Live Your Best Lives
I have experienced the daily life of the people in the Spring City in Jinan; I have watched the sunrise and chased the sunset on the 10,000-meter golden beach in Yantai; I have witnessed the wonder of the mother river Huanglong entering the sea in Dongying; I have explored the cultural imprints along the canal in Jining; I have also listened to the blood-soaked battle stories in Linyi... Living in a northern city that can reach Jinan in an hour, I have been to Shandong many times to see the mountains and the sea.
This time, I set out again, traveling around the four cities of Shandong like a special forces soldier, eating delicious food, seeing beautiful scenery, and discovering the new customs of the hospitable Shandong.
The first stop of this trip was to the Spring City, where I roamed around for 24 hours and encountered the many sides of Jinan.
"Lotus on four sides, willows on three sides, one city covered in mountains, half covered in lakes." The couplet hanging on the shores of Daming Lake perfectly captures Jinan. Home to "Seventy-two Famous Springs," Jinan naturally boasts stunning scenery. Autumn in Jinan was highly praised by Lao She; his poem "Autumn in Jinan" has inspired countless visitors to Jinan specifically to experience the poetic beauty he captured.
In the early autumn, in the Red Leaf Valley, you can see the wild cotinus coggygria covering the mountains. After getting off the high-speed train, I headed straight to the Red Leaf Valley.
In autumn, wild cotinus coggygria trees are in full bloom in Red Leaf Valley. Hop on the scenic area shuttle and head straight to the Red Leaf Tower for a panoramic view, where you'll see mountains ablaze with crimson and forests ablaze with color. After taking in the autumn colors, stroll leisurely and savor them. Red Leaf Valley is Jinan's natural oxygen bar and a major source of spring water. Dotted with streams, springs, waterfalls, and lakes, it's Jinan's most enchanting back garden in autumn.
On the way back, we stopped at Xuanqiu Lake for a long time to see the red leaves meet the lake. After seeing the red leaves, it seemed that this autumn day was complete.
Come out of the Red Leaf Valley, stroll along the shore of Daming Lake and listen to stories from thousands of years ago.
"Do you still remember Xia Yuhe by Daming Lake?" With more and more people using the meme, Xia Yuhe has become the face of Daming Lake. However, Daming Lake is more than just Xia Yuhe. Every mountain and water of Daming Lake has its own story.
"This pavilion on the right side of the sea is ancient, and Jinan is home to many famous scholars." And most of Jinan's famous scholars have visited Daming Lake, which occupies a quarter of the old city. Xin Qiji, Li Qingzhao, Zeng Gong...all left their mark on the shores of Daming Lake.
Lixia Pavilion, Tiegong Temple, Xiaocanglang, Beiji Pavilion, Huibo Tower, Nanfeng Temple, Xia Garden, Jiaxuan Temple... Touring Daming Lake is actually looking back at the celebrities who once stopped by and the history that you once witnessed through today's Daming Lake.
Waiting for the lights to turn on beneath the Chaoran Tower, a newly popular online check-in spot with over 700 years of history. Daming Lake offers not only a place to explore the past but also a place to explore the present. Thanks to the popularity of short videos, the Chaoran Tower's light-up moment has become a new internet sensation. Consequently, countless young people await the lighting moment beneath the 700-year-old building, capturing it with their phones and their own beautiful images in front of it. Next to the building, the youthful Chaoran Market has also opened.
Explore the vibrant food streets of Kuanhouli, where the young and the old coexist. Old Jinan's Kuanhou Street, with its well-preserved Jin Family Courtyard and Zhejiang-Fujian Guild Hall, evokes the vicissitudes of history. Meanwhile, trendy bars and a food court showcasing local specialties from around the country offer a vibrant modern experience. Stroll through the night in Kuanhouli and experience the collision of past and present as your taste buds are stimulated.
At the Liangyou Fulin Hotel, enjoy a spring water banquet using water from the Black Tiger Spring. Enjoy the milky water chestnut soup featured on "A Bite of China 2," the beautiful, delicious, and even more melodious Four-fold Yangguan, Drunken Flower Shade, Black Tiger Howling at the Moon, and Sunflower Skirt. Then, enjoy the innovative Lotus Fragrance Roast Duck, Apricot Blossom Lamb Belly, and Crispy Pork Knuckles. Only after enjoying the spring water banquet did you realize how refreshing Shandong cuisine can be.
