2026 Dong'e Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in June)

I always felt northern cities lacked the gentle charm of Jiangnan until I stepped into Liaocheng. This ancient city, known as the "Venice of the North," boasts the profound history of a thousand-year-old canal, the gentle waters of Dongchang Lake, and mouthwatering authentic local cuisine. Two days and one night with the kid unlocked endless fun, eating, drinking, and playing non-stop. Dongchang Lake Lakeside Cycling Rent a family bike for 30 yuan per hour and slowly ride along Dongchang Lake. The lake sparkles under the sun, willows sway by the shore, and the breeze feels especially pleasant. When you reach the Water City Eye Ferris wheel, you can stop for photos. Although the ticket price is a bit steep at 128 yuan per person, the breathtaking aerial view of the entire Water City is worth it. The kid kept exclaiming on the Ferris wheel, saying they could see all of Liaocheng. When tired, sit on a bench by the lake, buy an ice cream, and enjoy the slow moments. · -- Deep Exploration and Food Tour of the Ancient City Liaocheng Ancient City is really great for strolling! Be sure to climb Guangyue Tower, with a 30 yuan ticket, where you can see the entire ancient city’s Bagua layout from above. The Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall’s carved beams and painted rafters are exquisite. Show the kid the craftsmanship of ancient artisans and tell stories of the Shanxi merchants; the child listened with great interest. The ancient city is full of snacks: Guata for 5 yuan each, crispy outside and tender inside; Wei’s smoked chicken with a fragrant aroma; Tuoban tofu, tender and refreshing. The kid kept eating and exploring non-stop. · -- Tuhai River Lotus Lake Scenic Area One of the most stunning spots in Tuhai River! The water area is wide, up to 500 meters at its widest. In summer, the ecological lotus garden blooms with layers of pink lotus and green leaves, just like the ancient poem "Endless lotus leaves reach the sky, lotus flowers shine differently in the sun." The waterside boardwalk winds deep into the lotus cluster; walking on it, the fresh scent of lotus flowers fills the air. Bring the kid to learn about various aquatic plants, watch dragonflies skim the water, and butterflies flutter—nature is the best classroom. · -- Dong’e Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Take the kid to Dong’e Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Tourism Area to learn about the making process of Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin). The China Ejiao Museum has many interactive exhibits where children can experience the gelatin boiling process firsthand and even taste Ejiao cake. The TCM cultural corridor in the park teaches kids to recognize various Chinese herbs; many plants around us are medicinal. The kid said Chinese medicine is so magical and wants to make chrysanthemum tea for grandparents at home. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Liaocheng Holiday Inn Express Children’s buffet breakfast only 19.9 yuan, with a wide variety. Having breakfast with the kid can save lunch money, very cost-effective. 🏨 Walnut Talk MAX Hotel Liaocheng’s best-selling comfortable hotel No.1, with family rooms and media rooms, laundry and café facilities, convenient location. 🏨 Auchan Yijing Hotel Close to Wanda Plaza and the bus station, great location, clean rooms, attentive service, super convenient for traveling with kids. 🏨 Hanting Hotel Dongchang Lake Train Station branch, convenient transportation, 25 yuan buffet breakfast, allows children, economical and practical. · --

Shocking! I discovered a magical blue lake 💙 🌊 The lake surface looks like a palette spilled by God The deep blue is breathtakingly beautiful! Every snap is a perfect wallpaper-worthy shot 📸 🍽️ As a foodie star 🌟 I have to say the scenery here is the perfect "appetizer"! My appetite soared as I devoured the delicious food (burp~) ⚠️ Special reminders: 1. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your visit 2. Apply sunscreen! The sun here is super intense 3. Bring your camera, you won’t want to stop taking photos 💪 I even ran into a super cool female SWAT officer nearby It felt so safe and secure~ This blue secret spot is definitely worth a visit! Save this guide Next time come find me to shoot some amazing photos together~✨

🌸 The 2026 Liaocheng May Day Cultural Tourism Consumption Season is here with a bang! Flowers bloom in Liaocheng, laughter gathers in Dong'e~ The Dong'e Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Tourism Area is going all out this time! A paradise for fans of traditional Chinese culture! 🎉 🎭 Immersive live performances one after another: 👉 Grand welcome ceremony at West City Gate: drum formations + flag formations + dragon and lion dances, so magnificent it gives you goosebumps! 👉 Neon Hanfu Show: a perfect blend of ancient style and modern flair, every snap looks like a million-follower influencer’s shot 📸 👉 Ejiao Wellside Parade: stunning costumes that will move you to tears, like traveling back to a prosperous ancient era ✨ 🎮 Six interactive activities packed with fun: ✔️ NPC interaction games to win ancient-style silver tickets 💰 ✔️ Stress relief challenges & traditional elegant experiences ✔️ Free traditional Chinese medicine consultations (health-conscious girls will love it!) 🍡 The happy Dong'e national trend market is just too fun to explore! 30+ intangible cultural heritage stalls all in one place 🔮 🌟 Handmade intangible cultural heritage like Caozhou Hexiang incense 🌟 Authentic local snacks like Ejiao cake to eat until you’re full Intangible cultural heritage inheritors perform live on site, it’s truly a cultural feast! 📸 Check-in tips: 1️⃣ Wearing Hanfu for photos gives you more of the vibe 2️⃣ Arrive at West City Gate at 10 AM for the most stunning welcome ceremony 3️⃣ Don’t miss the 3 PM costume parade! 💛 Special bonus: Meet the super warm-hearted intangible cultural heritage inheritor! Wearing bright yellow traditional clothes, demonstrating woodworking skills with a great atmosphere in front of a brick wall~ This May Day, travel back to ancient times in a new way! 🏮

