Chinatodo
If you're tired of overcrowded tourist hotspots and crave a quiet town blending southern water-town charm with northern historical heritage, Liaocheng (聊城 Liáochéng) in Shandong will surprise you. Dubbed the "Water City of the North," this town cradled by Dongchang Lake (东昌湖 dōngchāng hú) boasts a unique "city within a lake, lake within a city" layout, offering a rare watery landscape in the north.
How to Get There
From Jinan (济南 jǐnán):
- High-speed train: ~1 hour
- Regular train: ~2 hours
- Bus: ~2 hours
Ideal For: Slow travelers, those interested in canal culture and waterside scenery.
Duration: 1 day for the ancient city core; extend to overnight for deeper exploration.
Best Walking Route
1. Xiguan Street (西关街 xīguān jiē) → 21-Arch Bridge (二十一孔桥 èrshíyī kǒng qiáo)
Start at Xiguan Street, cross the elegant 21-Arch Bridge to enter the ancient city island. Morning light glinting on the lake makes for perfect photos.
2. North Gate City Wall (北门城墙 běimén chéngqiáng) – Panoramic Views
Head to the well-preserved North Gate and climb the wall steps. The vista reveals the city’s harmony of blue-tiled houses, winding lakeshores, and modern skylines.
3. Loubei Avenue (楼北大街 lóuběi dàjiē) – Local Life
Stroll south along this bustling street. Try Wei’s Smoked Chicken (魏氏熏鸡 wèishì xūn jī, a local intangible heritage) or guāda (呱嗒, a crispy pancake), but save room for later delicacies.
4. Guangyue Tower (光岳楼 guāngyuè lóu) – 600-Year-Old Icon
Reach the Ming-dynasty Guangyue Tower, a pure-wood structure rivaling Yellow Crane Tower. Admire its mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship.
5. Dongguan Street (东关大街 dōngguān dàjiē) – Legendary Eats
Venture east to Dongguan Street for authentic flavors:
- Lao Yang’s Spiced Pancake (老杨家酱香饼 lǎo yángjiā jiàngxiāng bǐng): Family-recipe sauce.
- Sha Town Donkey Meat (沙镇杨家驴肉 shāzhèn yángjiā lǘròu): Best paired with fresh baked bread.
- Linqing Shaomai (临清烧麦 línqīng shāomài): Steamed dumplings with canal-region flair.
6. Canal Old Lane (运河古巷 yùnhé gǔ xiàng) → Xinglong Temple (兴隆寺 xīnglóng sì) → Iron Pagoda (铁塔 tiě tǎ)
Walk east along the ancient canal to Xinglong Temple, where golden halls mirror in the water. Nearby, the Song-dynasty Iron Pagoda (one of China’s earliest iron pagodas) whispers 1,000 years of history through its rusted patina.
Deepen Your Experience
- Boat Ride on Dongchang Lake: At dusk, board a painted boat to watch sunset gild the ancient walls.
- Night Walk: Lantern-lit city walls reflect magically on the lake.
- Hidden Gems: Hunt for canal-era stone inscriptions in alleys, relics of Liaocheng’s past as a vital transport hub.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
❗ Souvenir shops in the old town are overpriced—shop wisely.
❗ Guangyue Tower requires a separate ticket (~¥30), but it’s worth it.
❗ Most Dongguan Street eateries close after 14:00—aim for lunch before 13:00.
Liaocheng Food Map: A Flowing Canal Feast in the Old City’s Hustle and Bustle
