Three-Day Tour of Liaocheng

Jiangbei Water City · Ancient Canal Capital 🌟 Liaocheng, the "Jiangbei Water City" nurtured by the Grand Canal, combines the grandeur of the North with the charm of a water town. In three days, explore the ancient city, the canal, local cuisine, and culture! 📅 Itinerary Overview ✅ Day 1: Ancient City Cultural Tour ✅ Day 2: Canal Scenery + Natural Landscape ✅ Day 3: Red Memories + Return 🚗 Day 1: Exploring Liaocheng Ancient City Culture Morning: Dongchang Lake + Guangyue Tower 📍 Dongchang Lake (Free) One of the larger artificial lakes in northern China, comparable to Hangzhou’s West Lake, with boat tours available (approx. 💰30/person). 📸 Photo spots: Lake Island, Water City Pearl Grand Theater. 📍 Guangyue Tower (💰30/person) One of China’s Four Great Towers, alongside Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, offering panoramic views of the ancient city from the top. Noon: Ancient City Food Highlights 🍜 Recommended dishes: Wei’s Smoked Chicken (Liaocheng intangible cultural heritage, savory and chewy) Guata (Liaocheng specialty pancake, egg filling recommended) Linqing Eight Bowls (Old brand by the canal, must-try crispy pork and meatballs) Afternoon: Shanshan Guild Hall + Haiyuan Pavilion 📍 Shanshan Guild Hall (💰40/person) Built by Shanxi merchants in the Qing Dynasty, exquisitely carved and known as the "No.1 Guild Hall in Jiangbei." 📍 Haiyuan Pavilion (Free) Qing Dynasty library with a strong cultural atmosphere, perfect for literary youth. Evening: Night Tour of the Ancient City 🌙 Recommended activities: Take a night boat tour on Dongchang Lake, the ancient city looks stunning under the lights! Stroll through Mishi Street Night Market and try fried lotus flowers (summer only). 🌊 Day 2: Canal Scenery + Natural Landscape Morning: Linqing Canal Toll Station + Aotouji 🚗 Transport: Liaocheng → Linqing (about 1 hour by car) 📍 Linqing Canal Toll Station (💰30/person) A tax collection institution from the Ming and Qing dynasties, a living fossil of canal culture. 📍 Aotouji (Free) A landmark building of the canal, climb the tower to overlook the old canal route. Noon: Linqing Cuisine 🍲 Recommended: Linqing Shaomai (thin skin, generous filling, perfect with vinegar) Tuoban Tofu (freshly made and eaten, tender and smooth) Afternoon: Jingyang Ridge + Lion Tower 🚗 Transport: Linqing → Yanggu (about 40 minutes) 📍 Jingyang Ridge (💰60/person) The site of the Wu Song tiger-fighting story, experience the "Three Bowls Not Passing the Ridge" drinking culture. 📍 Lion Tower (💰30/person) The setting of Ximen Qing’s story in "Water Margin," showcasing ancient architecture and local culture. Evening: Return to Liaocheng City Center 🍢 Late-night snack recommendations: Tieta Night Market: barbecue, mutton soup, fried skewers, experience the lively atmosphere of Liaocheng. 🔴 Day 3: Red Memories + Return Morning: Kong Fansen Memorial Hall + Fan Zhuxian Memorial Hall 📍 Kong Fansen Memorial Hall (Free) Tribute to the "Model Aid Tibet Cadre," learn about his touching deeds. 📍 Fan Zhuxian Memorial Hall (Free) Memorial for anti-Japanese hero, ideal for patriotic education. Noon: Last Meal in Liaocheng 🥟 Recommended: Gaotang Old Tofu (silky tofu pudding + secret marinade) Yanggu Steamed Bowl (traditional steamed dish, tender and flavorful) Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping Before Departure 🛍️ Recommended specialties: Dong’e Ejiao (nourishing tonic, look for the "Dong’e" brand) Guan County Ya Pear (thin skin, juicy, best in autumn) Linqing Sanghuang Tea (health tea, great for gifting elders) 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Inside the Ancient City: Arcadia Hot Spring Hotel (five-star, near Dongchang Lake, 💰400+/night) Liaocheng Ancient City Inn (ancient style guesthouse, 💰200+/night) Convenient in the City: All Seasons Hotel (Dongchang Road Branch) (convenient transport, 💰300+/night) 🚆 Transportation Guide High-speed rail: Liaocheng Station / Liaocheng West Station (stops on Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Rail) Self-drive: Jinan → Liaocheng (about 1.5 hours), Beijing → Liaocheng (about 4 hours) Within city: Bus + taxi (attractions are concentrated, taxis are affordable) 💡 Travel Tips Best season: April to October (pleasant spring and autumn, lotus viewing in summer) Must-bring items: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes (many stone-paved roads in the ancient city) Cultural experiences: Canal boat tours, intangible cultural heritage crafts (such as Dongchang gourd carving) Liaocheng, a city steeped in canal and history, three days is enough to feel its rustic charm and vitality! 🌉 Save this guide and set off!