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Slender West Lake

Xichun Terrace near Slender West Lake

Yangzhou is one of China's historic cities dating back to the fifth century BC. Slender West Lake is a man-made lake where beautiful views and historic points coexist. It lies in the southwest of Yangzhou. The lake is a state-level scenic resort and gets its name because its outline is long and narrow like a slender, gentle girl.

The scenic resort is a fine example of a traditional Chinese lakeside garden. Walking along the lake, one can see many elegant styles of architectures. Some line along the shore of the lake, and others are actually built over the lake. They all possess different kinds of beauty. Numerous poems have been left by famous poets about the beautiful lake adding to its cultural importance.

There are 24 scenic attractions at the Slender West Lake, including the White Pagoda, the Five Pavilion Bridge, Xiaojin Hill, Fuzhuang, 24 Bridge, and many others.

The highest scenic spot in the lake, Xiaojin Hill offers a breathtaking panorama of the lake from the kiosk on top of the hill. Most of the architectures and rockeries on the hill are remains of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).

Fuzhuang is surrounded by water, and got its name because from above it looks like a teal floating in the water. Snacks can be purchased in Fuzhuang, and various performances are held there during festivals.

Of the 24 scenic areas, the one that catches the eyes of tourists most is 24 Bridge. Built with white marble, the bridge is 24 meters (appox.79 feet) long, 24 meters (also appox.79 feet) wide, with 24 parapets and 24 steps hence the name - 24 Bridge. It looks like a marble ribbon fluttering on the water or a rainbow lying over the lake.

The Cruise on Slender West Lake

The Bridge on Slender West Lake

Among the 24 scenic areas are artistic kiosks, pleasant pavilions, and small bridges arching over gently flowing streams. The entire area is full of poetic romance, and many poems have been inspired by the scenery. Scenic beauty and historical interests are combined at Slender West Lake, and the strong literary atmosphere makes the lake a brilliant pearl in the historic city of Yangzhou.

Admission Fee	Mar. - May & Sep. - Nov.: CNY100 Feb. & Jun. - Aug.: CNY60 Jan. & Dec.: CNY30 Free for children under 1.4m (4.6ft).
Ticket Selling Hours	07:00 to 17:30
Bus Route	take bus no.4, 6,17, 27, 29, 37, 62 or 103 and get off at Shouxihu Station

- Last updated on May. 22, 2024 -

Questions & Answers on Slender West Lake

Asked by Adam from ENGLAND | May. 22, 2024 04:21

Using a drone.

Is the whole area no drone zone or are their parts of the lake, like the northern part which I would be allowed to fly a drone?

Thank you for any response

Answers (1)

Answered by Joshua | May. 22, 2024 20:03

The whole area is not allowed to fly a drone.

Asked by Chris from UNITED KINGDOM | Jul. 30, 2017 18:26

Is it ok to visit Slender West Lake at 6pm?

Me and my friends are teaching in YangZhou and only finish at 5pm every day. The information here says tickets are sold only until 5.30pm yet there is talk of evening activities.
Are we able to still enter the lake at 6pm? Also, will any shops/attractions still be open after this time?

Answers (1)

Answered by David from CANADA | Jul. 30, 2017 21:39

As I know, you can visit there at 6:00 pm, since there is a night tour in summer from 7:00 to 9:00.
There are many restaurants available at that time, such as Mcdonald's at 399 North Yangzijiang Rd, Tianyuan Beef at 451 North Yangzijiang Rd, and Yechun Restaurant in North Yangzijiang Rd.

Asked by Dorota from UNITED KINGDOM | Apr. 21, 2016 22:56

slender west lake attractions

Where I can buy tickets for evening's show with Chinese music and lights which has place in slender west lake garden every evenig

Answers (1)

Answered by Lily from USA | Apr. 22, 2016 01:46

You can buy the ticket at tickeing window near the entrance. The show lasts from 19:45 to 20:45. The fare is CNY220 per person. :)

Asked by Eric Yeo from SINGAPORTE | May. 13, 2015 23:58

Hi, can I ask where will be the ideal starting point for my visit to the Slender West Gate?

if my reaching time is around 9:30am and leaving at noon to Dongguan Street . And how much is the entrance fee?

Answers (1)

Answered by Christian from FINLAND | May. 14, 2015 01:56

Generally speaking, most tourists prefer to starting sightseeing from the South Gate of the lake, and finish the tour from North or West Gate.
The entrance ticket is CNY 150 per person from March to November or CNY 120 from December to Feburary.

Asked by Lynn from UK | Sep. 03, 2012 22:55

hi does the entrance fee include the cruise ride

hi does the entrance fee include the cruise ride or we have to pay for cruise. if so how much on Shouxi Lake

Answers (1)

Answered by Laura | Sep. 04, 2012 04:35

No, the entrance fee doesn't include the cruise ride. The cost foe the small electronic boat is CNY35. The cost for the big tousit boat is CNY200-300. It can carry 20 people once.