The scenic spot of Shugang Ridge-Slender West Lake is an attraction at State level, representing the essence of the
Yangzhou landscape.
The elegant landscape of the Slender West Lake is just like a scroll of Chinese painting using a freehand brush. On the bank, there are crossing hills and waterside pavilions. And some isles are scattered on the narrow surface of the water formed by zigzagging river channels.
During Emperor Qianlong's reign of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the lake was well known for 24 scenic spots. On the broad lake surface, the Five-Pavilion Bridge and White Pagoda are eye-catching symbols.
The Shugang Ridge scenic spot traverses the northern suburbs of Yangzhou. From the Spring and Autumn Period to the Southern Tang Dynasty (907-960), Shugang Ridge was the site of the Yangzhou City. 3 peaks of Shugang Ridge was the No.1 tourist attraction of Yangzhou even in ancient times.
Today, it looks more fascinating than in the old days. The peaks, covered by millions of green pines and verdant cypresses, have the centerpiece of the Daming Temple, dotted with halls, terraces and towers as well as waterside pavilions.
At the southeastern foot of Shugang Ridge lies a grand museum for the Tomb of Emperor Guangling. In the northern part of the Shugang Ridge-Slender West Lake area, one can see the Tomb of Sui Dynasty Emperor yang and the Ruanyuan Tomb, along with the Tomb of the Han Dynasty of Ganquanshan Mountain in the western part.
Taking the Qianlong Boat to travel on the lake from a dock before the Tianning Temple, the landscape of forests and pavilions as well as rippling water with glistening light unfolds before visitors. Passing by towers and pavilions, one reaches Daming Temple of Shugang Ridge.
