Zaozhuang → Weifang | A 4-Hour Drive to a Cherry Blossom Feast

🌸【Zaozhuang → Weifang | A 4-Hour Drive to a Cherry Blossom Feast】🌸 📍Location: Weifang Botanical Garden (Navigate to the "North Gate" directly to the core cherry blossom area) ⏰Best cherry blossom viewing period: Late April (Currently, the double-flowered late cherry blossoms are in full bloom, as pink as clouds, perfect for photos) 🌟 Immersive Experience Guide 1️⃣ Cherry Blossom Wonderland Photography Guide • Sakura Terrace: After entering the North Gate, go straight, turn right around the roundabout, go through "Mountain Wild Starry Sky," turn right at the first intersection, then turn left and right to arrive. There are dense weeping cherry trees here, and when the petals fall, it's like a fairy tale scene. • Yingtang Garden: The core cherry blossom viewing area in the garden, where early and late cherry blossoms bloom alternately, complemented by classical pavilions and towers, suitable for Hanfu or JK style outfits. • Tulip Sea: Next to Yingtang Garden, there is a large area of red and yellow tulips, which, when framed with cherry blossoms, instantly transform you into a picturesque maiden. • Photography Tips: ✅ Soft light in the early morning (7:30-9:00) or evening (16:00-18:00), backlit shots make hair glow. ✅ Light pink/white dress + straw hat, creating a fresh contrast with the cherry blossoms. ✅ Shoot from a low angle, avoid crowds, and focus on flower clusters and the sky. 2️⃣ Picnic and Camping Guide • Treasure Lawn: The large lawn at the west gate entrance, backed by a cherry blossom forest, is perfect for spreading out a picnic mat and enjoying afternoon tea. • Equipment Suggestions: Portable folding chairs, insulated box (for cold drinks and fruit), Bluetooth speaker, bubble machine (a photo-taking artifact). • Precautions: Barbecuing is prohibited in the park, please take your trash with you, and protect the ecological environment. 3️⃣ Hidden Gems • Boat Tour: There is a lake in the botanical garden where you can rent an electric boat (CNY 50/30 min) and enjoy the reflection of cherry blossoms from the water. • Plant Science: The greenhouse has tropical plants, suitable for taking children to learn about exotic flowers and plants. • Kite Experience: The Kite Music Festival opens on April 19. You can bring a kite in advance and fly it on the lawn to experience the atmosphere of the "World Kite Capital." 🚗 Zaozhuang → Weifang Self-Driving Complete Guide 1️⃣ Route Planning • Recommended Route: Zaozhuang → Jingtai Expressway → Jiwei Expressway → Rongwei Expressway → Weifang Botanical Garden (approx. 388 km, 4.5 hrs). • Alternative Route: Jingtai Expressway → Qingyin Expressway (approx. 417 km, 4.8 hrs, suitable for avoiding construction sections on the Jiwei Expressway). 2️⃣ Cost Breakdown • Fuel: approx. CNY 233 (gasoline car)/CNY 77 (new energy vehicle). • Expressway Toll: approx. CNY 190. • Total Cost: CNY 423 (gasoline car)/CNY 267 (new energy vehicle). 🍜 Foodie Delights: Must-Try Weifang Specialties 1️⃣ Breakfast (Before departing from Zaozhuang) • Zaozhuang Vegetable Pancakes: Recommended "Lao Taierzhuang Vegetable Pancakes," crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with millet porridge. • Mutton Soup: "Bai San Mutton Soup Restaurant's" whole lamb soup, served with fried dough sticks, is super satisfying. 2️⃣ Lunch (Weifang City) • Lao Weixian Meat Fire Shao: Crispy crust, juicy filling, recommended "Chenghuang Temple Fire Shao." • Chicken and Duck Hele: Hele noodles in Kuiwen District's "Lao Weixian Food Street," paired with sweet garlic and chili oil. 3️⃣ Afternoon Tea • "Flower Room Coffee" in the Botanical Garden: Sit in the glass room, enjoy the flowers and coffee, recommended Sakura Latte. 4️⃣ Dinner (Before returning) 📌 Practical Tips • Tickets: Free admission, no reservation required. • Time: Open all day, year-round, recommended visiting time 4-6 hrs. • Attire: Light-colored clothing + comfortable shoes (the park is large and requires walking). • Equipment: Sunscreen, power bank, mosquito repellent (more mosquitoes by the lake). • Avoid Peak Hours: High traffic after 10:00 am on weekends, it is recommended to arrive early or after 3:00 pm.