Gaoyou Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gaoyou with this comprehensive travel guide covering top attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and local culture.


Gaoyou, situated in East China’s Jiangsu Province, is a hidden gem off the beaten track. Its rich cultural legacy, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience beyond China’s more touristy destinations. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey through Gaoyou, giving you the best tips on where to go, what to do, and what to eat.

Introduction to Gaoyou

Located in the northern part of Jiangsu Province, Gaoyou is a small city with a population of just over 1 million. It was once an important transportation hub because of its location on the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gaoyou boasts numerous historical attractions, including temples, pagodas, and residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

List of Places to Visit in Gaoyou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gaoyou has a rich cultural heritage, and the numerous museums and historical places found in the city bear testimony to this. A few notable ones include:

  • Gaoyou City Museum: Take a trip through time at this museum that houses thousands of ancient artifacts and cultural relics from Gaoyou and its surroundings.
  • Wenyuan Garden: This exquisite garden dates back to the Qing dynasty and incorporates architectural elements from both the north and south of China.
  • Dafo Temple: Built during the Tang dynasty, this ancient temple is a must-visit for architecture and history enthusiasts and features stunning wooden carvings and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Gaoyou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the following natural attractions will surely tickle your fancy:

  • Wenyu River Ecological Park: This scenic park, located near the city center, is a great place for a relaxing walk or a boat ride. The park features a variety of fauna and flora, and visitors can take in views of the city’s skyline.
  • Xuyi Rice Fields: Just a short drive from Gaoyou, these vibrant green rice paddies offer stunning views when they are in full bloom.
  • Xijin Ferry Wetland Park: This park, located at the mouth of the Grand Canal, offers visitors a chance to see a variety of birds and other wildlife endemic to the wetlands.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gaoyou

If hiking or biking is your thing, Gaoyou has several scenic routes worth exploring. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Qingliang Hill Scenic Area: This scenic area is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, which include red sandstone cliffs, caves, and waterfalls. The area offers hiking trails, and visitors can also enjoy rock climbing and even bungee jumping.
  • Qingfeng Mountain Scenic Area: This scenic area is home to several historical and cultural attractions, including temples, pavilions, and ancient tombs. Visitors can take a cable car up to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Changzhou Dinosaur Park Biking Route: This 10-kilometer route takes visitors through Changzhou Dinosaur Park, an amusement park centered around a dinosaur theme. The route offers great views of the park’s animatronic dinosaurs, rides, and other attractions.

Best Things to Do in Gaoyou: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for more structured activities or guided tours, the following options are worth considering:

  • Explore the Grand Canal by boat: Take a boat ride along the scenic Grand Canal and observe daily life along the waterway.
  • Learn about traditional Chinese handicrafts: Several tours offer visitors the chance to experience traditional Chinese handicraft-making, like paper cutting, embroidery, and pottery.
  • Visit local wet markets and learn about Chinese cooking: Take a tour of a local wet market and learn about the ingredients used in Chinese cooking. Then, attend a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare some classic Chinese dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gaoyou

If you’re planning a week-long or longer trip to Gaoyou, you may want to consider the following itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Wenyuan Garden, Gaoyou City Museum
Day 2 Dafo Temple, Wenyu River Ecological Park
Day 3 Qingliang Hill Scenic Area
Day 4 Xuyi Rice Fields, Xijin Ferry Wetland Park
Day 5 Changzhou Dinosaur Park Biking Route, Qingfeng Mountain Scenic Area
Day 6 Local handicraft-making tours, wet market tours
Day 7 Cooking classes, Grand Canal boat ride

Food and Drink Scene of Gaoyou

No trip to Gaoyou is complete without sampling some of its delicious local cuisine. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pengcheng Roast Duck: Similar to Beijing’s famous Peking duck, this dish features tender, juicy duck meat and crispy, golden skin.
  • Guihua Pork: A favorite among locals, this dish features tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork cooked in a sweet and savory sauce flavored with osmanthus flowers.
  • Gaoyou Fried Rice Cake: Made from glutinous rice flour, this dish is fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s then topped with meat or vegetable fillings of your choice.