If your impression of Liaocheng is still limited to Liaozhai (a Chinese folktale) or donkey-hide gelatin, a trip there this May Day holiday will surprise you. A collision of national trends and joy attracts young people. This May Day, the biggest highlight in Liaocheng is the official opening of Happy Twist, a top national comedy brand, in Dong'e Donkey-hide Gelatin City! On April 25th, the "Flowers Bloom in Liaocheng, Laughter Gathers in Dong'e" 2026 Liaocheng May Day Cultural Tourism Consumption Season officially launched, embracing visitors from all directions with a brand-new look of "one scene at every step, one show at every scene, and drama throughout the city." The entire Dong'e Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Tourism Area has been transformed into an immersive theater, with 28 large drums welcoming guests, flag formations and lion dances working together, and NPCs providing a joyful parade throughout the day, waiting to meet you unexpectedly. You can watch the "Hanfu Fashion Show" at the Hanfu Pavilion, and enjoy the live-action performances "Water Rhyme Chapter" and "Scholar's Spring Outing" by Luoshen Lake. As night falls, the "Iron Flowers of the Goddess of the Luo River" performance on Nanhu Lake is not to be missed—a breathtaking spectacle of iron flowers raining down like a galaxy. If you're a die-hard fan of Happy Twist, don't miss the featured performances at the Dong'e Ejiao & Happy Twist co-branded theater. National Trend Hanfu Meets Ancient Charm From May 1st to May 5th, the first Liaocheng Hanfu Culture Carnival and the second National Trend Cultural Tourism Consumption Week will be held at Guangyue Tower and the four main streets of the ancient water city. The event revolves around two core themes: "National Trend Culture" and "Liaocheng Local Characteristics." Four national trend parade groups will march along the streets, along with flash mob performances, situational dramas, and themed markets. Wearing Hanfu and strolling through the cobblestone alleys, experience a new Chinese aesthetic that transcends time in this "Jiangbei Water City" of the North. May Day Itinerary Checklist Ancient City Stroll Day 1: Boating on Dongchang Lake (50 RMB/person) → Guangyue Tower (30 RMB/person, a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty all-wood structure with no nails or rivets, offering panoramic views of the ancient city) → Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall (a model of Qing Dynasty commercial architecture, with exquisite wood carvings) → China Grand Canal Culture Museum (free) → Evening lakeside stroll, enjoying the ancient city's light show. Water Margin Heroes' Journey Day 2: Visit Yanggu Jingyanggang (experience the heroic spirit of "Three Bowls Before Crossing the Hill," entrance fee 30 RMB) → Lion Tower Tourist Area (combined ticket 50 RMB, Northern Song Dynasty ancient building ruins) → Before returning, don't miss the Dong'e Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Tourism Area, experiencing a brand-new 3.0 generation cultural tourism scene at night. Spring Romantic Bonus: May Day coincides with the peak blooming season of peonies on Aishan Mountain in Dong'e, which can be added to the itinerary to the Dong'e Yellow River National Forest Park. If you want to enjoy water activities, the 2026 Asian University Dragon Boat Championships will be held at the end of May. Food and Local Specialties For breakfast, find a local old shop and sample some of Liaocheng's top ten snacks: Shazhen Guada (a type of fried dough), Gaotang Lao Doufu (old tofu), and Linqing Shixiang Mian (fragrant noodles). Every bite is a taste of the everyday life of ordinary people in western Shandong. For dinner, we recommend the authentic flavors gathered at the Grand Canal (Linqing) Drama and Food Festival. For souvenirs, choose Dong'e Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin), Jingyanggang wine, Wei's smoked chicken, or Dongchang gourd—you'll leave with a full heart. Practical Tips · Transportation: Liaocheng has no airport. You can fly to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport and then take the high-speed train (approximately 45 minutes). · Night Tour: The Iron Pagoda Night Market opens at 6:00 PM, offering a wide variety of dishes including grilled cold noodles, spicy chicken noodles, and fried insects. · Driving: This year, Liaocheng has launched eight themed routes, allowing you to combine the ancient city, Ejiao, the Yellow River, and the forest as you wish. With a thousand years of ancient charm on one side and a hilarious comedy on the other, this May Day, embark on a unique journey through Liaocheng's shimmering waters and bustling crowds, where tradition and modernity intertwine!

