Zhuyuwan Scenic Area

Historical Overview

• Tang Dynasty Origins (7th–10th centuries): Established as a strategic port along the Grand Canal during the reign of Emperor Gaozong.
• Ming-Qing Prosperity (14th–19th centuries): Flourished as a commercial hub with over 300 shops and warehouses.
• Modern Transformation (2000s): Redeveloped into a scenic area in 2003, preserving historical structures while adding leisure facilities.
• Cultural Recognition (2010s): Listed as a provincial cultural heritage site, featuring in UNESCO’s Grand Canal application.

Structural Layout

The area follows a "one river, two towns, three gardens" layout:

1. Cultural Heritage Zone:
   • Shigang Ancient Town: 1.2km-long stone-paved street with Ming-era merchant houses and the 15m-tall Shigang Pagoda.
   • Grand Canal Museum: Interactive exhibits on the canal’s 2,500-year history.
2. Ecological Leisure Zone:
   • Zhuyuwan Zoo: Home to giant pandas, Siberian tigers, and red-crowned cranes.
   • Botanical Garden: 100,000㎡ space with seasonal flower displays (cherry blossoms in spring, lotus in summer).
3. Recreational Activity Zone:
   • Amusement Park: Roller coasters, bumper cars, and a 4D cinema.
   • Riverside Promenade: 3km-long path with bike rentals and tea houses.

Key structures:

• Shigang Archway: Ming Dynasty stone gateway marking the town’s entrance.
• Panda Pavilion: Modern glass-walled habitat for Yangzhou Zoo’s two giant pandas.

Major Attractions

1. Shigang Ancient Town: Wander Tang-era stone streets lined with traditional shops and the 800-year-old Shigang Pagoda.
2. Zhuyuwan Zoo: Visit giant pandas, watch sea lion performances, and explore the primate house.
3. Grand Canal Museum: Learn about the canal’s role in China’s economic history through artifacts and models.
4. Botanical Garden: Photograph cherry blossoms (March–April) or lotus flowers (June–August).
5. Amusement Park: Ride the 50m-tall Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the Yangzhou skyline.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   East Gate → Shigang Ancient Town → Grand Canal Museum → Botanical Garden → Exit
   Highlights: Cultural history and canal heritage.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   East Gate → Zhuyuwan Zoo → Amusement Park → Riverside Promenade → Shigang Ancient Town → Exit
   Highlights: Wildlife, rides, and historical streets.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   East Gate → Shigang Ancient Town → Grand Canal Museum → Zhuyuwan Zoo → Botanical Garden → Amusement Park → Riverside Promenade → Exit
   Highlights: Full exploration of culture, nature, and recreation.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Comprehensive Pass: ¥150 (1-day validity, includes zoo and amusement park).
  • Cultural-Only Pass: ¥80 (Shigang Town and museum).
  • Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors (60–70 years); free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70.
• Online Booking: Available via Ctrip or WeChat mini-program “Zhuyuwan Scenic Area” (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site Tickets: Limited availability; queues average 15 minutes during weekends.

Transportation

From Yangzhou City:

• By Bus: Routes 32, 103, or 201 to Zhuyuwan Scenic Area Stop (20 minutes from downtown).
• By Taxi: Direct ride (15 minutes, ¥20 from Wende Pavilion).

From Nanjing/Shanghai:

• By High-Speed Rail: Nanjing South Station/Shanghai Hongqiao → Yangzhou East Station → Taxi to scenic area (40 minutes).
• By Car: G40/G2 Expressway → Yangzhou Exit → Guangling District (2 hours from Nanjing).

Local Shuttle:

• “Scenic Area Tram” connects all major zones (¥10/day pass).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: March–May (cherry blossoms), September–November (mild weather).
• Avoid: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (tour group crowds).
• Essentials:
  • Insect repellent (summer months).
  • Binoculars for birdwatching (over 100 species recorded).
  • Comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.
• Prohibited Items: Drones (restricted airspace), outside food for animals.
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture Shigang Pagoda silhouettes 1 hour before sunset.
  • Macro Mode: Detail shots of canal-side flora.