From ancient times till now, Slender Xihu Lake is a well known scenic area to the south of Yangtze River in China. It accounts 103.7 hectares in total, 49.9 hectares of which are taken by water. Shugang is the core of Slender Xihu Lake Scenic Area and a key national scenic spot. It is characterized by various tourist attractions along the two banks of the lake, such as the zigzag and winding water ways, long lake banks, soft spring willows, romantic bridges covered in mist and drizzles, Xuyuan Garden, Little Jinshan Mount, Chuitai Platform, Wuting Bridge, White Pagoda, Twenty-four Bridge, Exquisite Flower Park, Yichun Platform, Wangchun Platform, Yinyue Tea Pavilion, long corridors, towering cliffs, running rivulets, and elegant study, etc. They are just like parts of a long roll of traditional Chinese painting extending on the lake surface. They also like the long and soft girdles of fairies stretching tortuously with romance. In Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong visited Yangzhou for many times. Local landowners and nobles at that time rushed to build up various gardens so as to provide imperial accommodation for the then emperor. Therefore, gardens in Yangzhou were honored the best gardens under heaven .
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 lake, including the White Pagoda, the Five Pavilion Bridge, Xiaojin Hill, Fuzhuang, 24 Bridge, and many others.
Poets in history like to compare Slender Xihu Lake to be simply decorated but elegant ladies while compare Xihu Lake in Hangzhou to be ladies with plumpy and charming body shape.. There is a poem describing the beauty of Slender Xihu Lake and it goes like The drooping willows and branches of poplar gently fingers on the land overgrown with weeds; the bridges in the far seems water color pictures; the lake should be called slender Xihu Lake because of its elegance and glamour . Generally speaking, Slender Xihu Lake Scenic Area covers Shigong Ancestral Temple, Dahong Bridge, Long Banks and Spring Willows, Xiyuan Round pond, Little Jinshan Mountain, White Pagoda, Wuting Bridge, and Kwan-yin Mountain. The Slender Xihu Lake Park extends from Long Banks and Spring Willows to Kwan-yin Mountain. Slender Xihu Lake is about three to four kilometers long. There are many artful and exquisite constructions along the lake; some extend into the lake, some runs over the lake, some are composed of deep and remote mazes, and some stand on mountains. They are characterized by myriad stances and incomparable profoundness.
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.
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: CNY 50
Bus Route: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 16, 18