Missed the peony season? You can still have a blast in Heze! Ancient temples with lotus breezes, night tours of the sea of lights, uncovering hidden gems

1. Must-visit spots in Heze: a mix of niche and classic
1. Caozhou Hundred Flowers Garden
Although the peonies are out of season, the century-old peony bushes are still enchanting! This Ming Dynasty garden hides ancient "flower king" trees, with a stunning mix of red and pink perfect for photos 📸. Hanfu enthusiasts, get ready! The blue brick paths and pine-woven archways create an instant ancient-style masterpiece~ (📍Mudanqu District, Changcheng Road, entrance fee 50 RMB)

2. Fulong Lake · The ultimate summer retreat
30,000 mu of lake surface rivaling West Lake! Rent a bike (40 RMB/hour) to chase the wind around the lake, with lotus flowers stretching to the horizon in June~ Must-try is the fisherman's home-style "steamed lake fish," so fresh it’ll blow your mind for just 50 RMB! Stay overnight at a lakeside guesthouse and see the Milky Way through your window ✨ (📍Fugang Town, Shan County)

3. Water Margin Heroes City
Travel back to the Song Dynasty martial world! Watch the live-action drama "Wu Song Beats Jiang Menshen," wielding big knives and acting alongside heroes 😂. Rent Song-style Hanfu for 50 RMB, take photos of a heroine under blue bricks and black tiles, and become a legend on social media! (📍Yuncheng County, entrance fee 80 RMB)

4. Tianxiang Park · A free hidden gem
A local favorite spot for family outings! The bicolor peony "Er Qiao" is still blooming, and all amusement facilities are free. Take an evening stroll listening to an elder playing the erhu, capturing the authentic Heze vibe~

2. Foodie hits: Legendary snacks for 15 RMB
- **Shan County Lamb Soup** (15 RMB): Milky broth with garlic chili sauce, paired with oven-baked sesame flatbread that’s soul-stirring!
- **Yuncheng Zhuang Mo** (10 RMB): Palm-sized fried meat-filled buns, crispy to the point of crumbling! Buy at the Water Margin Tavern, the same carbs Song Jiang enjoyed for happiness~
- **Mianpaozi + Youcha** (5 RMB): Heze’s version of fried dough sticks soaked in fragrant oil tea, a breakfast staple!
- **Night snack hotspot — Dongfanghong Street**: Fried cicada pupae, rolled cold noodles, spicy soup… 30 RMB fills you up till you need to lean on the wall!

3. Off-the-beaten-path fun: Local secrets
- **Yellow River Old Course Wetland** (October only): 80 RMB for a wooden raft ride through the reed marshes, waiting for red-crowned cranes to dance 🕊️, camera shutters clicking nonstop!
- **Imitation Shang and Zhou Dynasty Tomb Cluster** (30 RMB): Play "archaeology games" with kids, digging pottery shards and restoring artifacts; fish caught at the foot of the hill are grilled on site 🍢, incredibly fragrant~
- **Old City Caozhou Nightscape**: Light shows and a thousand-person yangge dance, ancient streets instantly transform into a grand Tang Dynasty lantern festival! Grab a cup of iced peony flower tea (8 RMB), stroll and snap photos 📸

4. Practical tips: Avoid pitfalls and save money
- **Transport**: Take the high-speed train to "Heze East Station," city bus routes directly reach attractions (Routes 3/101 to Peony Garden); rent shared bikes for 2 RMB per ride, perfect for cruising the streets~
- **Accommodation**: "Shuiyi Carnival Hotel" near the train station, with smart robots delivering meals to rooms, enjoy a lake view for about 150 RMB per person!
- **Souvenirs**: Buy "Peony Sachets" (15 RMB) 🌺 at the temple’s cultural shop, or bring home canned lamb soup, tested and guaranteed no regrets!

> "Heze’s summer is the lotus breeze of Fulong Lake mixed with the aroma of lamb soup, the comfort of biting into a crispy bun under the old street’s lantern light.
> No need to chase the April crowds; this lazy, lively atmosphere is the freshest 'Water Charm Flower City' in the embrace of the Yellow River." 💛

Travel info: Attraction tickets/opening hours are based on the latest updates as of July 2025. Some peony blooms may last until mid-July; it’s recommended to call the scenic spots before departure~