Slender West Lake is Yangzhou's masterpiece — a ribbon of classical landscape gardens, arched bridges and pavilions. Rather than just a ticket, this puts you on a traditional painted boat (huafang) gliding past the iconic Five Pavilion Bridge, the White Pagoda and willow-draped banks, while your English-speaking guide tells the stories of the salt merchants and emperors who shaped it. The cruise is calm and unhurried, leaving you free to relax and take in the scenery, and it suits couples, families and photography lovers alike. A serene, scenic and authentically local way to experience one of China's most beautiful classical gardens from the water.