3-Day Tour in Heze | Classic Combination of Peony Garden and Water Margin City・Suitable for All Groups

Heze, known as the "Capital of Chinese Peonies," boasts the national beauty of Caozhou Peony Garden, the chivalrous spirit of Water Margin Heroes City, and the ancient legends of the Yao King’s Tomb. Enjoy flower viewing with elders among the peonies, accompany children learning martial arts under the ancient city walls—here, every day offers a chance to encounter the brilliance of blooming flowers and the legends of history.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Heze → Caozhou Peony Garden → Heze Museum
Day 2: Water Margin Heroes City → Fangshan Scenic Area
Day 3: Sun Bin Tourism City → Heze Old Street → Return

🌺 Day 1: Peonies in Bloom · Cultural and Historical Origins
📍 Caozhou Peony Garden (4A, ticket 75 RMB, best bloom in April)
Highlights: Known as "China’s First Peony Garden," it cultivates 120,000 peony plants, including precious varieties like "Yao Huang" and "Wei Zi." The spring flower sea is breathtaking. Elders can take the sightseeing bus (20 RMB/person) to tour the garden, children can take photos by the "Peony Fairy" sculpture, and wearing Hanfu (rental 50 RMB/set) makes for great photos. The garden also offers peony cakes and peony tea to try.
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended 9:00-14:00 (crowded during bloom, go early to avoid peak)
💰 Fees: Adults 75 RMB, free for seniors 60+, free for children under 1.4 meters
📸 Photo Spot: Peony Boutique Garden (stand among the flowers wearing light-colored clothes to highlight the blooms)
💡 Tips: Off-season you can see peonies (May); bring a sun hat as there is no shade among the flowers.

📍 Heze Museum (free, reservation required)
Highlights: Collections include "Han Dynasty Ceramic Tower" and "Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain," with exhibitions on "Peony Culture" and "Water Margin Culture." Elders can learn about the local history in the "Heze General History" section, children can enjoy assembling peony puzzles in the interactive area (free). The museum’s ancient-style architecture complements the exhibits.
🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays), recommended 15:00-16:30
🍜 Recommended Nearby: "Heze Old Restaurant" in the city, must-try Shanxian Lamb Soup (30 RMB/bowl with baked flatbread) and Peony Pastry (15 RMB/portion), average 40 RMB per person, warm and delicious.
🏨 Recommended Nearby: "Heze Peony Hotel" near the garden (family rooms available, 10-minute walk to the attraction), prices 280-400 RMB/night, convenient parking.

🏯 Day 2: Seeking Heroes in Water Margin · Nostalgia at Fangshan
📍 Water Margin Heroes City (4A, ticket 60 RMB)
Highlights: A recreated ancient scenic area based on the classic novel "Water Margin," featuring Yuncheng County Government Office, Chao Family Village, and Loyalty and Righteousness Tower. Watch the live drama "Wu Song Fights and Kills Ximen Qing" (11:00, free). Elders can listen to Water Margin stories, children can try martial arts (30 RMB/session, basic moves), and wearing hero costumes (40 RMB/set) makes for impressive photos.
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended 9:00-13:00
📸 Photo Spot: In front of Loyalty and Righteousness Tower (take a family "Heroes Gathering" photo holding the "Uphold Justice" flag)
💡 Tips: Horse-drawn carriage service available (50 RMB/car, seats 4), helpful for elders.

📍 Fangshan Scenic Area (3A, ticket 30 RMB)
Highlights: Tomb site of the Western Zhou Cao State ruler, featuring the Cao State King’s Mausoleum and Fangshan Temple. Ancient cypress trees tower on the mountain, and there is a lake below for boating (40 RMB/hour). Elders can pray at the Cao King Hall, children can play on trampolines in the children’s playground (20 RMB/session). Autumn hiking offers stunning views of colorful forests.
🕙 Recommended Time: 14:30-17:00

🎭 Day 3: Exploring Military Strategy · Old Street Charm
📍 Sun Bin Tourism City (4A, ticket 60 RMB)
Highlights: A scenic area commemorating the "Military Sage" Sun Bin, including the Sun Bin Memorial Hall, Military Sage Lake, and Bagua Maze. Elders can listen to military strategy stories at the Sun Bin Shrine, children can challenge themselves in the maze (free), and take a boat ride (30 RMB/person) to enjoy the lake view and the wisdom of "The Art of War."
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended 9:00-12:00
💡 Tips: The Bagua Maze is easy to get lost in, stay close to the guide; the area is large, wear comfortable shoes.

📍 Heze Old Street (free)
Highlights: A reconstructed Ming and Qing dynasty street with peony cultural shops and intangible heritage paper-cutting stores. The old brand "Mi’s Braised Beef" (40 RMB/jin) is a must-buy. Elders can enjoy Shandong Qinshu storytelling in tea houses (10 RMB/person), children can buy dough figurines (15 RMB each). At night, lanterns light up, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere.
🕙 Recommended Time: 15:00-17:00
🍜 Recommended Nearby: "Yuncheng Famous Snacks" on Old Street, must-try Yuncheng Zhuangmo (10 RMB/portion, crispy and meaty) and spicy soup (8 RMB/bowl), average 25 RMB per person, authentic flavors.

✨ Heze Survival Guide
1️⃣ Transportation: City buses No. 5 and 10 to Caozhou Peony Garden (1 RMB); take intercity bus to Water Margin Heroes City (8 RMB/person, 1 hour); taxi starting fare 6 RMB, short trips between attractions about 10 RMB.
2️⃣ Clothing: Wear windproof jackets in spring and autumn (Fangshan and scenic areas are windy), short sleeves plus sun protection clothing in summer (Peony Garden and Old Street are outdoors), down jackets and non-slip shoes in winter (many steps in old buildings), bring sports shoes for walking.
3️⃣ Etiquette: Do not touch artifacts in the museum; keep quiet during Water Margin live performances; no loud noises inside Fangshan Temple.
4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay in the city center (Peony District preferred), choose hotels near bus stops; for families with children, pick hotels with hot water kettles; for elders, choose rooms with elevators (many old street inns have stairs).

🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs
① Heze Peony Cake (25 RMB/box, fragrant, sweet, and soft, loved by elders and children)
② Shanxian Lamb Soup Instant Pack (40 RMB/bag, 4 bowls, ready to heat and eat)
③ Water Margin Cultural Products (Hero bookmarks 20 RMB each, Wu Song dolls 30 RMB each)
④ Caozhou Dough Figurines (Zodiac ornaments 30 RMB each, intangible cultural heritage handmade, small and exquisite)

The beauty of Heze lies in the national splendor of blooming peonies; its bravery in the chivalrous spirit of Water Margin heroes. Whether taking photos with parents in the Peony Garden, accompanying children learning martial arts in the ancient city, or enjoying drinks with friends on Old Street, here you will find unforgettable brilliance and heroism. If you come to Heze, would you first want to see the peonies or become a "hero" in Water Margin City?