Slender West Lake, Lake and historic gardens in Yangzhou, China

Slender West Lake is a narrow body of water that winds through gardens with bridges, temples, and traditional pavilions. The water forms the core, with islands and paths shaped by both nature and architecture.

The lake grew out of the moats and canals of Tang-era Yangzhou. The area was devastated in the Yangzhou Massacre of May 1645, then rebuilt from the mid-1700s, when salt merchants and canal officials laid out gardens and residences; the lake was dredged and enlarged for the Qianlong Emperor's second southern tour in 1757. It was damaged again during the Taiping Rebellion in the 1850s and 1860s, dredged in 1979, and made a national park in 1988.

The name comes from Wang Hang's 1736 poem comparing the lake to Hangzhou's West Lake, calling Yangzhou a "melting pot" worth the name Slender West Lake. The lake's landmarks copy other sites: the White Dagoba imitates Beijing's Beihai Park, and the Qianlong Emperor's fishing platform was rigged by swimmers attaching fish to his hook. Xu Garden hosts Yangzhou's annual chrysanthemum show each autumn.

The best time to visit is early morning when crowds are lighter and you can enjoy the surroundings more. Boats allow you to explore different parts of the lake, while walking paths provide direct access to the gardens.

The Fishing Platform was a favourite retreat of the Qianlong Emperor, who was so pleased with his catch that he ordered extra stipends for the town. Local swimmers had been attaching fish to his hook underwater.