Local Beverages

  • Wuliangye: This popular Chinese liquor is distilled in nearby Yibin, Sichuan, and is known for its complex flavor and aroma.
  • Siji Tea: This tea is made from four different types of tea leaves and is famous for its smooth taste and aroma.

Where to Stay in Gaoyou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gaoyou offers accommodations to suit every traveler’s budget and style. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Gaoyou Bohai Hotel: Located in the city center, this hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
  • Gaoyou Jinyang Hotel: This upscale hotel features modern amenities, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center.
  • Jin’s Homestay: This traditional guesthouse is located in the heart of the city and offers visitors a chance to experience local culture and hospitality.

What to Buy in Gaoyou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When shopping in Gaoyou, be on the lookout for the following local products and souvenirs:

  • Gaoyou Embroidery: This type of embroidery is famous for its intricate designs and vibrant colors.
  • Etched Lacquerware: This lacquerware is etched with patterns and designs that are unique to Gaoyou.
  • Yueqing herbal pillow: Filled with a mixture of Chinese herbs, this pillow is said to improve sleep quality and is a popular souvenir item among visitors.

Local Culture and Customs of Gaoyou

When visiting Gaoyou, it’s important to be aware of the local culture and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Respect for the elderly: In Chinese culture, older people are highly respected. Be sure to show respect to older people you meet during your trip.
  • Saying “thank you”: In China, people often show gratitude by saying “谢谢” (xièxiè). Remember to thank people who provide you with services or assistance.
  • Gift-giving: Gift-giving is an important part of Chinese culture. If invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift, such as fruit or tea.

Best Time to Visit Gaoyou

The best time to visit Gaoyou is during the autumn months (September to November) when temperatures are mild, and the humidity is low. However, spring (March to May) and summer (June to August) can also be pleasant times to visit, although temperatures may be warmer and there may be more rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gaoyou

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Gaoyou’s local cuisine is a must-try, so don’t be shy about trying new dishes.
  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases: Learning basic phrases like “hello” and “thank you” can go a long way in communicating with locals.
  • Observe local customs: Show respect for local customs and traditions, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Littering is frowned upon in China, so be sure to dispose of your trash in designated bins.
  • Touch or climb on cultural relics: Be respectful of cultural relics, and do not touch or climb on them.
  • Engage in political discussions: Avoid discussing politics or sensitive topics, as they may be viewed as disrespectful or inappropriate.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gaoyou

Overall, Gaoyou is a safe city for travelers. However, visitors should take standard precautions, such as avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night, and guard against pickpocketing and other petty theft.

Health in Gaoyou

No specific vaccinations are required when traveling to Gaoyou. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before traveling to China. The tap water in Gaoyou is not potable, so visitors should drink only bottled water or boiled water.

Getting to Gaoyou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gaoyou

The closest airport to Gaoyou is Yangzhou Taizhou Airport, which is about 40 kilometers from the city. From there, visitors can take a taxi or hire a private car to reach their destination.

Bus Stations Near Gaoyou

Gaoyou has a bus station in the city center where buses from neighboring cities arrive and depart regularly.

Other Options

Train travel is another popular option for getting to Gaoyou. High-speed trains run daily from Shanghai and Nanjing, and the ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From the train station, visitors can take a taxi or public bus to their destination.

How to Get Around in Gaoyou

The easiest way to get around Gaoyou is by taxi. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, with fares starting at 6 RMB. Buses are another option and are also cheap, but navigating the bus system can be challenging for non-Chinese speakers.

Where to Go Next from Gaoyou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several destinations near Gaoyou that are worth exploring. Some nearby excursions include:

  • Yangzhou: Known for its beautiful gardens and regional cuisine, Yangzhou is a popular destination for visitors to Jiangsu Province. It’s just a short drive from Gaoyou and can also be reached by bus or train.
  • Nanjing: The capital of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing is known for its long history and rich cultural heritage. It’s about 150 kilometers from Gaoyou and can be reached by train or bus.
  • Suzhou: Located in the south of Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is famous for its classical Chinese gardens and historic canals. It’s about 200 kilometers from Gaoyou and can be reached by train or bus.

Conclusion

We hope this travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Gaoyou. Whether you love history, nature, or food, Gaoyou has something to offer everyone. Remember to take it slow, immerse yourself in local culture, and soak up all that this beautiful city has to offer.