Yangzhou, of gardens and gourmets (5)

At its peak, it had more than 200 houses belonging to wealthy businesspeople - many of them salt dealers and court officials. About 30 of these luxurious dwellings still stand, Yangzhou tourism bureau deputy director Wang Minghong says.

Many ancient gardens have also survived the test of time, and many house top-end restaurants, clubs and hotels.

The grounds are typically laden with wooden structures, yards, ponds and rockeries arranged in designs that reflect Chinese reverence for harmony between humans and nature.

This is best seen in He Yuan. While its beautifully manicured terrain lures visitors, few realize its best-kept secret - an eatery proffering traditional Yangzhou cuisine tucked in a corner of the grounds.

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