Yangzhou Attractions
Yangzhou lies in the central region of Jiangsu province, between the Changjiang river and the Grand Canal.
The origins of Yangzhou go back some 2400 years, to the Spring and Autumn period, but it really came into prominence in the 6th C when the Sui Emperor Yangdi ordered the Grand Canal to be dug. When this project was completed Yangzhou became a major port for foreign trade. Under the Tangs (618-907) the famous Arab missionary Behao Aldin came here to spread the Islamic gospel. During the Yuan period (1271-1368) Marco Polo stayed in the town for a while and even held quite a high position here. In the Ming and Qing periods (1368-1911) the town became prosperous as a result of the salt trade which also attracted considerable patronage. During later years, especially during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-96) Yangzhou grew to become China's second largest political, economic, commercial and cultural center.
During his tours of inspection through south China the Emperor stayed here five times. In order to gain favor with the ''Son of Heaven'', as he was known, the local authorities summoned the best cooks from the neighboring provinces to prepare dishes for him, and thereby established Yangzhou's reputation for high quality cuisine, placing it in the top four regions in China as far as the culinary arts are concerned. It was at that time, too, that the town's school of painting emerged, known for its ''Eccentric'' style. Yangzhou suffered severely in mid-1800s during Taiping Uprising.
Handicrafts have long had a fine reputation in Yangzhou. These include especially jade-carving and embroidery. Story-telling, too, has remained a traditional art-form right up to the present day.
The origins of Yangzhou go back some 2400 years, to the Spring and Autumn period, but it really came into prominence in the 6th C when the Sui Emperor Yangdi ordered the Grand Canal to be dug. When this project was completed Yangzhou became a major port for foreign trade. Under the Tangs (618-907) the famous Arab missionary Behao Aldin came here to spread the Islamic gospel. During the Yuan period (1271-1368) Marco Polo stayed in the town for a while and even held quite a high position here. In the Ming and Qing periods (1368-1911) the town became prosperous as a result of the salt trade which also attracted considerable patronage. During later years, especially during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-96) Yangzhou grew to become China's second largest political, economic, commercial and cultural center.
During his tours of inspection through south China the Emperor stayed here five times. In order to gain favor with the ''Son of Heaven'', as he was known, the local authorities summoned the best cooks from the neighboring provinces to prepare dishes for him, and thereby established Yangzhou's reputation for high quality cuisine, placing it in the top four regions in China as far as the culinary arts are concerned. It was at that time, too, that the town's school of painting emerged, known for its ''Eccentric'' style. Yangzhou suffered severely in mid-1800s during Taiping Uprising.
Handicrafts have long had a fine reputation in Yangzhou. These include especially jade-carving and embroidery. Story-telling, too, has remained a traditional art-form right up to the present day.
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Narrow West Lake
Narrow West Lake is a pleasant park that contains the Little Mountain of Gold and Angel Square attractions.
Temple of Heavenly Peace
At the foot of the Mountain of the Plum Blossom (Meihua Ling) in the north of the town stands the Temple of Heavenly Peace, built in the Jin period (265-420). Here in 418 a Nepalese monk translated the Buddhist scriptures. In 1757, on the occasion of the visit of Emperor Qianlong, a villa, a garden and an ''imperial'' mooring berth were built.
Geyuan Garden
Geyuan Garden, in Dongguan Jie Street, dates from the Qing period (1644-1911); beautiful bamboo groves are its distinguishing feature.
Heyuan Garden
In the southeast of Yangzhou lies the Heyuan Garden, which was purchased and extended by the government official He at the end of the 19th C. The individual buildings are connected by a covered walkway.
Mausoleum of the Sui Emperor Yangdi
This mausoleum is in Leitang, on the northern outskirts of Yangzhou. The Sui Emperor Yangdi came to Yangzhou in 605, 610, 612 and 618. During his fourth visit to the town he was taken prisoner by some rebel army officers, hanged and buried in a remote grave. In 622 his body was brought here, but it was 1802 before the mausoleum was built.
Pavilion Looking in Four Directions
The Pavilion Looking in Four Directions, located further north, dates from the year 1559.
Pavilion of the God of Literature
In the west of Yangzhou can be found the Pavilion of the God of Literature, which goes back to 1585.
Xiaopangu Garden
This garden in the southeast part of the town dates from the Qianlong era (1736-96). It is built in the Classical style.
Yangzhou Surroundings
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Great Brightness Temple
Great Brightness Temple is revered by Japanese monks due to the fact that Jianzhen lived and worked here in the 7th C.
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