[2024 Weifang Attraction] Travel Guide for Shihuyuan (Updated Dec)
No.3 of Best Things to Do in Weifang
Gardens
Address:
No. 49, Hujia Paifang Street, Weicheng District, Weifang City
Opening times:
Opens at 09:00-17:00(Tickets available until 16:30; admission ends at 16:30)Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
0536-8321749,0536-8356926
Discover the beauty of Shandong in Weifang, the Kite Capital: Experience history at Shihu Garden.
With its melodious songs and flute music, Weizhou is like a small Suzhou!
If you travel to Weifang, you must take this route to experience the history of Weixian.
📍Address:
Shihu Garden is located at No. 345, Hujia Paifang Street, Weicheng District, Weifang City.
🚉Transportation:
🚌Bus: Take bus No. 22, 23, 62, 82, or 150 to Shihu Garden Station.
🚗Driving: Shihu Garden is about 1 km from the Weifang Municipal Government, about a few minutes' drive. Parking nearby is not very convenient.
🎫Tickets: CNY 22 for adults
🕙Opening hours:
9:00 am–5:00 pm (ticket sales and entry close at 4:30 pm). Shihu Garden pass sales close at 3:00 pm, and Guandi Temple ticket sales close at 4:00 pm.
⏳Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours
❤Recommended reasons:
1️⃣Third batch of national key cultural relics protection units
2️⃣Shihu Garden is one of the gardens in northern China with the exquisite characteristics of Jiangnan gardens, and it also has the free style of Jiangnan gardens.
3️⃣The Gao Family Manor in the 1986 version of Journey to the West is actually a famous garden in Weicheng District, Weifang, Shandong—Shihu Garden. The filming location of the Gao Family Manor is all in the Weifang area.
Enchanted@Dreamscape^333
Hey guys, today I want to share with you the Shihu Garden in Weifang.
Hey guys, today I want to share with you the Shihu Garden in Weifang!
Walking into Shihu Garden is like stepping into an ancient and quiet world. Although it is not large, it has a delicate layout. It is truly a "small but complete" garden. The garden is complete with pavilions and towers, and the carved beams and painted buildings exude an ancient charm. Every detail bears the traces of time and the hard work of craftsmen.
Strolling along the winding corridors, you can hear the sound of gurgling water and see koi swimming freely in the water, as if a vivid picture is slowly unfolding before your eyes. The rocks on the rockery are jagged, and standing in the small pavilion on the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the garden.
There are also many cultural relics and paintings on display here, allowing us to appreciate the profound cultural heritage while enjoying the garden scenery.
Whether it is the blooming flowers in spring or the snow-covered scenery in winter, Shihu Garden has a unique beauty. If you come to Weifang, don't miss this charming place. Here, you can temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in this unique classical atmosphere.
WilliamHaugen
🪁 Weifang | Roam the Kite Capital and Discover the Ancient Charm of Shandong
Weifang, a city famous for its kites, boasts a long history, rich culture, and beautiful scenery. Today, let's explore Weifang and experience the unique charm of this city.
🪁 [Stop 1: World Kite Museum]
As the birthplace of kites, the World Kite Museum is a landmark attraction in Weifang. It not only showcases kites from around the world but also the art and history of kite-making.
🌳 [Stop 2: Shihu Garden]
Shihu Garden is a classical garden in Weifang, with towering ancient trees and winding paths. Strolling through the garden, you can almost hear the ancient poets reciting verses and feel the tranquility and elegance.
🏞️ [Stop 3: Yunmen Mountain Scenic Area]
The Yunmen Wonderland and the giant cliff carving of the character "Shou" (longevity) are breathtaking. Climbing to the top of Yunmen Mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Qingzhou city.
🎢 [Stop 4: Fuhua Amusement Park]
If you're an amusement park enthusiast, this is your paradise. Known as the "No.1 Park in Shandong," Fuhua Amusement Park offers a variety of thrilling rides for endless fun.
📸 [Stop 5: Fangzi Town]
The German-style buildings and old train station make this a great spot for taking photos.
🍢 [Stop 6: Taihua Zhongxing Commercial Street]
A food lover's paradise, this street is home to a variety of authentic snacks, such as meat pies, Chaotian pot, Xiangmancheng fried meat, crispy potatoes, and Weixian radish, offering a feast for your taste buds.
🏨 [Accommodation Recommendation]
Rezen Hotel Weifang (Kuiwen Xinhua Road) - Located in the city center, it's convenient for shopping and sightseeing. The unique Republic of China style is perfect for photos. Surrounded by large shopping malls and specialty food streets, it offers a comfortable stay and a worry-free play!
