Slender West Lake

Visitors often go to Slender West Lake as part of a day trip from Nanjing. Once there, make sure to take a boat ride on the lake, floating past the swans. You’ll see plenty of species of plants in the gardens and along the paths surrounding the water, and you might see some of the resident peacocks, too.

• Photographers will want to head to the lake early in the morning for detailed reflections on the water.

• There are several gates to enter the area, which make it handy for entering and exiting when and where you like.

• Make sure to bring lots of water in the warmer months, as shade and water stations are few and far between.

There are a few ways to get to Yangzhou, by train, taxi, or hiring a private driver. Each option takes about 1 hour. If you take the train, from the station you can get a taxi and arrange an extended trip, so the driver will wait for you while you explore the lake and gardens on your own.

The most temperate times of the year at Slender West Lake are the spring from around March to May, and the fall from September to November. Summers are quite hot and winters can be a bit too chilly for a boat ride. Note that the first weeks of May and October are national holidays, when it’s best to avoid travel since practically the entire country is on vacation.

Yangzhou fried rice shows up on menus all over China, and is a staple to return to when you’ve had your fill of trying new and unusual Chinese delights, like duck tongue, glutinous rice cakes, and fish lips. It’s a simple dish of fried rice with ham, eggs, baby shrimp, peas, and not a lot more—a tasty crowd-pleaser, originating in Yangzhou.