Live Your Best Lives
This article focuses on Shandong Province. In order to provide a comprehensive and detailed description, no comparison with any specific provinces is made. Instead, the research objects are selected as follows: Jiangnan, south of the Yangtze River and surrounding areas (which can be understood as East China).
The idea of this article came from seeing a topic discussion: Does Shandong belong to East China or North China?
Regarding this topic, if we discuss it from different dimensions, from a geographical and economic perspective, Shandong seems to belong to East China. Within the officially defined "six provinces and one municipality", Shandong borders Anhui and Jiangsu, and both have relatively developed coastal economies, so the two places are highly similar.
In terms of historical continuity and cultural traditions, Shandong seems to belong to North China. Whether it's the dialect, cuisine, or traditional customs, they all have distinct northern characteristics. The troops under its jurisdiction are also under the jurisdiction of the Northern Theater Command. The most down-to-earth reason is that the heating is turned on throughout the province! All in all, it's difficult to make a definitive conclusion.
Schematic diagram of Shandong Province being incorporated into East China
Schematic diagram of Shandong Province's inclusion in North China
However, due to Shandong's awkward geographical location, it is far away from Beijing, the center of the "Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei" region in North China, and Shanghai, the center of the "Yangtze River Delta" in East China. In addition, Shandong is a province with a large population, so the country has specially planned a Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration.
This avoids the question of Shandong's affiliation and distinguishes the two main subjects discussed in this article: Shandong and Jiangnan. Spring (March to June) is generally considered the peak tourist season in East China. The two regions share similarities and differences during this time, which provides the main topic for this article. Based on these two points, the following comparative analysis unfolds.
In terms of location and territory, the two regions share a common border and enjoy close ties. As popular tourist destinations, both enjoy convenient transportation. However, in terms of topography and climate, the two regions exhibit significant differences. Shandong boasts a complex landscape with a short spring characterized by both rain and heat. Jiangnan, on the other hand, is characterized by hilly plains and distinct springs characterized by warm, humid weather. These differences in natural resources contribute to the distinct tourism offerings of the two regions.
In terms of historical evolution, the presence of the Yiyuan Man in Shandong, dating back 400,000 to 500,000 years, and the Tangshan Homo erectus in the Jiangnan region, dating back 350,000 years, demonstrate the rich histories of both regions, enhancing their tourism value. Regarding regional culture, Shandong's 5,000-year-old Qi and Lu culture and Jiangnan's metaphysical, poetic culture have influenced the personalized development of tourism in both regions, shaping their unique characteristics. Shandong boasts numerous attractions related to Confucianism and Taoism, including the classic Confucius memorial ceremony, while Jiangnan boasts numerous historic towns and scenic spots, making waterside tourism inspired by poetry very popular.
The Archaeological Process of Yiyuan, Shandong and the Yiyuan Ape-Man
Here we use the familiar tourism slogans to analyze: Shandong: One mountain, one water, one saint; Jiangnan: Many mountains, many waters, many talents. These two sentences succinctly summarize the tourism advantages of the two places.
Inspired by this, the following article will analyze the representative attractions of the two places from both natural and cultural perspectives, and share local seasonal delicacies separately based on the current popular trends in the tourism industry.
Shandong Province Tourist Attractions
1. Spring flowers
(1) Qingdao Cherry Blossoms
Spring is inseparable from flowers, especially cherry blossoms. Speaking of Shandong, Qingdao alone (the city of cherry blossoms) has its own cherry blossom viewing map. This article selects three of the most representative cherry blossom viewing spots: Badaguan, Zhongshan Park, and the Laoshan campus of Ocean University of China. It also compares and analyzes them with other famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Jiangnan.
