Three-Day Tour of Liaocheng

Jiangbei Water City · Ancient Canal Capital 🌟
Liaocheng, the "Jiangbei Water City" nurtured by the Grand Canal, combines the grandeur of the North with the charm of a water town. In three days, explore the ancient city, the canal, local cuisine, and culture!

📅 Itinerary Overview
✅ Day 1: Ancient City Cultural Tour
✅ Day 2: Canal Scenery + Natural Landscape
✅ Day 3: Red Memories + Return

🚗 Day 1: Exploring Liaocheng Ancient City Culture
Morning: Dongchang Lake + Guangyue Tower
📍 Dongchang Lake (Free)

One of the larger artificial lakes in northern China, comparable to Hangzhou’s West Lake, with boat tours available (approx. 💰30/person).
📸 Photo spots: Lake Island, Water City Pearl Grand Theater.

📍 Guangyue Tower (💰30/person)

One of China’s Four Great Towers, alongside Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, offering panoramic views of the ancient city from the top.

Noon: Ancient City Food Highlights
🍜 Recommended dishes:

Wei’s Smoked Chicken (Liaocheng intangible cultural heritage, savory and chewy)
Guata (Liaocheng specialty pancake, egg filling recommended)
Linqing Eight Bowls (Old brand by the canal, must-try crispy pork and meatballs)

Afternoon: Shanshan Guild Hall + Haiyuan Pavilion
📍 Shanshan Guild Hall (💰40/person)

Built by Shanxi merchants in the Qing Dynasty, exquisitely carved and known as the "No.1 Guild Hall in Jiangbei."

📍 Haiyuan Pavilion (Free)

Qing Dynasty library with a strong cultural atmosphere, perfect for literary youth.

Evening: Night Tour of the Ancient City
🌙 Recommended activities:

Take a night boat tour on Dongchang Lake, the ancient city looks stunning under the lights!
Stroll through Mishi Street Night Market and try fried lotus flowers (summer only).

🌊 Day 2: Canal Scenery + Natural Landscape
Morning: Linqing Canal Toll Station + Aotouji
🚗 Transport: Liaocheng → Linqing (about 1 hour by car)
📍 Linqing Canal Toll Station (💰30/person)

A tax collection institution from the Ming and Qing dynasties, a living fossil of canal culture.

📍 Aotouji (Free)

A landmark building of the canal, climb the tower to overlook the old canal route.

Noon: Linqing Cuisine
🍲 Recommended:

Linqing Shaomai (thin skin, generous filling, perfect with vinegar)
Tuoban Tofu (freshly made and eaten, tender and smooth)

Afternoon: Jingyang Ridge + Lion Tower
🚗 Transport: Linqing → Yanggu (about 40 minutes)
📍 Jingyang Ridge (💰60/person)

The site of the Wu Song tiger-fighting story, experience the "Three Bowls Not Passing the Ridge" drinking culture.

📍 Lion Tower (💰30/person)

The setting of Ximen Qing’s story in "Water Margin," showcasing ancient architecture and local culture.

Evening: Return to Liaocheng City Center
🍢 Late-night snack recommendations:

Tieta Night Market: barbecue, mutton soup, fried skewers, experience the lively atmosphere of Liaocheng.

🔴 Day 3: Red Memories + Return
Morning: Kong Fansen Memorial Hall + Fan Zhuxian Memorial Hall
📍 Kong Fansen Memorial Hall (Free)

Tribute to the "Model Aid Tibet Cadre," learn about his touching deeds.

📍 Fan Zhuxian Memorial Hall (Free)

Memorial for anti-Japanese hero, ideal for patriotic education.

Noon: Last Meal in Liaocheng
🥟 Recommended:

Gaotang Old Tofu (silky tofu pudding + secret marinade)
Yanggu Steamed Bowl (traditional steamed dish, tender and flavorful)

Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping Before Departure
🛍️ Recommended specialties:

Dong’e Ejiao (nourishing tonic, look for the "Dong’e" brand)
Guan County Ya Pear (thin skin, juicy, best in autumn)
Linqing Sanghuang Tea (health tea, great for gifting elders)

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Inside the Ancient City:

Arcadia Hot Spring Hotel (five-star, near Dongchang Lake, 💰400+/night)
Liaocheng Ancient City Inn (ancient style guesthouse, 💰200+/night)

Convenient in the City:

All Seasons Hotel (Dongchang Road Branch) (convenient transport, 💰300+/night)

🚆 Transportation Guide

High-speed rail: Liaocheng Station / Liaocheng West Station (stops on Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Rail)
Self-drive: Jinan → Liaocheng (about 1.5 hours), Beijing → Liaocheng (about 4 hours)
Within city: Bus + taxi (attractions are concentrated, taxis are affordable)

💡 Travel Tips

Best season: April to October (pleasant spring and autumn, lotus viewing in summer)
Must-bring items: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes (many stone-paved roads in the ancient city)
Cultural experiences: Canal boat tours, intangible cultural heritage crafts (such as Dongchang gourd carving)

Liaocheng, a city steeped in canal and history, three days is enough to feel its rustic charm and vitality! 🌉 Save this guide and set off!