Zibo is more than just BBQ! 2025 Latest Guide to Summer Escapes and Cultural Experiences

Is sizzling skewers on the grill, with pancakes wrapped around green onions and sauce, your first impression of Zibo? This city, known as the "Porcelain Capital of the North," actually holds more surprises.

As the capital of the State of Qi, the first of the Five Hegemons during the Spring and Autumn Period, Zibo carries over 800 years of profound Qi culture. Today, it has transformed from a traditional industrial city into a popular internet-famous city that innovatively integrates ancient culture with modern tourism.

I have specially planned this route for you, which will not only allow you to appreciate the beauty of Zibo's ceramics and glazed ware but also find cool summer retreats.

Cool Summer: Recommended Summer Resorts in Zibo

1. Tanxi Mountain: An 18℃ Wonderland in a Xianxia World Waterfalls cascade down from 30 meters high, and mist carrying the scent of plants rushes towards you, instantly dispelling the heat. Here, dense forests block out the sun, a glass bridge spans the cliff, and starlight twinkles in the caves like an alien secret realm. Must-experience: 2000-meter glass rafting (highly recommended!) Practical information: Admission 40 RMB (free for students), rafting 109 RMB; you can stay in the scenic area's wooden villas (approx. 500 RMB/night).
2. Kaiyuan Karst Cave: Stepping into a 500-million-year-old "Natural Refrigerator" Stalactites hang overhead like a crystal palace, and a hidden river flows with a gentle gurgle. Step inside and instantly transport yourself to the "Ice Age"! Outside the cave, forest rafting takes 13 turns, with waves splashing over you, drenching you in the height of summer. Practical information: Cave + rafting package approx. 120 RMB/person; you can stay in star tents in nearby Niejiayu Village (200 RMB/tent).
3. Lushan National Forest Park: An "Air-Conditioned Mountain" with 95% Forest Coverage The moment you step into the forest, you hear not cicadas, but the sound of wind mixed with pine waves! Climb to the top of Guanyun Peak, with rolling green waves beneath your feet. Encountering a deer leaping across a stream is so healing it leaves you speechless. Practical information: Admission 40 RMB + sightseeing bus 30 RMB, approx. 70 RMB/person; hotels within the scenic area start from 300 RMB.

Ceramics and Glazed Ware Tour: Experience Zibo's Artistic Soul

Zibo Ceramics and Glazed Ware Museum is a must-visit spot. It is a national first-class museum and a 4A-rated tourist attraction. The museum houses over 16,000 exquisite pieces of ceramics and glazed ware, with exhibits ranging from the Neolithic Age to modern times, which are truly breathtaking.

Don't miss: The museum's treasure, the Northern Dynasties "Celadon Lotus Zun." It is the only celadon lotus zun in the country whose firing kiln can be definitively identified, and its historical value and artistic achievement are unparalleled.

New experience in 2025: Vision Walk Immersive VR Theater, Shandong Province's first AI+3D immersive museum theater, offering immersive projects like "Moon Landing Adventure."

Practical information: Free admission (reservation required); Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30, closed on Mondays).

Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City: Traveling Through a Ming and Qing Dynasty Commercial Port

Zhoucun Ancient City was an important commercial port in northern China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, known as "Golden Zhoucun" and "Dry Dock." Here, there are approximately 50,000 square meters of existing ancient buildings, with crisscrossing streets and numerous shops.

Must-experience activities:

· Make your own Shaobing at the Zhoucun Shaobing Museum (20 RMB/person, finished product can be taken away)
· Visit the prototype location of the TV series "The Dyeing Mill" and experience traditional dyeing techniques
· Night tour of the ancient street (open Friday/Saturday evenings), the atmosphere is excellent when the lanterns are lit

Food recommendations: Dingjia Zhuguo (average 25 RMB/person, recommend "Assorted Zhuguo"), Zhoucun Shaobing (freshly baked, thin and crispy, rich sesame flavor).

Practical information: Combined ticket 50 RMB; recommended to visit on weekdays, enter before 9 AM in the morning to photograph the empty ancient street.

Practical Information: Zibo Travel Guide

Best travel time: Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-November). The climate is mild, suitable for a combination of outdoor and indoor sightseeing. Summer is also an option, with the southern mountainous areas becoming good summer retreats.

Transportation:

· High-speed rail: Zibo Station, Zibo North Station, direct high-speed rail from Beijing/Shanghai/Jinan and other places (Jinan to Zibo is only 30 minutes).
· Flight: Fly to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, then transfer to high-speed rail or long-distance bus (approx. 1.5 hours).
· City transportation: Buses and taxis are convenient, shared electric bikes cover major scenic areas.

Accommodation recommendations:

· Zhangdian District (city center): Convenient for BBQ and night markets, recommend Ginza Jiayi Hotel, Atour Hotel.
· Zhoucun District: If you want to experience an overnight stay in the ancient commercial city, you can choose Zhoucun Hotel or characteristic B&Bs.
· Special accommodation: Tanxi Mountain wooden villas, Niejiayu Village star tents.

Itinerary Planning Suggestions

Two-day essential tour:

· Day 1: Arrive in Zibo in the morning, visit the Ceramics and Glazed Ware Museum in the afternoon, enjoy Zibo BBQ in the evening, and stay overnight in Zhangdian District.
· Day 2: Head to Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City in the morning, experience shaobing making and commercial port culture, and end the trip in the afternoon.

Three-day in-depth tour:

· Day 1: Zibo city cultural experience (Ceramics and Glazed Ware Museum + Haidai Tower Zhongshuge Bookstore + BBQ experience).
· Day 2: In-depth tour of Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City (including night tour experience).
· Day 3: Summer escape trip to Tanxi Mountain or Lushan National Forest Park.

Budget reference (per person per day):

Expense Item | Economy (RMB) | Comfort (RMB)
Accommodation | 150-200 | 300-500
Dining | 100-150 | 200-300
Transportation | 50-100 | 100-200
Tickets & Activities | 50-100 | 100-200
Total | 350-550 | 700-1200

Zibo's charm extends far beyond BBQ; its cultural heritage, natural scenery, and artistic atmosphere are worth savoring. This city with a thousand-year history is welcoming every traveler with a brand new look, hoping you can discover a Zibo that goes beyond BBQ!