Shandong's Low-Profile City: How Many Secrets Don't You Know?

📍Detailed Location:

• Zaozhuang: Located in southern Shandong Province, spanning from 116°48′ to 117°49′ east longitude and 34°27′ to 35°19′ north latitude. It borders Pingyi County, Fei County, and Lanling County of Linyi City to the east; Tongshan County, Jiawang District, and Pizhou City of Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province to the south; Weishan Lake to the west; and Zoucheng City of Jining to the north.

🚗Transportation Guide:

• Bus: Zaozhuang has multiple bus stations, such as Zaozhuang General Bus Station and Zaozhuang Taierzhuang Bus Station, offering long-distance bus services to Jinan, Linyi, and other destinations.

• High-speed Rail: Zaozhuang has high-speed rail stations, such as Zaozhuang Station, providing high-speed rail services to Jinan, Xuzhou, and other cities.

• City Buses: Zaozhuang has an extensive public transportation network that can take you to various attractions and entertainment venues.

🌟Must-Do Activities:

• Baodugang National Forest Park: Perfect for adults, children, and seniors to enjoy nature walks and flower viewing. The air is fresh and clean, allowing you to connect with nature. There's also a cable car for seniors and children to ascend the mountain.

• Railway Guerrilla Film and Television City: Recreates scenes from the Railway Guerrilla during the Anti-Japanese War, featuring a train station, streets, and other settings. It also has prop exhibitions, filming process displays, and themed performances.

• Taierzhuang Ancient City: Showcases the original appearance of the site, with guided tours, boat rides, children's carts, and wheelchair facilities. You can enjoy leisurely moments at riverside cafes.

• Weishan Lake Red Lotus Wetland Scenic Area: China's largest lotus viewing area and the largest natural wetland in northern China. Thousands of acres of red lotus bloom from mid-July to mid-August.

• Dreamlike Ice and Snow World: A newly added popular spot themed around traditional Chinese culture, creating a fairyland from mythology. It's a must-visit place for families with children.

• Yiyun Stone Tribe: Features stone houses, Yiyun Mountain, and Yiyun Lake as core attractions, with facilities like a water park.

💰Average Spending:

• Total Retail Sales of Consumer Goods: In 2023, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached CNY 112.86 billion, an increase of 11.3% compared to the previous year.

• Per Capita Disposable Income: In the first three quarters of 2025, the per capita disposable income was CNY 26,954, a year-on-year increase of 5.9%.

• Specific Costs: Ticket prices vary by attraction. For example, Baodugang National Forest Park tickets cost CNY 60, half-price with a student ID; Taierzhuang Ancient City tickets cost CNY 59, with student ID discounts; Weishan Lake Red Lotus Wetland Scenic Area tickets cost CNY 23, half-price with a student ID.

📌Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Zaozhuang has four distinct seasons, with spring and autumn being the best times to visit. The weather is pleasant and the scenery is charming during these seasons.

• Clothing Suggestions: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes according to the weather. For hiking, comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.

• Ticket Discounts: Some attractions offer ticket discounts for students, children, seniors, and other groups. Visitors can check attraction announcements or online ticket platforms in advance for discount information.