3 Best Hotels in Yangzhou, Beijing to Shanghai

It's worth dragging your suitcase along cobbled Donguang Street in the heart of old Yangzhou to reach this restored Qing Dynasty courtyard hotel, where quiet gardens and pavilions are connected by lantern-lit pathways and oval "moon gates," and modern guest rooms have well-equipped bathrooms. A basic Chinese breakfast is offered, though most guests skip it and head to one of Yangzhou's famous teahouses.

Overlooking the Grand Canal and within striking distance of Slender West Lake and Ge Garden, the popular Ramada Plaza Yangzhou Casa is accented with bright shades of red and has up-to-date amenities and a great pool. The hotel gets busy with tour groups in high season.

The Shangri-La makes up for its out-of-center location with sumptuous rooms and suites: the interior design nods to the city's cultural heritage—desks mimic traditional mah-jongg tables—while remaining completely contemporary. The hotel has a wonderful Cantonese restaurant, as well as such amenities as an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.