Who understands! No crowded trendy spots, no early morning rush, just looking for a quiet, affordable, laid-back small town to zone out in 🌿 Ningyang♨️|Gaoqing🌅|Dong'e🍯|Changyi🌸 Focus on waking up naturally · no check-ins · pure relaxation The ultimate weekend getaway for hardworking people✨ 🌿4 lazy town picks|Find your perfect match at a glance🥳 ✅ Ningyang♨️|Hot springs relaxation|Avoid crowds at Mount Tai|Old street vibes|Perfect for retirement ✅ Gaoqing🌅|Yellow River sunset|Wetland birdwatching|Black beef barbecue|Rich in radium hot springs for a refreshing soak ✅ Dong'e🍯|Ejiao health tonic|Walk around Luoshen Lake|Listen to Buddhist chants at Yushan|Top-tier Buddhist wellness ✅ Changyi🌸|Breeze by the Weihe River|Pear blossom countryside|Salt fields for great photos|Quiet and off the beaten path 🚗Transport · Duration · Cost|All lazy-friendly😎 Ningyang|Tai'an City 🚄Transport: Jinan West/Tai'an Station → Taxi 30-40min direct to county town ⏰Duration: 2 days 1 night is just right 💰Cost: Accommodation 80-180 RMB|Meals 20-50 RMB|Hot springs 68-120 RMB 🌟Lazy highlights: Free visit to Shentong Mountain, Da Wen River flowing backwards, old street steamed cakes, hot springs to wash away fatigue Gaoqing|Zibo City 🚗Transport: Self-drive 1h from Jinan/Zibo; Zibo Station → Taxi 40min ⏰Duration: 2 days 1 night 💰Cost: Accommodation 100-200 RMB|Meals 30-60 RMB|Hot springs 69-99 RMB 🌟Lazy highlights: Sunset at Yellow River Anlan Bay, Swan Lake slow town, black beef hotpot, wetland daydreaming Dong'e|Liaocheng City 🚗Transport: Self-drive 1.5h from Jinan; Liaocheng Station → Taxi 30min ⏰Duration: 2 days 1 night 💰Cost: Accommodation 90-190 RMB|Meals 25-45 RMB|Ejiao City 19.9 RMB / Museum 40 RMB 🌟Lazy highlights: Walk around Luoshen Lake, Buddhist chants at Yushan, donkey meat feast, Ejiao health desserts Changyi|Weifang City 🚄Transport: Direct high-speed rail to Changyi Station; Weifang North → Taxi 20min ⏰Duration: 2 days 1 night 💰Cost: Accommodation 90-180 RMB|Meals 25-40 RMB|Most attractions free 🌟Lazy highlights: Weihe Park, Bolu Mountain pear blossoms, coastal wetlands, salt fields for unique photos 😴2 days 1 night lazy itinerary|Universal version! No brain needed🧠 Day 1: Start by lying flat 10. 00 Wake up naturally 🥱 11. 00 Stroll around town + local breakfast 🍜 14:00 Hot springs/park/lake pure daydreaming ☁️ 18:00 Street food feast 🍲 20:00 Walk back to hotel · scroll phone and sleep 💤 Day 2: Buddhist-style finish 09:30 Leisurely breakfast ☕ 11:00 Old street/wetlands/riverbank casual photos 📸 14:00 Special lunch to wrap up 🍚 16:00 Unhurried return trip 🚶‍♀️ No check-ins · no rushing · no internal struggle ❌ 🍜4 towns must-try foods|Locals guarantee no disappointment✅ Ningyang🥣 San soup, Ge stone jujube, Ningyang tofu skin, old street steamed cakes, 48-course banquet, Sichuan pepper pork jerky, hanging oven sesame flatbread Gaoqing🍢 Gaoqing black beef barbecue/hotpot, Yellow River carp, Zhao family sesame flatbread, Suoyi Fan stewed chicken, wetland wild vegetables, Gaoqing rice Dong'e🥩 Dong'e donkey meat, donkey meat buns, Ejiao milk tea/stewed dishes, Luoshen Lake fish soup, mixed grain pancakes, Ejiao health banquet Changyi🦐 Weihe fresh fish, Changyi baked flatbread, pear blossom cake, Spanish mackerel dumplings, seafood stir-fry, Liutuan silk cake, morning market seafood 💡Lazy tips|Save images on your phone📱 1️⃣ Getting around: Walk/shared electric scooters/ride-hailing, never take the bus 🚌 2️⃣ Accommodation priority: County center, close to food and shopping, best value 🏨 3️⃣ Outfit formula: Comfortable sweatshirt/casual pants + flat shoes, focus on relaxation 👕 4️⃣ Rhythm rule: No alarm clocks, no rushing, rest when tired, eat when hungry ⏰ 5️⃣ Cost reality: Many free attractions, low prices with no hidden fees, enjoy a day for around 100 RMB 💰 💰2 days 1 night budget|No pressure for workers💪 🔹 Minimal lazy: 300-400 RMB per person (Economy lodging + snacks + free attractions + taxis) 🔹 Comfortable relaxation: 500-700 RMB per person (Mid-range lodging + hot springs/small attractions + special meals + transport) No big expenses, students can also go! 📌Core lazy travel advice✨ ❌ No planning ❌ No rushing to attractions ❌ No early mornings or late nights ❌ No stressful photo ops ✅ Wake up naturally 😴 ✅ Eat happily 😋 ✅ Go wherever you want 🚶 ✅ Only to heal yourself ❤️ 👯‍♀️Suitable for✨ ▪ Workers wanting to escape city competition 💼 ▪ Socially anxious who dislike crowds 🙈 ▪ Lazy travelers who skip planning 😎 ▪ Weekend 2-day healing seekers ☁️ ▪ Students on a low budget 🎒 ▪ Slow life lovers who enjoy zoning out 🌿

🏯 Liaocheng Dong'e Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Tourism Area 📍 Super easy parking + a hidden gem! Few people and beautiful scenery 📸 🎫 Ticket: 30 RMB/person ⏳ Recommended visit time: about 2 hours ✨ Highlights at a glance ✨ 1️⃣ Step into a century-old mansion The indoor exhibition is stunning! Historical photos + cultural relics on display Take you back to the heyday of traditional Chinese medicine 🏮 Every display case tells a story, recommended to take your time~ 2️⃣ A must-visit spot for ancient architecture photos Perfect for sunny days! ☀️ Blue tiles, white walls + carved doors and windows Every shot looks like a classic Chinese style masterpiece 3️⃣ Immersive traditional Chinese medicine cultural experience Learn about the production process of Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) Plus various popular science knowledge about Chinese herbs 🌿 📌 Tips: ▫️ Suitable for family trips / bringing elders ▫️ Morning visits recommended for better lighting ▫️ Wearing Hanfu for photos is absolutely perfect

The first Dong'e Yushan Town Temple Fair Cultural Festival will begin on February 17, 2026! As the highlight of the "Fun Dong'e · Celebrate the New Year" Spring Festival series, the temple fair combines dragon dance acrobatics, intangible cultural heritage performances, immersive experiences of Cao Zhi culture, and more. Galloping horses celebrate the New Year, creating a rich festive atmosphere full of lively folk customs. The event features unique local foods and fun amusement activities, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. Experience the charm of Western Shandong's New Year customs and the depth of regional culture in a lively and joyful setting. Come to Dong'e Yushan Town and immerse yourself in the New Year celebrations!

