Chinatodo
This "Water City of the North," embraced by Dongchang Lake (东昌湖 dōngchāng hú), hides not only the poetic charm of "a city within a lake, a lake within a city" but also preserves the fusion of northern and southern tastes from the canal era in its street food. The crackling of morning griddles, the aroma of smoked chickens at noon, the sizzle of night market fryers—here, eating is the most authentic way to explore the city. The Breakfast Scene at Dawn 1. Shazhen Guāda (沙镇呱嗒 shāzhèn guāda)—Liaocheng's "Chinese Croissant"At six…
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…
Jinan, a thousand-year-old city nourished by springs, is renowned as the "Spring City." With its "households blessed by springs and willows," the famed writer Lao She once praised: "Without these springs, Jinan would lose half its beauty." If you're planning a short stay, follow this three-day itinerary to experience the poetic charm of "lotus on four sides, willows on three, a city embraced by hills and lakes." Day 1: Spring Culture Walk – Exploring the "72 Famous Springs"Route: Baotu Spring (趵突泉, Bàotū Quán) → Five Dragons Pool (五龙潭, Wǔlóng Tán) → Moat Cruise…
Discover lesser-known wonders in this coastal city, where European heritage meets local charm. Textile Valley (纺织谷 fǎng zhī gǔ) A post-industrial art zone transformed from a 1930s Japanese textile factory. Graffiti-covered warehouses host indie galleries, vintage markets, and craft coffee roasters.Why Visit: Snap photos of retro machinery repurposed into sculptures and attend weekend vinyl record fairs. Xiao Maidao Park (小麦岛公园 xiǎo mài dǎo gōng yuán) A grassy islet with wildflower meadows, rocky tide pools, and panoramic sea views. Locals fly kites here while fishermen cast lines off the cliffs.Why Visit:…
Nestled along the Grand Canal in Shandong Province, Linqing (临清 lín qīng) flourished as a bustling trade hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, its legacy lives on through well-preserved waterways, multicultural landmarks, and unique local flavors. Grand Canal Relics (大运河遗址 dà yùn hé yí zhǐ) Walk along ancient stone wharves where grain, silk, and porcelain once flowed to Beijing. The Aotouji Watergate (鳌头矶 áo tóu jī), a 15th-century hydraulic marvel, showcases ingenious engineering from China’s canal golden age.Why Visit: Touch the stones that built empires—this UNESCO World Heritage Site…
Explore the lesser-known wonders of Jinan’s Southern Mountains, where ancient history, serene temples, and breathtaking nature converge. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in China. Lingyan Temple (灵岩寺 líng yán sì)A 1,600-year-old Buddhist temple complex nestled in pine forests. Don’t miss the vivid Song Dynasty clay sculptures in the Thousand Buddha Hall.Why Visit: Witness UNESCO-tentative “Oriental Sculpture Masterpieces” and wander among ancient stupas. A spiritual retreat blending art, history, and misty mountain vistas. Simen Pagoda (四门塔 sì mén tǎ)One of China’s oldest stone pagodas, built in the Sui Dynasty…
From Confucian-inspired tofu to explosive wok flavors, discover the 10 must-try Shandong dishes. Local tips, cultural stories, and how to savor them like a pro! 1. Sweet & Sour Yellow River Carp (Tangcu Liyu 糖醋鲤鱼) Why Try? A culinary icon: golden-fried carp arched like a dragon, glazed with a tangy vinegar sauce (no ketchup!). Locals eat the crispy tail first for prosperity.Pro Tip: Ask for "live carp with old-style vinegar glaze" at traditional Lu cuisine restaurants in Jinan.Cultural Hook: Served at imperial banquets for centuries as a symbol of perseverance.…
When visiting Qingdao, be sure to set aside a day to explore the charming old town. With its red-tiled roofs, century-old churches, azure sea, artistic alleys and street-side cafés, every corner looks like a scene from a European art film. Catching a sunrise or sunset over the sea here is an experience so romantic it might bring tears to your eyes. Recommended Walking Route:Qingdao Railway Station → Zhongshan Road → Zhanqiao Pier → Qinyu Road → Little Qingdao Island → Xiaoyushan Hill → University Road → Miyazaki Anime Street →…
Dear travel enthusiasts, welcome to Qingdao Zhanqiao Pier, where seagulls and sunset blend into a perfect romantic spectacle. Let us explore its unique charm step by step. First Stop: The Starting Point of the PierOur journey begins at the starting point of the pier, where an antique-style pavilion stands quietly. Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, it seems to whisper tales of the past. Flocks of seagulls circle and dance around the pavilion, warmly welcoming every visitor. Second Stop: A Stroll Along the PierAs you walk along…