Rezen Group
Weifang! Shihu Garden | Gao Laozhuang, where Zhu Bajie went.
Weifang Shihu Garden|||Weifang Shihu Garden, also known as Ding Family Garden, was built in 1885 by Ding Shanbao, the richest man in Weixian County at the time, who bought the former residence of Hu Bangzuo, Minister of Justice during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, and converted it into a private garden. Shihu Garden is one of the gardens in northern China with the exquisite features of Jiangnan gardens. The architecture is a typical northern courtyard, but the garden's rockery and water features are similar to those of Jiangnan gardens. Shihu Garden is a third batch national key cultural relic protection unit.
A little Jiangnan in the north! This place is full of ancient charm!
The classic scene of Gao Laozhuang in the old version of Journey to the West was filmed here.
There are also kite keychains, ornaments, fridge magnets, etc., which are great for friends.
LEON HUBBARD
Qingdao to Weifang One-Hour Direct Trip: A Day Tour Guide
Weifang is not just about kites from elementary school textbooks.
The phrase 'Weizhou was once a little Suzhou' by Zheng Banqiao
has made Weifang a city as renowned as Suzhou.
As someone passionate about cultural travel,
this is my first visit to Weifang, the cultural capital of East Asia that's so close yet so far.
✅ Rich historical and cultural heritage.
✅ World heritage, national protected buildings.
✅ Round trip in one day, convenient transportation.
✅ Unique cuisine, extremely low prices.
I've discovered a treasure trove of a tourist city and have carefully summarized this guide to tell everyone.
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🪁【One-Day Tour Route in Weifang City】
Shihuyuan Garden ➠ Guandi Temple ➠ Changsong Old Store ➠ Fangzi Town ➠ Kuiwen Gate ➠ Kuiwen Pavilion ➠ Taihua
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🎪【6 Highlights of Weifang】
1⃣ Shihuyuan Garden
500 years of history, the most completely preserved Jiangnan-style garden in the north.
The cultural and creative hall gathers Weifang's intangible cultural heritage, I really liked the kites, New Year paintings, and clay sculptures.
2⃣ Guandi Temple
Built during the Song Dynasty, it is the earliest and largest ancient building in Weifang city.
There are also antique markets and street stalls nearby for leisurely browsing.
3⃣ Fangzi Town
A national key cultural relics protection unit, China's first industrial and mining town.
The filming location for the TV drama 'From South to North'.
🔹 166 German-Japanese buildings: Telegraph Building, Post Office, Coal Mine, Nun's Building, Church, School, Penang, Water Station, Luxury Villas
🔹 2060 Republic of China buildings: Wanhe Building, Liu's Old House, and other residences.
🔹 Railway industrial corridor: German-built Fangzi Railway Station, Jiaoji Railway fan-shaped garage, locomotive turntable.
🔹 Coal mine site: German-built mine shafts, coal mining tunnels, museum.
I spent 4 hours and still reluctantly did not finish exploring this historical and cultural town with a century-old texture.
Especially when passing through the railway tracks and seeing the fan-shaped garage and locomotive turntable, I was truly amazed!
⚠️ 90% of tourists miss this, you must go see it!
5⃣ Kuiwen Gate, Kuiwen Pavilion
Kuiwen Gate by the Bailang River is the southwest gate of the old Weixian East Fort.
Kuixing Tower was built inside Kuiwen Pavilion next to the city wall, echoing Weifang's historical and cultural heritage with its success.
6⃣ Taihua Pedestrian Street
Passing through Kuiwen Gate is Taihua Pedestrian Street.
As the lights come on, the street becomes extraordinarily lively, and the beautiful neon lights are like traveling through Hong Kong.
.
🍝【Cuisine】
I visited Changsong Old Store.
Weifang's number one restaurant, an authentic old store that's like traveling back in time, still retains carbon paper handwritten menus, and the portions are huge and delicious.
The prices are surprisingly low, I ordered mustard chicken, Weixian fried five-spice meat, chicken and duck harmony, Weixian spicy skin, great value for money
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❇️Tips🚙【Travel】
1⃣ High-speed rail from Qingdao to Weifang takes just one hour.
2⃣ For city tours in Weifang, since the round trip time is precious, it's more reasonable to choose ride-hailing for more time to enjoy sightseeing.