This time, I'm going to take a different approach and immerse myself in the lives of Jinan residents. I'll wake up at 5:30 AM and enjoy a bowl of sweet dough and an egg bun at the Sun Family Fried Dough Sticks stall before the crowds do. At a breakfast stall known only to locals, I'll enjoy a unique breakfast and feel like a Jinan local for a day.
Attending the morning market on Dongguan Street, you'll witness the spectacular sight of people lining up to buy tofu. The daily morning market is part of ordinary life, yet it's also the easiest place to enter a city while traveling.
Find local favorites at the Minzu Street Market. Walking down the street, following the crowds of residents lining up for snacks is a surefire way to go. While you can't buy these authentic ingredients to take home, they offer a window into the vibrant city of Jinan.
Experience the life of the city in the small bridges and flowing water of Yujia Bridge. A small bridge and a small shop are the warm fireworks of the world.
Tips:
[Attractions] Jinan Red Leaf Valley Scenic Area
Address: 3 li south of Jinxiuchuan Reservoir, Zhonggong Street, Licheng District, Jinan City, Shandong Province
Tickets: Market price: October-November, 100 yuan; December 1st-September 30th of the following year, 80 yuan
【Hotel】 Jinan Quancheng Hotel
Address: No. 2, Nanmen Street, Lixia District, Jinan City, Shandong Province
Mount Tai in China, Tai'an in the world. The second stop of this trip is Tai'an, an ancient city that was born because of Mount Tai, but whose light is also blocked by Mount Tai.
On my first visit to Tai'an, I didn't climb Mount Tai due to a tight schedule and limited energy. Instead, I climbed Xinfu Mountain, a remnant on the left flank of Mount Tai. While not as majestic as Mount Tai, Xinfu Mountain shares similar terrain, unusual pines, and unusual rocks. It's also known locally as "Little Mount Tai." It's also called Lotus Mountain because its nine peaks, embracing a lotus flower, earn it the name. Of these two names, I prefer the more ancient "Xinfu Mountain."
Xinfu Mountain has a profound historical and cultural heritage and has attracted many emperors and famous literati to stop by. The Qin Emperor and Emperor Wu of Han stayed here during their eastern tours to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth; Emperor Wu of Han built a palace on it... Xinfu Mountain has left behind architectural remains of the Hanwu stele pavilion and temple. Although its cultural imprint is far less than that of Mount Tai, it also shines with its own brilliance.
Before you climb Mount Tai, you'll want to witness the Fengshan Ceremony. In the evening, at the foot of Tianzhu Peak, you'll enjoy a spectacular large-scale live performance, "The Fengshan Ceremony of Mount Tai, China."
On this stage, the majestic and beautiful scenery of Mount Tai, known as the "First of the Five Great Mountains," is showcased as six emperors from the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, and Qing dynasties performed ceremonies and offered blessings. Sitting in the audience, modern sound, light, and lighting technology, combined with a troupe of actors, offer an immersive experience, allowing you to learn about the ancient emperors' ceremonies and experience the rich history of Mount Tai.
When visiting Tai'an, it's essential to savor Shandong cuisine. Enjoy lunch at the magical "Pancake Roll with Scallions" restaurant and dinner at Lu Cai Gen (Lucai Root) to experience the essence of Shandong cuisine.
Pancakes with green onions, farmer's dry fried chicken, Taishan Three Delicacies, Qilu Stir-fried King, Taishan Braised Pork, Nine-Turn Large Intestine... Only by experiencing it yourself can you understand what a Shandong cuisine restaurant is like that you cannot enter without a certain amount of courage and cannot leave without a certain amount of stomach.
Besides the main course meals, breakfast in Tai'an is also quite unique. At Guohua Noodle House, a local favorite, you can enjoy a full meal for just 4 yuan for noodle soup and 4 yuan for noodles. If you want meat, it's 5 yuan per plate, pay after you finish. You can eat as much as you want, but don't waste it, or the owner will get angry.
