Natural beauty abounds in Yangzhou

In the wake of China's hit TV show To the Wonder shining a spotlight on the picturesque city of Altay in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, a trend of "mini Altay" destinations — those with breathtaking natural view akin to the famed city — has swept across the country. While thousands of miles away from Altay, Yangzhou, a city in East China's Jiangsu province, also offers a blend of natural beauty waiting to be explored.

Gaoyou Lake: A Serene Oasis

Gaoyou Lake is the third largest lake in Jiangsu province and is close to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Whether cruising on speedboats across its pristine waters, strolling along the lakeside boardwalk, or lying on the lawn to witness the sunset's ethereal glow, every moment at Gaoyou Lake promises visitors the feeling of stepping into a living watercolor masterpiece. Whereat campsites by the lake, visitors can listen to the wind whispering through the reeds and the gentle lapping of the water against the shore, setting their spirit free to soar in the embrace of nature.

A camping site along Gaoyou Lake in Gaoyou, a county-level city in Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]

Beihu Wetland Park: Nature's Symphony

At the crossroads of Gongdao, Yangshou, and Fangxiang towns in Yangzhou's Hanjiang district, Beihu Wetland Park presents a harmonious symphony of water and greenery. As visitors traverse the park's pathways, the serenity of the misty waters, the vibrant hues of the flora, and the playful antics of waterfowl paint a vivid portrait of ecological diversity and natural wonder.

Beihu Wetland Park, featuring breathtaking water landscape and rich biodiversity in Hanjiang district, Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]

Longshan Mountain Forest Park: A Verdant Retreat

Tucked away in Qingshan town of Yizheng, a county-level city in Yangzhou, Longshan Mountain Forest Park beckons with its pristine landscapes and lush biodiversity. From the undulating terrain of the Longshan Mountain to the tranquil beauty of Longquan Lake and the enchanting bamboo forests that envelop visitors in a sea of green, every corner of the park exudes a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation.

Flocks of birds frolic at Longshan Mountain Forest Park in Yizheng, a county-level city in Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]