
Junan (莒南县) is a county in the southeast of Shandong Province under the administration of Linyi City. It lies at the intersection of Shandong and Jiangsu provinces and has a terrain combining hills, rivers, and rural landscapes. Historically, the region shares in the deep culture of Shandong and the broader ancient states (Qi, Lu, etc.) that shaped early Chinese civilization. In the 20th century, Junan played a role in China’s revolutionary history: the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army established a headquarters here, making it a site of patriotic education.
Junan County is situated in eastern Linyi, in southeastern Shandong Province, bordering Jiangsu to the south. To get there:
One example: Tianma Island / Tianma Tourist Area (within Junan) is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry before 4:30 PM). The best seasons to visit Junan are in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October) when weather is mild, skies are clearer, and foliage is attractive.
Ticket pricing varies by site. For example, visits to the Tianma / Tianfo scenic areas have admission, and associated costs for cable cars or internal shuttles may apply. Typically tickets are purchased on site (offline). Some larger scenic areas may offer online booking via local tourism websites or via Trip.com / travel platforms.
For most sites in Junan, advance booking is not strictly necessary, unless during peak holidays (e.g. National Day, Spring Festival). However, checking online in advance is prudent, especially for major scenic areas. There is no standard required lead time documented.
To see major scenic areas and historical sites, allocate 1 to 2 full days. If you want to hike and visit many nature spots, 2 days gives a more relaxed pace.
Information is limited; many of the local sites are more rustic, so formal guided tours (especially in English) may be limited. The 115th Division historic site likely offers guided interpretation for Chinese visitors. It’s advisable to request or arrange a local guide (Mandarin), and in some cases guides may provide some basic English if prearranged.
A suggested route for a day in Junan could be:
There is no strong evidence of regular night visits, light shows, or special after-dark tours in Junan’s main scenic sites. Most opening hours conclude before evening. However, during festival periods (e.g. holidays), local areas may host evening events or light displays — it’s advisable to check closer to your visit.
Junan is less known compared to major tourist cities, so it is generally not extremely crowded. The least crowded times are weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday) and outside public holiday periods. During Chinese national holidays, scenic sites may see local tourist surges.
Major scenic areas like Tianfo and the 115th Division site are likely to have basic visitor infrastructure: restrooms, drinking water stations, rest pavilions, and snack shops. In more remote trails, facilities may be minimal—carry your own water and snacks for longer walks.
Some temple areas and lower-level scenic spots are relatively accessible; however, steep paths, stairs, and mountain trails may pose difficulty for elderly or mobility-impaired visitors. Children are fine if accompanied. It’s advisable to check specific segments (e.g. cable car availability) for accessibility.
In most of rural or local sites, cash is still commonly accepted. However, many larger scenic sites and shops also support mobile payments (e.g. WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit/debit cards in visitor centers, especially in Shandong. It’s wise to carry some cash as backup.
Inside scenic areas and near major sites, there are usually snack stalls or small canteens. In the town of Junan, restaurants offer local Shandong cuisine. Trip.com listings for Junan mention many local eateries.
Vegetarian options are generally available at temple or scenic site food stalls (vegetable dishes, steamed buns). Halal-specific restaurants may be limited; it would be safe to inquire locally upon arrival.
In Junan County, there are multiple lodging options including chain hotels and local inns. Examples:
You can combine your visit to Junan with other Linyi area attractions such as:
Yes — in scenic area visitor centers and near historic sites there are small souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, temple-themed items (incense, prayer beads, local crafts), postcards, and regional specialty goods (local teas or dried foods).
After visiting Junan, you can return by regional bus or coach to Linyi, or take taxis/private car for onward travel. From Linyi, you can connect to larger transport hubs (train stations, intercity buses) to travel onward to other parts of Shandong or neighboring provinces.