Tired of the crowds at popular tourist spots? The slow-paced hot springs in Ningyang, Tai’an; the Yellow River wetlands in Gaoqing, Zibo; the empty seaside town of Changyi, Weifang; and the ancient canal slow life in Dong’e, Liaocheng—these four small towns are all reachable within an hour by high-speed rail, have few tourists, and offer an ultra-relaxed pace. With a budget of 300-700 RMB per person for 1-2 days, enjoy a healing short escape where you can just “chill and go” for two days! 📍 Four Hidden Gem Towns to Chill 🌳 Ningyang, Tai’an | A slower-paced county quieter than Mount Tai 🚄 Transport: Jinan West Station → Ningyang Station 20-30 minutes ⏰ Suggested visit time: 1-2 days 💰 Cost: Accommodation 80-180 RMB, meals 20-40 RMB per person, hot springs 150-300 RMB ✨ Why it’s perfect for chilling: Much quieter than the Mount Tai scenic area! The county has a slow pace, with a snack street, hot springs, and small parks—ideal for a casual short escape with no plans, just go with the flow! 2-day Ningyang Chill Itinerary Day 1: Arrive by high-speed rail → stroll around the county → lunch at snack street → hot springs (3 hours in the afternoon) → evening park walk Day 2: Sleep in naturally → find a coffee shop to relax → lunch → continue wandering → return in the afternoon 🍜 Ningyang specialties: Ningyang jujubes (sweet and glutinous, 15 RMB), San Tang soup (hot breakfast soup, 8 RMB), scallion pancake roll (traditional snack, 6 RMB) 💡 Tips: Hot springs are affordable and comfortable; snack street lively at night; convenient county buses; no need to plan; perfect for pure relaxation 🦌 Gaoqing, Zibo | Ultimate tranquility at the Yellow River wetlands 🚄 Transport: Jinan Station → Gaoqing Station 40 minutes ⏰ Suggested visit time: 1-2 days 💰 Cost: Accommodation 70-150 RMB, meals 25-50 RMB per person, most attractions free ✨ Why it’s perfect for chilling: Avoid the main city, very few tourists! The Yellow River wetlands, elk park, and small villages are very relaxing to stroll through. No need for plans, just go wherever you feel—very healing! 2-day Gaoqing Chill Itinerary Day 1: Arrive by high-speed rail → Yellow River wetlands (2 hours in the afternoon) → reed marsh viewing → evening county snacks Day 2: Elk park (1 hour in the morning) → village stroll → farmhouse lunch → return in the afternoon 🍜 Gaoqing specialties: Gaoqing watermelon (summer specialty, super sweet, 10 RMB), farmhouse stewed chicken (fresh native chicken, 45 RMB) 💡 Tips: Wetlands are free and very quiet; elk park is uncrowded and you can feed the animals; cheap and clean county accommodations; pace so slow you can just zone out; great for those who don’t want to think 🌊 Changyi, Weifang | Ultimate quiet at the empty seaside town 🚄 Transport: Weifang Station → Changyi Station 30-40 minutes ⏰ Suggested visit time: 1-2 days 💰 Cost: Accommodation 80-180 RMB, meals 30-60 RMB per person ✨ Why it’s perfect for chilling: A little-known seaside town, especially “empty and quiet” in winter! Perfect for sea breeze, seafood, and zoning out by the sea. You’ll feel like the only tourist in town! 2-day Changyi Chill Itinerary Day 1: Arrive by high-speed rail → afternoon at the seaside → 2 hours of sea breeze and zoning out → seafood dinner → early hotel rest Day 2: Sleep in naturally → continue sitting by the sea → shell collecting and walking → seafood lunch → return in the afternoon 🍜 Changyi specialties: Seafood feast (fish, shrimp, crab, 50 RMB per person), seafood fried rice (generous portions, 20 RMB) 💡 Tips: Few people at the seaside in winter; seafood is cheap and fresh; stay at seaside guesthouses to hear the waves; no need to plan; perfect for pure zoning out 🏛️ Dong’e, Liaocheng | Ancient canal slow and healthy lifestyle 🚄 Transport: Jinan West Station → Dong’e Station 50 minutes ⏰ Suggested visit time: 1-2 days 💰 Cost: Accommodation 70-160 RMB, meals 25-50 RMB per person ✨ Why it’s perfect for chilling: Small town by an ancient canal with few tourists and a very slow pace! You can stroll along the canal, find an old shop to drink Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) health soup—very healing, combining health and relaxation perfectly! 2-day Dong’e Chill Itinerary Day 1: Arrive by high-speed rail → canal stroll (2 hours in the afternoon) → old town wandering → Ejiao health soup (evening) Day 2: Optional Ejiao Museum visit (morning) → continue zoning out by the canal → healthy lunch → return in the afternoon 🍜 Dong’e specialties: Ejiao health soup (nourishing and warming, 30 RMB), Dong’e black donkey meat (traditional dish, 40 RMB), fish soup noodles (light and fresh, 12 RMB) 💡 Tips: Very quiet by the canal; Ejiao soup is healing; slow pace in old town; cheap and clean accommodations; perfect for health-focused chilling 🗺️ How to choose among the four towns? 🌳 Most relaxing: Ningyang (best for soaking in hot springs all afternoon) 🦌 Most peaceful: Gaoqing (ultimate quiet at wetlands and elk park) 🌊 Most spacious: Changyi (empty seaside town for sea breeze and zoning out) 🏛️ Most health-focused: Dong’e (canal and Ejiao soup heal body and mind) 💰 Budget for 1-2 days (per person) 🌳 Ningyang: 300-600 RMB (hot springs a bit pricey but worth it) 🦌 Gaoqing: 250-500 RMB (free attractions save money) 🌊 Changyi: 350-700 RMB (seafood a bit pricey but fresh) 🏛️ Dong’e: 300-600 RMB (Ejiao soup worth it for health) 🌡️ Best time to visit 🌳 Ningyang: All year round, best in winter for hot springs 🦌 Gaoqing: Best in spring and autumn, many migratory birds in winter 🌊 Changyi: Quietest in winter, can swim in summer 🏛️ Dong’e: All year round, best in winter for health soup 💡 Tips for a chill trip 📌 No need to plan ahead, just wander when you arrive 📌 Book accommodation on the day, many options in small towns 📌 Attractions mostly free or very cheap, no wasted money 📌 Eat local snacks, cheap and authentic 📌 Public transport and taxis are cheap, no travel stress 📌 Bring a book or Kindle, zoning out is more enjoyable 📌 Don’t rush your schedule, sleep in naturally 📌 Put your phone on airplane mode for total relaxation 🎯 Why choose these four towns? ✨ Within 1 hour by high-speed rail: easy weekend round trip ✨ Very few tourists: so off-the-beaten-path it feels private ✨ Ultra slow pace: no pressure to rush attractions ✨ Budget-friendly: a few hundred RMB for 1-2 days ✨ No planning needed: just go wherever you want ✨ Healing for body and mind: pure relaxation and chilling 🎯 Philosophy of a chill trip 💤 Sleep in naturally: no alarms, no rushing 🚶 Go wherever: no must-see lists 🍜 Eat whatever you see: street food is most authentic 📵 Use your phone less: zoning out is key 🛌 Rest more: the hotel is also a destination ☕ Sit in a coffee shop for hours: chilling means doing nothing 🌳 Lie on a park bench: free attractions are the most comfortable 📸 Photo tips for chilling 🌳 Ningyang: by the hot spring pool + snack street + park bench 🦌 Gaoqing: Yellow River wetlands + close-up of elk + small village 🌊 Changyi: empty beach + zoning out by the sea + sunset silhouette 🏛️ Dong’e: canal stroll + Ejiao soup + slow life in the old town 🎯 Who is this for? ✅ Overworked office workers needing to relax ✅ Lazy people who don’t want to plan ✅ City dwellers wanting a short escape ✅ Those who like a slow pace without rushing attractions ✅ Spontaneous weekend travelers ✅ Budget travelers wanting to relax for less These four chill small towns offer the slowest pace, minimal planning, and lowest costs for a healing short escape where doing absolutely nothing feels amazing! 🚄💤

