Beijing High-Speed Rail 2h｜This Underrated Ancient City in the North is So Beautiful You Won't Want to Leave

I always heard about how beautiful Jiangnan water towns are...
Until I visited Zhangqiu, the hometown of Li Qingzhao
Only then did I discover such hidden gems in the north
Small bridges over flowing water, rowing boats, summer fireworks, the moon over West Tower
Living amidst such poetic scenery
I finally understood why one could "be so intoxicated as to forget the way home" 🪷

📍Location: Ming Water Ancient City, Qingzhao Spring City, Jinan, Shandong
🚄Transport: Beijing South → Zhangqiu North (2h one way), 15min taxi ride from the station
⏰Itinerary: Perfect for a 2-day weekend trip (depart early Saturday, return Sunday afternoon)

🍃【Detailed Itinerary】
Day❶ Visitor Center → Take a rowing boat → Watch the Spring Show → Dongma Bay (Iron Flower Show) → Beima Bay (Fireworks Festival) → Night tour of the city tower (open-air movie)
Day❷ Morning Market → Ming Water Street → Mo Spring → Baimai Spring → Longquan Temple → Li Qingzhao's Former Residence → Return Academy

📸【Must-See Attractions】
1⃣ Li Qingzhao's Former Residence: Step into the home of the legendary poetess, feel the refreshing beauty of Plum Blossom Spring and Shuyu Spring, full of charm
2⃣ Baimai Spring Park: Enjoy chilled watermelon by Mo Spring, watch koi fish play at Longquan Temple, summer-exclusive joy
3⃣ Return Academy: A secluded retreat on the ancient city walls, with panoramic views of the town from the window
4⃣ City Tower: The landmark of the ancient town, majestic by day, dazzlingly lit by night
5⃣ Ming Water Street: A nostalgic block brimming with local life, featuring opera houses, fabric shops, fan workshops, taverns... endless exploration

🪷【Summer Must-See Performances】
1⃣ Summer Fireworks Show: Beima Bay, around 21:30 on Fridays & Saturdays
With ancient walls as the backdrop and springs as the melody, fireworks light up the sky like a dream from Li Qingzhao's poetry, bringing Song Dynasty lyrics to life!
‼️Best viewing spot: Opposite the "Qingzhao Spring City" LED lights
2⃣ Fireworks Concert: Beima Bay, 20:00 on Saturdays
The song "The Wind Rises" evokes youthful memories, fireworks explode during the chorus, creating an unforgettable climax
3⃣ Iron Flower Show (Intangible Cultural Heritage): Dongma Bay, 21:00 on Saturdays, 20:30 Mon-Fri & Sun
1,600°C molten iron bursts into a starry sky 🌠, masters flinging golden rain that moves you to tears
4⃣ Fireworks Film Festival: Ancient City Tower, 20:00-22:00 daily
Watch classic movies under the stars on thousand-year-old walls, with the breeze and twinkling lights—pure romance
5⃣ Spring Show & Drone Display: Spring Show, 20:00 daily
Highly recommended! Drones + light show, spring fountains with sparks, synchronized dance—a perfect blend of tech and tradition, too stunning to capture on phone

🪭【Unique Experiences】
1⃣ Morning Market: A lively breakfast market with local flavors—spring water lamb soup, Longshan tofu pudding, donkey meat burgers... affordable and delicious 😋
2⃣ Rowing Boat: Sway gently on the water with a palm-leaf fan, listening to streams and admiring willow trees, savoring the poetic charm of a northern water town

🏨【Accommodation Tips】
Stay at scenic area hotels like Yi'an Yue or Shuangquan—options for all budgets. Shuttle buses are available, and hotel guests can enter the ancient town earlier for a better experience~