Practical Tips

Though the canals lacing the city and the nearby rivers create a slight buffer, summers here can be extremely hot while winters can be cold. Dry, clear autumns and balmy springs with the gardens in full bloom are the ideal times to visit. Every April to May, the Yanhua Sanyue Festival takes place in Yangzhou, celebrating the coming of spring. Make sure to check out the shows, exhibits and markets if you're visiting during this time. Yangzhou is now largely a modern city and many gems, unmarked on tourist maps, can be found through exploring its narrow lanes and old neighborhoods. Currently, it enjoys less fame than neighboring Nanjing and is therefore usually less crowded though by no means less interesting.