Yangzhou, a prefecture-level city in the central part of Jiangsu province, is situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, borders the provincial capital of Nanjing to the southwest, Huai'an to the north, and Zhenjiang across the river to the south.
With the history of more than 2,500 years, scholars and poets have lavishly praised Yangzhou in prose and poetry. During the prosperous times and periods of Imperial favor, the art of storytelling and painting flourished everywhere in Yangzhou city. It is well known that a group of painters from that era came to be known in China as the Eight Eccentrics.
Today Yangzhou is a charming town with broad, tree-lined boulevards and a network of canals and lakes. Known for its folk handicrafts, unique cuisine, and memorable landmarks, Yangzhou certainly has enough to keep visitors occupied for a couple of days. Yangzhou is the ideal place to experience unique aspects of Chinese culture, and is a relaxing break from other overly developed and commercialized urban centers in the region.
There is the oldest canal in China, Han and Sui imperial mausoleums, ancient Tang and Song Dynasty sites, and Ming and Qing Dynasty gardens. He Garden, Ge Garden, the Puhading Tomb, and the Longqiuzhuang Dwellings are all historical and cultural relics under state protection. A highlight is a water excursion on Shouxi Lake that was designed for Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795) of the Qing Dynasty when he made inspections of the area. This excursion is recommended by the China Tourism Administration to tourists both in China and abroad.