoye

Recommended dishes: crab fried with curry (咖喱皇炒蟹), charcoal mixed plate 

(炭烧拼盘), pineapple rice (菠萝饭), eggplants cooked on iron plates (铁板茄子), 

beef cooked with curry (咖喱牛肉), mixed beans cooked with coconut juice (马来喳喳), 

crispy durian cake (榴莲酥), and Hainan chicken (海南鸡)

Average price per person: 102 yuan

Address: Floor 4, the Living Mall, 168 Jinghuacheng Road, Hanjiang District 

邗江区京华城路168号京华城4楼

Tel: 0514-87957555, 0514-82961567

Opening hours: 10am – 9:30pm

Transportation: Take Bus 13 and get off at the South Gate of the Living Mall 

(京华城南门).

Special services: Parking is free and a swiping card facility is available.

Grand Banquet

Don’t be frightened by the name of the restaurant. Many dishes there are sold 

at fair prices. With a clean and bright environment, everyone entering there 

will be delighted. Even the beautiful restrooms will astound you. All in all, 

the dishes and the services there won’t disappoint you.

Recommended dishes: steamed large meatballs in clear soup (清蒸狮子头), shelled 

fresh shrimps cooked with dragon well tea (龙井虾仁), beef cooked in a cask 

(木桶牛肉), chub heads cooked with chopped peppers (剁椒鲢鱼头), goose cooked in 

saline (盐水鹅), bouilli (红烧肉), Yangzhou fried rice (扬州炒饭), meat cooked in 

abalone sauce with a bouquet garni (鲍汁酒香肉), and beef ribs in black pepper 

sauce (黑椒牛仔骨)

Chinese name: 盛宴 Shengyan

Average price per person: 70 yuan

Address: 45 Wangting Road, Hanjiang District 邗江区四望亭路45号

Tel: 0514-87734567

Transportation: Take Bus 1, 7 (special line), 12, 17, 26, 27, 30, 33, 40, 66, 

103, 107 or 216 and get off at the Shita Temple (石塔寺), and then walk about 

120 meters.

Special services: Parking is free, a swiping card facility is available and 

wireless Internet is accessible.

Attractions

Yangzhou has been without doubt a fascinating symbol of natural beauty in China 

ever since ancient times. This city of over two thousands years entices numerous 

people with its endless water scenes, tasteful landscaped gardens as well as 

various architectures in magnificent or simple delicate styles reminiscent of

 many outstanding figures.

Slender West Lake

The soul of natural beauty in Yangzhou should be the Slender West Lake lying 

to the northwest of Yangzhou City. Like a long wide green ribbon, its beauty 

lies in the rippling waters, winding dikes, arching bridges, dancing willows 

and colorful flowers along the bank. 24 attractions along this delicate lake 

make up a huge water scene.

Ge Garden

Also with a pleasant climate, the picturesque Yangzhou has been regarded as a 

perfect place for settling from the earliest times to the present day. Nowadays, 

there are still many fine ingenious private gardens of some very famous figures. 

The Ge Garden in Yanfu Lu in the downtown area should be a representative one. 

The intriguing rockery layout of four seasons in the garden shows originality 

and intelligence, and the exquisite buildings betray the superb artistic taste

 of the host.

The other great one worth visiting is He Garden in Xuningmen Jie of urban 

Yangzhou well-known for its architecture in both Chinese and Western styles. 

It boasts the reputation of 'No.1 Garden in the Late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)'. 

In addition, some magnificent residences of the wealthy of ancient times would 

have been the epitome of property at that time, especially the Lu's Residence at 

No.22 Kangtang Jie. ( Video of Lu's Residence) It is the most stately and grand 

one renowned for its continuous building groups and exquisite architectural styles.

 He Garden

He Garden is reputed as the top private garden of the late Qing Dynasty (1644

 - 1911). Many ancient garden experts even praised the He Garden as the‘unique 

case of gardens' in South Area of Yangtze River.

Daming Temple

Actually, Yangzhou has developed strongly in culture during its long-standing 

prosperous history as well as its nature-blessed beauty. The part of Buddhism 

occupies an important place among the many influences on Yangzhou culture. The 

1,500 years old Daming Temple in the northern suburb is claimed to be the national 

Buddhism treasure, for it gathers lots of cultural relics and temples as well 

as having beautiful garden scenery. Another important temple is the Gaomin Temple 

which is located in the southern suburb and is one of the eight famous temples

 in Yangzhou during the Qing Dynasty.