Tips:
【Attractions】Xinfu Mountain Scenic Area
Address: The intersection of the north end of Mailaihe Road and Lianhua Road, Xintai City, Tai'an City, Shandong Province
Ticket price: 50 yuan for the Fengshan Ceremony at Mount Tai
Address: No. 22, Hongmen Road, Daizongfang, Taishan District, Tai'an City, Shandong Province
Ticket price: 138 yuan
【Hotel】 Wanda Realm Tai'an
Address: F1, Wanda Plaza, No. 565, Taishan Street, Taishan District, Tai'an City, Shandong Province
The hometown of Confucius and Mencius, the capital of the canal, and cultural Jining.
The third stop of this trip was Jining, where we visited the "Three Confucius Temples" in Qufu, had a family banquet at the Confucius Mansion, and felt the thousand-year-old Confucianism. We also came to Mount Ni, the birthplace of Confucius, and checked in at the Sacred Land of Mount Ni, one of the "New Three Confucius Temples" in Qufu. In the fusion of ancient and young, traditional and modern, we got to know Confucius.
The rumor that everyone in Qufu can recite the Analects may be untrue, but it's certain that everyone can recite "The Master once said..." My second visit to Qufu, revisiting the Three Confucius Temples, was a resounding reminder of the profound heritage of "the greatest temple in the world," "the greatest family in the world," and "the greatest forest in the world."
The Confucius Temple was first built in 478 BC. It was rebuilt and expanded many times by emperors of different dynasties. It reached its current size during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty. It is known as one of the three major ancient architectural complexes in the country, along with the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Chengde Mountain Resort, and is known as the "No. 1 Temple in the World."
Covering 140,000 square meters, the building's rigorous central axis symmetry is both grand and imposing, earning it the praise of Liang Sicheng as "a most interesting site, perhaps the only one of its kind in the world." Walking along the steep walls into the Confucius Temple, on my second visit, I was still struck by its grandeur.
Leaving the Confucius Temple, one often wanders into the Confucius Mansion. The Confucius Mansion, also known as the "Yanshenggong Mansion," is the permanent residence of Confucius' direct descendants. A classic example of a building combining official residence and inner residence, it's known as "the first family in the world." Compared to the sacredness of the Confucius Temple, the Confucius Mansion is more accessible to everyday life. Stepping into the nine courtyards of the Confucius Mansion offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Confucius' descendants.
"Elegant guest rooms, ritual and music dining", visit the Confucius Mansion and have a Confucius family banquet in the adjacent Queli Guest House, with Lubi books, Confucius tofu, poetry and ritual ginkgo, the fragrance of holy books... The food is not only delicious, but also has Confucian flavor.
After lunch, we visited the final "Kong Cemetery." Kong Cemetery, also known as the "Forest of the Sage," is the exclusive burial ground for Confucius and his family. It's the world's oldest and largest family cemetery, also known as the "First Forest Under Heaven." Covering nearly 2 million square meters, it houses over 100,000 tombs. Perhaps influenced by the righteous spirit of Confucius' family, Kong Cemetery remains peaceful, not eerie, even on an overcast afternoon.
"Confucius's world, Confucius of the world." Leaving the Confucius Cemetery, we journey to Mount Nishan, Confucius' birthplace. Check in at the sacred Nishan site, one of Qufu's "New Three Kongs," and discover the world of Confucius in this fusion of antiquity and youth, tradition and modernity.
Stand before the world's largest and tallest bronze statue of Confucius; climb the stairs of the university hall built on the mountain; immerse yourself in the Chinese ritual and music culture while reciting the words "admire the lofty mountains and follow the exemplary deeds" in the performance of "Golden Voice and Jade Sound"; transcend the past and present and feel the new charm of Confucianism in the light and shadow, fountains and fireworks of the sacred and beautiful Mount Ni.
Tips:
【Attractions】
Qufu "Three Confucius Temples" Scenic Area
Address: Shen Road, Lucheng Street, Qufu City, Jining City, Shandong Province
Tickets: "Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion, Confucius Cemetery"
Combined ticket: 140 yuan/set, Confucius Temple adult ticket: 80 yuan/ticket, Confucius Mansion adult ticket: 60 yuan/ticket, Confucius Forest adult ticket: 10 yuan/ticket. You can make an appointment online in advance and participate in the free tour of the Three Confucian Confucius Temple by reciting the Analects.
