The only ancient city in China that's immersed in water

Hey everyone! Today, I'm recommending a treasure city that's perfect for budget-friendly short trips: Liaocheng, Shandong! Not only does it have stunning scenery, but it's also inexpensive, making it ideal for travelers on a budget. Liaocheng is a treasure city that's severely underrated. Known as the "Venice of Northern China," it's the only ancient city in China that's immersed in water. 📍Itinerary Day 1: Dongchang Lake and the Ancient City Wall • Morning: After arriving in Liaocheng, head to Dongchang Lake, the largest urban lake in northern China, about 4–5 times the size of Daming Lake in Jinan and twice the storage capacity of West Lake in Hangzhou. Stroll along the lake, admire the scenery, and experience the unique charm of this northern water city. • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant and savor Liaocheng's local delicacies, such as Weishi Smoked Chicken. • Afternoon: Visit the ancient city wall of Liaocheng, which was built in the Northern Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It's a rare square-shaped ancient city on the water in northern China. You can climb the ancient city wall and enjoy a panoramic view of Dongchang Lake and the ancient city. • Evening: Stroll around the ancient city and experience its tranquility and beauty. Day 2: Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall and Guangyue Tower • Morning: Head to the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, one of China's top ten famous buildings, known for its exquisite architecture and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can admire the superb skills of ancient architecture. • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the guild hall. • Afternoon: Visit Guangyue Tower, one of China's top ten famous buildings, on par with Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower. You can climb Guangyue Tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city. • Evening: Return to your hotel and rest. Day 3: Museum and Food Tour • Morning: Visit the Liaocheng Museum to learn about the history and culture of Liaocheng. • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the museum. • Afternoon: Head to Shazhen to sample local snacks, such as Shazhen Guada. • Evening: End your pleasant trip and return to your cozy home. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations • City Hotels: There are many budget-friendly hotels in Liaocheng, with prices averaging around CNY 100 per person. • Homestays: If you'd like to experience the local life, you can choose to stay in a Liaocheng homestay, which are reasonably priced. 🍲Food Recommendations • Weishi Smoked Chicken: A traditional Liaocheng delicacy, known for its unique production process and flavor. • Shazhen Guada: A fried pie with filling, created in the Qing Dynasty, with a particularly good taste. • Gaotang Donkey Meat: Gaotang donkey meat is very famous in Liaocheng, with tender meat that doesn't fall apart easily and a delicious taste. 🎯Useful Tips • Transportation: Liaocheng has a high-speed train station. The fastest high-speed train from Shanghai to Liaocheng West Station takes 3 hours. You can take a bus or taxi for transportation within the city. • Best time to travel: April to May, when the weather is warm and the scenery is at its best. • Note: The attractions in Liaocheng are scattered, so it's recommended to drive there, which will give you more freedom to arrange your itinerary. Hey everyone, Liaocheng is truly a treasure travel destination, with both natural beauty and a rich cultural experience, and it's inexpensive, making it perfect for budget-friendly short trips. Save this guide and start your Liaocheng journey! 🎉