🏮 First time visiting Shandong, remember not to join a tour group, because it’s just too much… · —2025 real deal, group tours = “pancake assembly line + shopping hell,” free travel costs about ¥3000 per person to truly experience the spirit of Qilu ⚠️ Why refuse group tours? ✅ Time black hole: Visit 2 “Ejiao shops/pearl stores” daily, only 3 hours to “race to the summit” of Mount Tai ✅ Experience cut short: The Three Confucian Sites become “photo backdrops,” Penglai Pavilion turns into a “prayer and shopping spot” ✅ Food isolation: Group meals are “group meal version of nine-turn large intestine,” can’t taste Bazirou, hairtail dumplings, or sweet soup 📍 2025 Shandong Free Travel Complete Guide (8 days 7 nights counterattack edition) 1️⃣ Preparation (¥2000 covers basics) 🚄 Transportation: · Nationwide → Jinan/Qingdao high-speed rail (preferred), 1-2 hours interconnection within the province by high-speed rail · City transport: Bus ¥1-2 covers all, shared electric scooters ¥5/ride (magic for old city travel) 🏨 Accommodation tips: · Around Jinan Spring City Square ¥150/night (near Baotu Spring, convenient for night tours) · Qingdao Zhanqiao/Train Station area ¥180/night (German-style old buildings, but poor soundproofing) · Guesthouse near Qufu Three Confucian Sites ¥100/night (exclusive early morning access to Confucius Temple) 2️⃣ Transportation: Pitfall prevention guide 🚌 Pitfall records: · Airport/Station → City: Taxi flat rate ¥100 (metered ¥60) · Scenic transport: · “Mount Tai direct bus” detours to shopping spots (stops 1 hour at Tai’an Mu Yu Stone Museum) · Illegal car “charter to Penglai Pavilion” ¥400/day (actually only to the scenic entrance, cross-sea cableway extra charge) · Hidden costs: Car rental ¥250/day (parking difficult on Jiaodong Peninsula, Qingyin Expressway traffic jams make you question life) 💡 Counterattack plan: ✔️ High-speed rail + bus: · Jinan → Tai’an high-speed rail ¥20 (17 minutes, 1 hour faster than bus) · Qingdao subway 3-day pass ¥35 (covers Badaguan - Shilaoren Bathing Beach) ✔️ Walking/Cycling: · Jinan “Spring City” walking tour (Baotu Spring - Black Tiger Spring - Daming Lake, total 5 km) · Weihai coastal road cycling (rent electric scooter ¥50/day, see seaweed houses and windmill array) 3️⃣ Attractions: Group tour traps vs local hidden gems 🔥 Group tour must-fall-for spots: · Mount Tai: squeeze into Zhongtianmen cableway → night climb Red Gate route** (depart 10 pm, save ¥140 cableway fee, arrive at Jade Emperor Peak before sunrise) · Three Confucian Sites: only walk the central axis → enter from Confucius Mansion back garden at 6:30 am** (avoid study groups, listen to ancient trees and birdsong) · Qingdao Zhanqiao: crowds overwhelm Huilange Pavilion → watch the sea at 5 am on Qinyu Road** (free, exclusive “Little Qingdao” lighthouse morning light) 💎 Local routes: · Jinan Qushuiting Street (free, watch elders play chess, drink “spring water tofu pudding” ¥5) · Yantai Yangma Island back sea (free, catch sea creatures at low tide, release starfish after picking) · Weifang Shihu Garden intangible cultural heritage street (free, watch Yangjiabu New Year painting masters carve woodblocks) 🗺️ 8 days 7 nights amazing itinerary 📍 Mountains, waters, sages line (4 days 3 nights: Mount Tai + Three Confucian Sites) Stay: Guesthouse near Tai’an Red Gate ¥80/night (luggage storage, light pack for midnight climb) Play: ✅ Day 1 Mount Tai awakening: · Night climb Red Gate - Zhongtianmen - Nantianmen (bring headlamp + gloves, rent military coat ¥30) · Descend via Houshiwu after sunrise (few people, see ancient pine “First-class official” stone arch) · Lunch Mount Tai fried chicken ¥40 (“Favorite fried chicken shop,” perfect with potstickers) ✅ Day 2 Qufu pulse: · Confucius Temple official guide ¥100 (focus on “Chenghua Stele” + “intricate architecture”) · Yan Temple free! (quieter than Confucius Temple, students recite Analects under ancient cypress) · Overnight at village near Nishan holy land ¥120 (stargazing, listen to villagers’ Confucius birth legends) 📍 Jiaodong Peninsula line (4 days 3 nights: Qingdao + Weihai) Transport: High-speed rail ¥60 (Jinan → Qingdao 2 hours), ferry ¥30 (Qingdao → Weihai to see seagulls) Play: ✅ Day 3 Qingdao edges: · Signal Hill rotating viewing platform ¥10 (see “red tiles and green trees” panorama, alternative to queuing at Xiaoyushan) · Buy seafood at Tuandao Market (mantis shrimp ¥25/jin, find “Sister Liu” for processing ¥10) · Sunset at Xiaomai Island (free, bring beer, sit on lawn, listen to street band) ✅ Day 4 Weihai wild: · Chengshantou hiking (¥150 ticket a bit pricey, but sunrise at mainland’s easternmost point worth it) · Jinshi Bay seaweed houses (free, take fairy tale photos, pick sea urchins at low tide) · Naxianghai beach camping ¥50 (windy in winter, but can see blue tears phenomenon) 📍 Fireworks finale line (2 days 1 night: Jinan + Zibo) Transport: High-speed rail ¥40 (Jinan → Zibo, 40 minutes) Play: ✅ Day 5 Spring City slow walk: · Black Tiger Spring water fetching (free, bring your own bottle, old man teaches water quality identification) · Shandong Museum free! (see “Haidai Daily Renewal” general history exhibition, top ten treasures) · Huanlian Night Market ¥30/person (eat “Fatty’s iron plate squid” ¥10, Weifang fried radish balls ¥5) ✅ Day 6 Zibo temptation: · Badaju Market morning market (fried pancake ¥6/box, purple rice cake ¥3, glass trinkets ¥10) · Haidai Tower Zhongshu Bookstore (free, China’s most beautiful bookstore, cyber night lighting) · Shepherd Village BBQ ¥50/person (reserve seat at 4 pm, small pancake + scallion + sauce soul trio) 💡 2025 ultimate tips ❌ Group tour traps: · “Mount Tai jade” safety buckle ¥300 (Mount Tai produces serpentine, not real jade, cost price ¥20) · “Penglai fairy tea” hard sell (actually ordinary green tea, guide gets 50% kickback) · “Weihai Korean Town” clothes (mostly from Jimo wholesale market, price tripled) ✅ Free travel is truly great: · Buy Zhoucun sesame cake ¥5/bag at vegetable market (thin, crispy, sesame fragrant, half the price of scenic spots) · Eat Bazirou ¥10 at community canteen (Jinan “Chaoyixing,” free rice refills) ⛰️ Traveler awakening quotes “When group tourists queue 2 hours for Mount Tai cableway, I found a rubbing of the stele from Song Zhenzong’s Fengshan ceremony on the cliff at Houshiwu; When the bus touched the ‘Fu character stele’ at Confucius Temple, I exchanged zongzi candy with elementary students reciting Analects under the ancient cypress at Yan Temple; I didn’t eat the ¥200 Confucius Mansion banquet, But at a barbecue stall in Zibo, I traded ¥50 for small pancakes wrapped with meat, charcoal fire, and friends— The soul of Shandong is hidden in every spoonful of the rich local broth that tourist buses never stop at.” 👇 Interaction “What other anti-tour group experiences do you have in Shandong? One person will be drawn to receive [Bazirou coupon + Mount Tai hiking map]!”