Nishan Holy Land
Address: No. 9 Shengxiang Road, Nishan Town, Qufu City, Jining City, Shandong Province
Tickets: Adult ticket: 130 yuan
Ticket package for the Golden Voice and Jade Performance: 215 yuan
The Yimeng Mountains and Rivers, the magnificent Linyi. Our final stop is Linyi, where we'll discover a northern paradise village; catch a performance at a rural self-drive campsite; ascend to the birthplace of Yimeng Mountain folk songs; explore the "Langya" (Land of the Gods) at night in the city's vibrant streets; and, of course, indulge in a meal of Linyi fried chicken.
Before arriving in Yinan and entering Zhuquan Village, I was puzzled by the fact that a northern village had such a southern name. Upon entering, I discovered that the scene described in poetry is truly a daily reality here: "Thatched cottages hidden in a bamboo forest, every home overlooking a clear stream, the countryside fragrant with fruits and vegetables, residents enjoy a happy and long life." Four hundred years ago, this secluded village, with its bamboo forests, springs, and ancient village, bears traces of past life. It is a northern paradise, and no name could be more fitting than Zhuquan Village.
When we walked in, it was the time for the autumn sun drying in Zhuquan Village. When we walked into the village, we could also see the immersive performances with Linyi characteristics. In the old houses, there were still former residents weaving bamboo baskets and doing handicrafts. Although the villagers have moved to the nearby new village, Zhuquan Village is still filled with the breath of life.
Not far from Zhuquan Village is the Hongshizhai self-drive campground. While I missed out on the village's signature attractions, such as the Happy Circus and motorcycle stunts, I did catch a magic show and traditional performances like the Village King's Palace Bride Recruitment. In a short period of time, I was able to experience the charm of Hongshizhai's clifftop landscape.
In the evening, return to Linyi and take a night tour of the "New Langya" street area to experience Linyi's national trend and art; then, board the boat to watch the cruise-style performance of "Night Painting Langya", immerse yourself in modern visual stimulation such as cruise accompaniment, laser water curtain, song and dance performances, and feel Linyi's history and culture in the flow.
In the morning, we came to the birthplace of Yimeng Mountain folk songs, Yimeng Mountain Ginza Tianmeng Scenic Area, and experienced the popular painless mountain climbing by shuttle bus, elevator and cable car. We crossed the world's first human-shaped suspension bridge, walked on the first cliff plank road in Jiangbei, listened to Yimeng Mountain folk songs, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Yimeng Mountain.
It is late autumn, and the mountain ash trees on Tianmeng Mountain are in full bloom. From Wanghai Tower to the suspension bridge, walking along the top of the mountain, you can see northern red beans hanging on the branches, making the whole mountain romantic.
During our two days and one night in Linyi, we couldn't miss the authentic local cuisine. From breakfast in the morning to the evening food court, we savored the delicious flavors of Linyi. It's said that no chicken makes it out of Linyi alive, so Linyi fried chicken is a must-try. Besides fried chicken, we also tried fried cicadas and scorpions for the first time. We also had the classics like whole lamb soup and spicy lamb scorpion soup. And of course, we couldn't miss the Shandong cuisine veteran actor's pancakes with green onions and multi-grain buns.
Tips:
【Attractions】Zhuquan Village Tourist Resort
Address: Zhuquan Village, Tongjing Town, Yinan County, Linyi City, Shandong Province
Ticket price: 100 yuan (including Hongshizhai ticket)
Linyi Yimeng Mountain Ginza Tianmeng Scenic Area
Address: Fei County, Linyi City, Shandong Province
Ticket price: 100 yuan, Red Bean Season Special Ticket Price: 29.9 yuan
Event Date: October 23, 2023 - November 10, 2023
Night Painting of Langya Boat Show
Address: Yehua Langya West Wharf, Linyi City, Shandong Province (east of Yimeng Road Bridge)
Ticket price: 108 yuan
【Hotel】 Linyi Giorgio Morandi Hotel
Address: No. 81, Yinqueshan Road, Lanshan District, Linyi City, Shandong Province