·
❤️
I've really fallen in love with Weifang
A treasure of a vacation spot for a day trip from Qingdao
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🙆♀️I am Fei Shishi, a traveler who never stops sharing
📸 Passionate about capturing the beauty of travel with my camera
❤️ Follow me 🤩
🙌 I'll provide you with more travel photo-taking and sightseeing strategies
·
3l.j@h P3r3z
Reverse Tourism | These attractions are not to be missed
Take your kids on a reverse journey, and I want to recommend to you this treasure city that can turn the sky into the ocean. It is an underrated niche travel destination, a city where intangible cultural heritage is passed down and seen by the world.
Here, we saw kites full of imagination with our kids, witnessed the craftsmanship of Chinese New Year paintings, and experienced both the comfort and fireworks of a northern small town and the charm of southern gardens. The ◎Fangzi Town, which has been made popular by travelers from the north and south, has also made the history of this mining town, which was occupied by Germany and Japan for nearly half a century, more widely known. This place is Weifang, the Kite Capital.
I'm sharing our two-day parent-child travel itinerary with you.
For sightseeing: If you only have a weekend, I suggest playing in the urban area of Weifang. Here is our route:
Day1: ◎Weifang Kite Museum - ◎Shihuyuan Garden - Shihuyuan Cultural District - ◎Kuiwen Gate (Taihua Commercial Street)
Day2: Yangjiabu Folk Culture Park - Fangzi Town - Fangzi Station - Weifang Kite Museum. You must book online in advance for the museum. The museum is not big but very exquisite, displaying the origin of kites, the craftsmanship, and even the characteristic kites from various countries. On the second floor, the cultural and creative workshop has many exquisitely made kite souvenirs that you can stamp. On the first floor, the kite workshop sells various types of kites, and you can fly kites in the square in front of the museum, which the kids love.
Shihuyuan Garden is like a southern garden in the north. Because it occupies very little space, it was metaphorically called 'ten ink slabs', hence the name 'Shihuyuan'. In the Yanshanglou building, there are authentic stele inscriptions from calligraphers and painters like Zheng Banqiao and Jin Nong, and you can experience the tea culture of 'Tang fry and Song point'.
In the Shihuyuan Cultural District, you can take your kids to see the production of New Year paintings, kites, and other intangible cultural heritages, and even experience them firsthand. There are also many snacks, Chaotian pot, and Hele are very complete. Shihuyuan has an underground parking lot, which is very convenient.
Kuiwen Gate is located in the Taihua commercial area, right opposite the food street, where you can eat various snacks, and the night view is very beautiful.
Yangjiabu Folk Culture Park, to be honest, is a bit desolate now. Some experience halls were not open when we went, but it is one of the few places that preserve and exhibit traditional handicraft intangible cultural heritage. You can see the origin and history of Chinese New Year paintings, kites, gourd crafts in the park, 50 RMB per person.
Fangzi Town, after being made popular by travelers from the north and south, has attracted a lot of people to check in. But the town and the filming location are in two different places. In the town, you can see the German-style buildings left by the German army, 'Fangzi Museum' and 'Weifang First Station Chinese Workers Memorial Hall' are worth visiting. You can see the huge contrast in the living environment of Chinese miners and the German army in the town during that era, reminding us that history should not be forgotten. If you want to take photos of the same scenes as in the TV dramas and the railway tracks, you need to navigate to Fangzi Station, but now it is not allowed to enter the station, and the train station is still in operation, so be sure to pay attention to safety when taking photos.
For food: In the urban area, I recommend the old Weixian food street, where you can eat authentic Chaotian pot and Weifang dishes. I haven't eaten the pastries from the old Weifang brand Hengshengzhai yet. In the evening, you can go to Taihua commercial street for snacks, and for breakfast, have a Weifang meat bun, recommended Wangji meat bun, thin-skinned and meaty, very delicious.
Believe me, Weifang is a treasure city worth taking your kids to visit. This year's Kite Festival is on April 20th, why not bring your kids along.
NomadNovella
Unique Kite Capital—The Cultural Heritage of Weifang
1.
🏠 Shihou Garden: Also known as Ding Family Garden. It covers an area of about 2000 square meters and is named 'Shihou Garden' because it occupies very little land, which people metaphorically describe as 'ten ink slabs'. It was built during the Ming Dynasty, with two floors, combining the characteristics of northern gardens and the features of southern gardens. The main attractions include: Sizhao Pavilion, Jiukou Bridge, Wenruzhou Pavilion, Yilan Pavilion, Shihou Thatched Cottage, Xiao Canglang Pavilion, Youlang, and Dragon Wall. The walls of Yanshanglou are inlaid with more than 90 genuine stele inscriptions of calligraphy and paintings by artists such as Zheng Banqiao and Jin Nong.
