Slender West Lake is the premier attraction in Yangzhou. The park, lined with willow trees, picturesque pagodas, and loads of history has enough to keep a visitor busy for the entire day. During spring the park is an expansive wonderland of flowers and budding trees. There are few enclosed city parks in China as impressive as this, making Slender West Lake a must visit.

Tian Ning Market is one of the best places in Yangzhou to score a rare, unusual gift. Chinese art and antique stores line the courtyard’s outer edge and are open seven days a week. On the weekends the market is often very crowded and busy, as the courtyard generally fills  up with vendors selling anything from old coins and jade bracelets to ear pickers and carved wooden dragons.