Just got back from Zibo, and I'm here to convince everyone to go!

You guys won't believe it—I'm declaring Zibo my ultimate hidden gem travel city 💎 I took a spontaneous weekend trip and explored every corner of Zibo. Now, I'm sharing this fresh-off-the-press travel guide with you!

Recommended Itinerary

Day 1: Eight Great Bureaus Market → Qi Culture Museum → Haidai Lou Zhongshuge Bookstore → BBQ feast
Day 2: Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City → Tanxi Mountain → Return trip

📌 Eight Great Bureaus Market is a must-visit food paradise with endless snacks. Purple rice cakes are sweet and sticky, fried pan cakes are crispy, and Kangdu fried meat is juicy—every bite is pure happiness!

📌 Qi Culture Museum dives deep into 800 years of Qi history. Don't miss the sacrificial zun (ritual wine vessel)—it's breathtaking!

📌 Haidai Lou Zhongshuge is hailed as China's most beautiful bookstore. Its mirror designs create a magical vibe, perfect for photos. Head to the top floor for a panoramic view of Qisheng Lake!

📌 No Zibo trip is complete without BBQ! Wrap meat in thin pancakes, add scallions, dip in sauce—it's addictive! I went to [specific BBQ spot], where the fresh meat sizzled to perfection.

📌 Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City oozes Ming-Qing charm. Visit the dye workshop, Zhuangyuan Mansion, and bank exhibition hall. Try custom qipao at Ruifuxiang Fabric Shop for a vintage touch.

📌 Tanxi Mountain's natural scenery is stunning. The glass bridge and 1,000-meter slide are thrilling, while the Star Cave light show feels like a fairy tale.

Transport Tips

✈️ Flight: Fly to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, then take a shuttle bus to Zibo.
🚄 High-speed rail: Zibo Station and Zibo North Station offer direct routes to many cities.
🚌 City buses: Use Alipay's "Zibo Travel Card" to reach most attractions, including BBQ special lines (look for the "BBQ" sign).
🚕 Taxi: Starting fare is ¥8, but expect traffic during peak hours.
🚲 Shared bikes/e-bikes: Great for short trips around town.

Must-Visit Spots

1️⃣ Qi Culture Museum: A top-tier museum with priceless artifacts showcasing Qi history.
2️⃣ Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City: A living museum of ancient commerce from the Ming-Qing era.
3️⃣ Tanxi Mountain: The "Little Jiuzhaigou of the North," famous for spring flowers and autumn foliage, plus fun activities.
4️⃣ Haidai Lou Zhongshuge: A photogenic bookstore for reading and snapping pics.
5️⃣ Eight Great Bureaus: A foodie heaven packed with local snacks.

Local Delicacies

1️⃣ Zibo BBQ: The holy trinity—thin pancakes, grill, and dipping sauce—offers a unique experience.
2️⃣ Boshan cuisine: Birthplace of Shandong cuisine. Try glass-like eggplant, crispy meat, tofu boxes, and suguo (stewed pot).
3️⃣ Zhoucun sesame cakes: Paper-thin, crispy, and satisfyingly crunchy.
4️⃣ Zhoucun hot pot: Simmered in century-old broth, best paired with crescent moon bread.

Accommodation Picks

1️⃣ Zhoucun: Zhiweizhai Hotel—a serene courtyard with authentic dining.
2️⃣ Zhangdian District: Ginza Hotel—central location near shopping and eateries.
3️⃣ B&Bs: Qingling Homestay near Pu Songling’s Book House for a cozy vibe.

This trip was unforgettable! Zibo blends rich history, irresistible food, and warm hospitality—full of surprises at every turn. Don’t wait—come experience its magic! 💕