Address: Gaoshang Village, Liuji Town, Dong'e County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province Transportation: Self-driving navigation "Jingjue Temple", the road in the village is narrow Parking: There is an open space at the entrance of the temple, free parking Tickets: No tickets, donations are allowed in the donation box On both sides of the temple are inscribed "Majestic National Map and Benefiting All Sentient Beings". The paint and printing are a bit rough, which is incomparable to the royal or imperially built ones we visited earlier. There is a couplet promoting Buddhism on the main entrance, which exudes the local rustic flavor. Inside the temple: The main building is a gable-roofed building with blue bricks and gray tiles, with no painted decorations, and we don’t know much about other architectural languages. It is closer to the style of Shandong rural houses. There are incense tables and cushions in the main hall for worship, but the paint on the wooden doors is peeling and fading. The smell of burning incense in the temple is also different from that in large scenic spots. It has the familiar and friendly smell of burning incense in my hometown in Shandong. There were a few incense sticks in the rusty iron incense burner, burning sparsely. The main gate of the temple is not open, and entry and exit are through the side doors. The stay was no more than ten minutes and there really wasn't much to see. The temple itself is very small and is located right next to the village. Its overall style blends in with the surrounding village buildings. There must be a lot of local villagers gathering here on weekdays. Maybe this is where its wisdom lies. The "immeasurable field of blessings" mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures may be the sound of the enamel pot falling from the hands of an old man, the playing cards scattered in the bucket of a tricycle, or the coughing and laughing in the sun on the missing stone pier.

During the Spring Festival holiday, my wife and I visited the only national treasure cultural relic protection unit in Dong'e County, the Yushan Cao Zhi Tomb. The tomb is located on the western slope of Yushan Mountain, 20 km south of Dong'e County, Liaocheng City. It is the tomb of Cao Zhi, a famous poet of the Wei State (220–265) during the Three Kingdoms period and the third son of Cao Cao. The cemetery has a Cao Zhi Memorial Hall that tells the life story of Cao Zhi, and there are wonderful dance story performances in the park. On the left side of the tomb, there is a stele building rebuilt in the 25th year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1899), which houses the Cao Zhi tombstone erected in the Sui Dynasty. The stele is 2.47 meters high, 1.03 meters wide, and 0.21 meters thick. The stele crown and stele body are carved from a single stone, and the inscription has a total of 935 characters, using both seal and clerical script. So far, there are still very few tombs from the Three Kingdoms period discovered in China, so the discovery of Cao Zhi's tomb is of great value for research in literature and archaeology. In March 1977, cultural relics and archaeological workers discovered an inscribed brick on the tomb wall about 3 meters high in front of the tomb chamber. The brick is a tomb brick, with inscriptions on three sides: "On the 15th day of the 3rd month of the 7th year of Taihe, the governor of Yanzhou, Hou Chang, sent 200 soldiers, including Zhu Zhou, to complete the construction of the tomb of King Chen, and each was given a 200-day rest. The supervisor was the minister of the Ministry of Works, Zhang Shun." This proves the authenticity of Cao Zhi's tomb in Dong'e. The ticket is not expensive, and the historical significance is profound. It is a good place to pay tribute to the ancients and enjoy a distant view of the Yellow River from the mountain. The only drawback is that it is unreasonable to pay 8 yuan each time for a private floating bridge to cross the Yellow River.