Qingdao cherry blossom viewing map (Photo from Qingdao Morning Post)
Badaguan/Yuantouzhu
Similarities: Both have a famous "Cherry Blossom Festival" with cherry blossoms scattered throughout the scenic area
The difference: Badaguan's cherry blossoms bloom from April to May, while Yuantouzhu's blooms begin a month earlier. What's unique about Badaguan's cherry blossoms is that they weave through streets lined with century-old villas, creating a sense of local Qingdao charm. Furthermore, the cherry blossoms bloom alongside other rare flowers, leading to the saying, "You can tell the way by smelling the flowers."
Badaguan Cherry Blossoms
Yuantouzhu Cherry Blossoms
Zhongshan Park/Jiming Temple
Similarities: Both have cherry blossom paths, great places to enjoy cherry blossoms at night
Difference: The cherry blossoms along Zhongshan Park's Cherry Blossom Road are best viewed during the mid-April bloom of single-petal varieties and the late May bloom of double-petal varieties. With a century-long history of planting and abundant trees along the main thoroughfare, they form a beautiful cherry blossom corridor. Meanwhile, the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple have only been cultivated for a few decades, and the number of cherry blossoms is far less than at Zhongshan Park.
Cherry blossoms in Zhongshan Park
Cherry Blossom Necklace (View from above Zhongshan Park)
Night Cherry Blossoms in Zhongshan Park
Cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple
Haida Laoshan Campus/Nanjing Forestry University
Similarities: The cherry blossom avenue on campus, where the flowers complement the campus buildings.
The difference: The two rows of cherry blossoms at Ocean University of China connect to form a natural "cherry blossom tunnel." The Ocean University of China Cherry Blossom Avenue even has its own Baidu entry, a testament to its fame. Another key point is its remote location near the Laoshan Scenic Area, offering a beautiful setting.
Environment of Haida Laoshan Campus
Cherry Blossom Avenue at the Laoshan Campus of Ocean University of China
Cherry blossoms at Nanjing Forestry University
(2) Heze International Peony Festival/Yangzhou Qionghua Festival
Although they are different types, they are both representative local tourist festivals, so they are discussed together.
Heze, known as China's "Hometown of Peonies," boasts the world's largest peony cultivation area and the most diverse varieties. With a history exceeding 400 years, Heze has won numerous awards at flower exhibitions and competitions both domestically and internationally, fully demonstrating its prowess as the "World's Best Peonies." The Peony Festival has been held annually since 1992, featuring a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, as well as numerous trade and economic events.
Heze Peony Flowers (Photo from Qilu.com)
In comparison, although the Yangzhou magnolia is beautiful and famous, apart from being held every two years, there seems to be very little new information available, and the publicity efforts are far less than those of the Heze Peony Festival.
(3) Peach Blossoms in Daigou, Shandong Province/Peach Blossoms in Yuandong Township, Zhejiang Province
Just looking at the photos, it is really difficult to distinguish the two places. Both are surrounded by peach blossom forests and villages. The difference may be the different shapes of the houses.
The peach blossoms in Daigou, Shandong Province bloom in April. Daigou Town is known as the "No. 1 Peach Town in China". Ten thousand acres of peach blossoms extend to every hill. Looking from a distance, the village houses are surrounded by peach blossom forests, which can be described as "Ten miles of peach blossoms, heaven on earth".
Daigou Peach Blossom Forest
Yuandong Township in Zhejiang Province is definitely the largest natural peach blossom forest in East China. From March to April, the fragrance fills the air.
Peach Blossoms in Yuandong Township
2. Customary activities
In spring, in addition to viewing flowers, Shandong also has many interesting folk activities. Experiencing local life, feeling local culture, and understanding local history are also the meaning of travel.
Confucius Memorial Ceremony (Qingming Festival)/Wuzhen Water Village Carnival
Similarities: Long history, local characteristics, strong sense of tourist participation
Qufu holds two Confucius memorial ceremonies, one in spring and one in autumn, with the spring ceremony taking place around the Qingming Festival. To honor and remember the great sage Confucius, this ritual has continued uninterrupted for over 2,000 years. In 2006, the custom was approved by the State Council and included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists. The Confucius memorial ceremony has also become a featured activity in Shandong's "Confucius's Hometown Tour," attracting countless tourists.