Nearly every Qingdao resident's photo album contains a snapshot with the iconic "Wind of May" sculpture! This striking red spiral monument is not just the soul of May Fourth Square, but also embodies a passionate chapter of history - the 1919 May Fourth Movement's rallying cry "Fight to the death, return Qingdao to us" made this square an irreplaceable symbol of the city. 【Recommended Itineraries】As the central hub of Qingdao's attractions, May Fourth Square offers two classic routes: Northern Route·Romantic Coastal Walk:May Fourth Square → Olympic Sailing Center (filled with…
"Red roofs, green trees, blue seas & skies"Where the old town meets the oceanCatch one of the most breathtaking sunsets here Quick Guide:Location: Signal Hill Park (Enter from North Gate - 10-min effortless walk to summit, no queues, gentle path)Getting there: Taxi: Drop "Signal Hill Park North Gate" Metro: Observatory Hill Station Exit D Admission: Park: Free Rotating Observatory: 10 RMB (scan QR code on-site) Hours: Park: Summer 6:00-20:30 / Winter 6:00-20:00 Observatory: Summer 8:00-19:00 / Winter 8:00-17:00 (last entry 30 mins prior) Hike time: Just 10 minutes to the top
Nestled along the shores of the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is a city where azure waves kiss golden sands, and the cinematic charm of old-world architecture blends seamlessly with modern vibrancy. Known for its European-inspired old town, crisp Tsingtao beer, and breathtaking coastal scenery, Qingdao has also emerged as a rising star in China’s film industry—earning its reputation as a city where the sea meets the silver screen.
Address: No.15 Zhejiang RoadGetting there: 10-minute walk from Qingdao Station (Exit G, Metro Line 3)
Location: Along Fushan Bay, Shinan District (Best spots: May 4th Square & Olympic Sailing Center) Highlights:The skyscrapers turn into a giant screen, playing animations, city promos, and more—lights dancing with the ocean waves. It’s got that glamorous big-city vibe, mixed with the romance of mountains meeting the sea. Totally worth soaking in! Time: Nightly 7:30–9:00 PM (often extended in summer, special themes on holidays).
Under the ancient city walls, springs flow gently.Light boats drift on the lake, rippling the spring water.This is the Jinan described by Lao She, and it's also the spring season of lush grass and singing birds. City Walk Route: Baotu Spring → Wulongtan (Five Dragons Pool) → Quancheng Square → Heihu Spring (Black Tiger Spring) → Qifeng Bridge → Qushuiting Street → Liberation Pavilion → Daming Lake
Only after visiting Jinan did I realize that it holds countless surprises and romance. Take this guide and immerse yourself in the Spring City! Attractions Overview Historical and Cultural Sites Baotu Spring: As the symbol of Jinan, the "No. 1 Spring under Heaven" lives up to its reputation. The clear spring water continuously gushes, surrounded by pavilions and towers, offering picturesque scenery at every step, as if traveling back to ancient times. Thousand Buddha Mountain: The mountain is home to numerous historical sites, and the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave gathers the essence…
My Top Three Hidden Gems for Flower Viewing in Jinan! Wulongtan (Five Dragons Pool) Recommended Viewing Time: Late March, Mid-April Late March: Cherry blossoms and crabapples bloom in succession. The crabapples are at their best during this time (if you want to see cherry blossoms, you can visit in mid-to-late March when they bloom slightly earlier). In addition to the blooming flowers, you can also enjoy the spring scenery reflected in the clear spring water, with pink flowers and green water creating a unique atmosphere. Mid-April: The purple cuckoo flowers quietly bloom at…
This is one of Jinan's most famous spots for capturing the juxtaposition of ancient and modern architecture. You can shoot from a higher vantage point or directly by the lakeside . Although Chaoran Tower is also a modern construction, rather than strictly focusing on the contrast between old and new, I prefer to emphasize the fusion of two architectural styles and urban landscapes, offering a breathtaking perspective of the city.
No wonder Shandong belongs to East China; it’s because of Jinan. The water here is clearer and more crystal-like than that of Jiangnan, truly deserving its reputation as the pinnacle of the "Little Jiangnan of the North." Such beauty in Jinan can only be rivaled by Jiangnan on a rainy day. It’s hard to imagine that in Shandong, where people hold green onions in one hand and pancakes in the other, there exists such graceful scenery. Just as Jinan gave birth to the bold and heroic Xin Qiji, who wrote,…
Introduction to Jinan Jinan, known as the "Spring City," is famous for its numerous springs, including the renowned "Seventy-Two Famous Springs." It is celebrated for its picturesque scenery, often described as "surrounded by lotus flowers on four sides, willows on three sides, with a city of mountains and half a city of lakes." As a national historical and cultural city and one of the first batch of China's outstanding tourist cities, Jinan is also one of the birthplaces of the prehistoric Longshan culture. It is a rare city that integrates…