8-day tour to Qufu's Three Confucian Sites and more. Discover ancient culture and experience the charm of Confucianism! An unmissable historical and cultural tour awaits you! / 🏃Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Guiyang and arrive in Heze for a rest. Day 2: Visit Qufu's Three Confucian Sites and experience Confucian culture -> Visit Daming Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery -> Experience the ancient and mysterious Black Tiger Spring. Day 3: Visit Dong'e Ejiao Town and learn about traditional health culture -> Climb Mount Tai and enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. Day 4: Visit Penglai Pavilion and explore the fairyland of myth and legend. Day 5: Visit Xinghai Square and experience the bustling city -> Stroll through Lianhuashan and enjoy the peace and tranquility. Day 6: Vacation at Golden Pebble Beach and enjoy the coastal scenery -> Explore Dalian Haichang Oriental Water City and experience exotic customs. Day 7: Take a photo in front of Weihai Happiness Gate to record the good times -> Visit May Fourth Square and experience the fusion of history and modernity -> Stroll along Zhanqiao Pier and enjoy the sea view and sunset. Day 8: Visit Wanpingkou Seaside Scenic Area and end your pleasant journey. / Travel Essentials: 🎒 👚 Clothing: Qufu is cold in January, so we recommend wearing a warm coat and thick sweater, as well as comfortable shoes for long walks. 🎒 Personal items: Bring a thermos, as hot water is essential in winter. Also, carry a power bank to keep your phone charged. 📚 Cultural items: Bring a pen and notebook to record your travel experiences or draw the beautiful scenery. 🔖 Documents: Don't forget your ID card, student ID, or other discount cards, as they can save you money on tickets! 💊 Other essentials: Bring some common medicines, such as cold medicine and painkillers, just in case. Also, winter is dry, so lip balm and hand cream are essential. / Qufu's Three Confucian Sites and more have a rich historical and cultural heritage and are definitely worth a visit. We hope you can find your own peace and historical mark here.

8-Day Tour of Qufu's Three Confucian Sites and More: Explore Cultural Relics! A super detailed guide is here to help you travel easily and avoid detours. Save it now! · ------- 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Guiyang🚄Heze Depart from Guiyang and take a train to Heze to start a journey of exploring ancient sites and nature. Day 2: Qufu's Three Confucian Sites🏛️->Daming Lake Scenic Area🌊->Black Tiger Spring🐅 Visit the holy land of Confucian culture, the Three Confucian Sites, and appreciate the ancient academic hall. In the afternoon, head to the picturesque Daming Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Finally, visit the mysterious Black Tiger Spring to experience the charm of the ancient spring city. Day 3: Dong'e Ejiao City🌿->Mount Tai Scenic Area🏔️ Learn about traditional medicine culture in Dong'e Ejiao City, then climb Mount Tai to appreciate the grandeur of nature and experience the fun of climbing. Day 4: Penglai Pavilion🏰 Visit Penglai Pavilion to explore the fairyland in myths and legends and feel the harmonious integration of ancient architecture and natural landscapes. Day 5: Xinghai Square🌌->Lianhua Mountain🌺 Enjoy the cityscape at Xinghai Square and feel the prosperity of a modern city. Then head to Lianhua Mountain to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. Day 6: Jinshitan Resort🏖️->Dalian Haichang Oriental Water City🏰 Relax at Jinshitan Resort and enjoy leisure time by the sea. In the evening, head to Dalian Haichang Oriental Water City to experience a unique water castle. Day 7: Weihai Happiness Gate🚪->May Fourth Square🎉->Zhanqiao Bridge🌉 Visit the iconic Happiness Gate in Weihai and feel the charm of a coastal city. Then head to May Fourth Square to experience the vitality of the city. Finally, stroll along Zhanqiao Bridge to enjoy the sea view and city panorama. Day 8: Wanpingkou Seaside Scenic Area🏖️ End the trip at Wanpingkou Seaside Scenic Area, enjoy the sun, beach, and waves, and leave with beautiful memories. · ------- Travel Tips: January Climate: Qufu is cold in January, so remember to wear a thick coat to keep warm.🧣 Photo Spots: The Wanren Palace Wall and Dacheng Hall in the Confucius Temple are must-visit photo spots.📸 Specialty Prices: The price of Qufu's Three Treasures is about CNY 100–300, suitable as souvenirs.🎁 Food: Don't miss the Confucius Family Banquet. Qufu Roast Chicken and Qufu Sausage are also worth trying!🍽️ · ------- Qufu's Three Confucian Sites, a treasure of millennia-old culture, await you to explore the footprints of history and feel the charm of Confucianism!🌟