Qufu Confucius Memorial Ceremony
The predecessor of the Wuzhen Water Village Carnival was the Wuzhen Incense Market, which also has a history of over a century. It starts in late March or early April every year in early spring and is held regularly to showcase the customs of the people of Wuzhen and conduct commercial activities.
Wuzhen Water Village Carnival
Difference: The Confucius Ceremony is more focused and aims to spread local culture; it is more like a city tourism business card with higher publicity and popularity.
Mount Tai Dongyue Temple Fair/Suzhou Shantang Fair
Similarities: Showcasing local folk customs and enriching the cultural life of tourists and local residents
The Mount Tai Dongyue Temple Fair is held annually from March 31st to May 7th. It has been held annually since the Song Dynasty. The Dongyue Temple highlights folk and religious culture, comprehensively exploring and showcasing Mount Tai's millennia-old history.
Mount Tai Dongyue Temple Fair
"Qing Jia Lu" records: "On the Qingming Festival, officials went to the Litan in Huqiu County to offer sacrifices. Tourists gathered in Shantang, which was called watching the fair." This shows how lively the Shantang fair was.
Shantang Fair
Difference: The Dongyue Temple Fair has a more "official" feel, and is larger in scale and has a longer history. It has been constantly innovating and has become a comprehensive event that integrates religious tourism and culture.
Weifang Kite Festival/Nanjing Qinhuai Lantern Festival
Similarities: Tourism festivals formed under the local historical background, spreading local folk culture
Held annually on the third Saturday of April, the Weifang Kite Festival is the first large-scale local festival in my country to be recognized internationally and acclaimed as "international." Its origins can be traced back to the creation of the first wooden kite by the great Lu State philosopher Mozi, a tradition spanning over 2,000 years.
Weifang Kite Festival
The Qinhuai Lantern Festival has the reputation of being "the best lantern festival in the world" and "the most colorful lanterns in the world". It is the largest folk lantern festival.
The grand spectacle of the Qinhuai Lantern Festival
Difference: Since 1984, the Weifang Kite Festival has established a model of "kites pulling the strings, culture and sports providing the stage, and economic and trade performing the show", which has been imitated by many places.
3. Food recommendations
Shandong Spring Food Diary
Rushan Green Tea: China's highest latitude green tea production base, with large temperature differences between day and night, a long tea growing period, and richer substances than Jiangnan tea.
Mosaic seaweed: Seaweed can be eaten starting from March. Its taste is comparable to the new bamboo shoots in spring in East China. It is nutritious and healthy and can also be used to make steamed buns.
Chinese toon: Shandong ranks among the top provinces in terms of the number of Chinese toon plants planted. The bright red buds of Chinese toon have a refreshing smell unique to spring. In Shandong, you can enjoy Chinese toon freely.
Sophora japonica flowers: Sophora japonica flowers are indispensable in Shandong in spring. They are used to steam buns, make dumplings, and fry them to make soup. They are all authentic Shandong flavors on the dinner table.
A trip to the Qingyanwei coastline in Shandong, a spring flower viewing trip to Ningtaiyang in Jiangnan, a cultural experience trip to central Shandong (Qufu Qilu Cultural Study), and a tour of the five classic cities in East China in the Jiangnan water towns.
Contemporary tourists are constantly pursuing personalized travel and a balance between group tours and independent travel. This has led to the emergence of more and more theme tours and in-depth tours in this tourism era. This is also the reason why tourism needs to become more and more "refined".
The peninsula area with Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai as its core
Schematic diagram of Qilu culture
This spring or next spring, pick a sunny day and go to Shandong together to see the seaside, mountaintops, streets and alleys hidden in the spring, and see the "Jiangnan" hidden here.