8-Day Tour of the Three Confucius Sites in Qufu: Explore cultural relics and experience the charm of Confucianism. An amazing itinerary awaits you! · ------- 📅 Itinerary: D1: Guiyang -> Heze Depart from Guiyang and arrive in Heze to start your exciting journey! D2: Three Confucius Sites in Qufu -> Daming Lake Scenic Area -> Black Tiger Spring Visit the Three Confucius Sites in Qufu, the holy land of Confucianism, and experience the charm of ancient culture. In the afternoon, head to Daming Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Finally, go to Black Tiger Spring to taste the sweet spring water. D3: Dong'e Ejiao Town -> Mount Tai Scenic Area Visit Dong'e Ejiao Town to learn about Ejiao culture. Then head to Mount Tai to challenge yourself with a mountain climbing trip and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery. D4: Penglai Pavilion Visit the fairyland of Penglai, climb up to Penglai Pavilion, overlook the sea and sky, and feel the charm of myth and legend. D5: Xinghai Square -> Lotus Hill Enjoy the city view at Xinghai Square, then head to Lotus Hill to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. D6: Golden Pebble Beach National Tourist Resort -> Dalian Haichang Oriental Water City Enjoy the seaside at Golden Pebble Beach National Tourist Resort, then head to Dalian Haichang Oriental Water City to experience a different kind of water fun. D7: Weihai Happiness Gate -> May Fourth Square -> Zhanqiao Pier Visit Weihai Happiness Gate to experience the romance of a coastal city. Then head to May Fourth Square to learn about history and culture. Finally, take a walk on Zhanqiao Pier to enjoy the sea view and sunset. D8: Wanpingkou Scenic Area Spend a relaxing and enjoyable last day at Wanpingkou Scenic Area, enjoying the sunshine and beach. · ------- Travel Essentials: 🎒 For a trip to the Three Confucius Sites in Qufu and more, don't forget these items! 👚 Clothing: The temperature in Qufu in December is moderate. You can wear a light jacket during the day, but it gets a little chilly at night, so it's recommended to bring a warm coat. Choose comfortable shoes, as the scenic area is large and requires a lot of walking. 🎒 Accessories: Don't forget to bring a sun hat and sunglasses, as the winter sun can be dazzling. A power bank is essential, as you'll need your phone for taking photos and navigation. 📇 Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card, student ID, and other discount cards to save money on tickets. Also, bring some cash and bank cards for emergencies. 🍞 Food: The food in the scenic area may not suit your taste, so it's recommended to bring some snacks and water to quench your thirst and replenish your energy. · ------- Visit the Three Confucius Sites in Qufu to experience the collision of history and culture, and don't forget to leave your footprints! 👣 See you next time~

Dong'e Ejiao Town is located beside Medicine King Mountain and adjacent to Luoshen Lake, situated in Dong'e County, Liaocheng City. Ejiao Town is an ancient-style architectural complex with the background of traditional Chinese medicine culture from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. It was built for the filming of the TV series 'The Grand Mansion Gate 1912': Dong'e Film and TV City. The top recommended spot in the scenic area is the Bai Family Courtyard, the filming location of the TV series The Grand Mansion Gate. Other productions filmed here include the TV series 'Snow Eagle', 'Iron Blood General', and the movie 'Tea Soul', etc. Ejiao Town was constructed because of 'The Grand Mansion Gate', so the main attractions in the town imitate Jinan's East Street and South Street of that era, and include features such as a city tower, Water City Gate, Bai Residence Courtyard, Heiqi Ejiao Manor, traditional Chinese medicine shops, Ejiao Well, Ejiao Tea House, and the Du Yue Bridge, among others. On Medicine King Mountain, the stone carvings, statues, medicinal herbs, couplets, and plaques constitute the 'Five Excellences', which are worth savoring in detail. Along with the Medicine King Hall on the mountain and the vast Luoshen Lake, the entire scenic area boasts a beautiful natural environment and pleasant scenery. Ejiao Town is a 4A-level scenic area themed around traditional Chinese medicine culture. It is a great choice for a trip to western Shandong, and a visit to Dong'e Ejiao Town will surely be worthwhile.

📍Dong'e Ejiao Town, also known as Dong'e Film and TV City, is located in Dong'e County, Liaocheng, Shandong. 👀This is a group of antique buildings with the culture of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China as the background, taking you to feel the market atmosphere of that era. 🎬Shuicheng Gate is the iconic scenic spot of Dong'e Film and TV City. In the TV series 'The Grand Mansion Gate', Bai Qiyi entered Jinan Prefecture from here. 🏠Bai's Mansion is a typical Siheyuan with three courtyards, and it still retains the decorations of the study, bedroom, and reception hall from the TV series. 📚There is also the Heiqitang Traditional Chinese Medicine Shop, from which the prototype of Bai Qiyi in 'The Grand Mansion Gate' originated. Let's learn about it together. 🤩In addition, you can also learn about the history and development of Ejiao and taste the unique full donkey banquet. 🅿Parking is very convenient, with a large parking lot at the entrance. 🕰Opening hours: 8:00-18:00. 💖Dong'e Film and TV City is a comprehensive scenic area that combines film and TV shooting, historical culture, and tourism leisure. It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours.

| Travel Guide. 👉Dong'e Yaowang Mountain is located on the west side of Shuguang Street, Dong'e Square, Dong'e County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, and is located in Dong'e Cao Zhi Park. It is a national AAAA level scenic spot💯. 🙏To the west is the Dong'e Ejiao Health Culture Garden, and to the east is the 800-acre Luoshen Lake, with beautiful scenery. 😀There are many cultural relics here, enshrining the Medicine Buddha and the Eight Great Medicine Kings, as well as the Guanyin who gives sons, the God of Wealth, the God of Wenchang, the Grandma of Eyesight, the Dragon King and more than thirty other gods. 🤩Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong have visited many times during their southern tours, leaving precious calligraphy. 🎉Climbing up and looking into the distance, it is refreshing and unforgettable. There is a folk saying, 'Pray for blessings, longevity and peace, please go to Dong'e Yaowang Mountain'. 🕙Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 💰Ticket price: 25 yuan/person 🎯Suggested play time: 3 hours 🌈Main attractions: Yaowang Temple, Fushou Palace, Bell and Drum Tower, Jingxin Pool, Ejiao Museum, etc. 🍲Surrounding food: Dong'e Ejiao cake, Gaotang donkey meat, Liaocheng gua da, etc.

The night wind, the flashing neon, constantly changing the various lights, as if passing through the ancient years, it is easy to understand the unique feelings of the old Jinan people. The colorful lights clearly outline the bridges, springs and ancient buildings. They are picturesque and dreamlike. The moat under the light makeup exudes a deep poetry, pavilions and bridges, small bridges, bright lights, beautiful