Admission: 22/person
🌸 Free Admission Policy
Children under 1.4 meters (excluding), active-duty military personnel, and seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID are admitted free of charge.
🌸 Discount Policy
Children aged 6 (excluding) to 18 (excluding) or full-time primary, secondary, and college students (student ID required for entry) can purchase discounted tickets.
2.
🏠 World Kite Museum: The first professional kite art museum in the country. There are 12 exhibition halls of various sizes, with more than 1300 kite exhibits, ranging from the 'Luban Kite' of the 5th century BC to modern kites from China and abroad. Important collections include: Dragon Head Centipede Kite, Miniature Kite, Liangshan Heroes Kite, Praying Mantis Catching Cicada Kite, etc.
🌸 Free Admission
3.
🏠 Yangjiabu Folk Art Expo Garden: Yangjiabu is one of the main production areas of the three major woodblock New Year paintings in China. The park mainly includes: New Year Painting Gallery, Kite Making Gallery, Painting Gallery, Folklore Gallery, Ancient Shops Street, Folk Siheyuan, Children's Amusement Park, and more than a dozen other attractions.
Admission: 40/person
🌸 Free Admission Policy
Children 1.2 meters (inclusive) and below, seniors aged 70 (inclusive) and above, active-duty military personnel, and medical staff with valid ID are admitted free of charge.
🌸 Discount Policy
Children between 1.2 meters (inclusive) and 1.4 meters (excluding), seniors between 60 (inclusive) and 69 (inclusive), and full-time primary, secondary, and college students with valid ID can purchase discounted tickets.
4.
🏠 Mengli Water Town Scenic Area: Dominated by Hui-style architecture, it has established a Confucian Academy, Film Museum, Ancient Han Cinema, Ancient Han Art Gallery, Zen Monastery, Tavern, Opera Stage, Wine Street, Light and Shadow Show, Tip of the Tongue Snack Street, Chuilian Tap Pool Square, and Ancient Han Homestay.
🌸 Free Admission
5.
🏠 Yuwangtai Temple: Formerly known as 'Wangtai', it was later named after the Yu Temple built on the platform. The temple houses deities such as the Jade Emperor, Hu Santaiye, and the Three Immortal Maidens, which are said to be very efficacious.
🌸 Free Admission
6.
🏠 Fuyan Mountain Scenic Area: Named Fuyan Mountain because the mist lingers and floats above the mountain. There are many cultural relics on Fuyan Mountain, including Lutai Academy, Busheng Spring, Xiuzhen View, Murong Chao's Former Residence, and Gongsun Hong's Former Residence. On the mountain, there are Fuyan Pavilion, Xijian Thatched Cottage, Yongcui Pavilion, Woyun Platform, Chaoyang View, Gongsun Hong's Tomb, Lutai Academy, and other historical sites.
Admission: 29.9/person
🌸 Free Admission Policy
Children under 1.2 meters, active (retired) military personnel, seniors over 60 years old, and disabled persons with valid ID are admitted free of charge
🌸 Discount Policy
Primary, secondary, and college students with a student ID can purchase discounted tickets.
7.
🏠 Guizhen Garden: A classical Chinese garden that integrates the styles of northern and southern gardens. The garden's landscapes include: Green Shade Hall, Deep Thousand Feet Pool, Ming Lake and North Mountain, Moonlit Smoke Morning, Orchid Boat, Moon Scooping by the Stream, Water Pavilion and Idle Clouds Wild Crane Tower, Qin Tai Villa, Peach Blossom Village, Tianxiang Courtyard, Peony Garden, Ten Li Mountain Pond, etc.
🌸 Free Admission
SebastianTurner#67
Weifang Shihu Garden | A delicate northern garden
Shihu Garden, also known as Ding Family Garden, is located at No. 49, Hujiapaifang Street, Weicheng District, Weifang City, Shandong Province, with an area of about 2000 square meters. Because it occupies very little land, it was metaphorically referred to as 'ten rulers' by people at the time, hence the name 'Shihu Garden'.
Shihu Garden is the Gao's Village in the 86 version of 'Journey to the West' and the filming location of the TV series 'Red Sorghum'. Shihu Garden in Weifang city is known as the 'Pearl of Eastern Shandong'. Shihu Garden was built in the 11th year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1885), and it was the private garden of Ding Shanbao, the richest man in Weixian. Its predecessor was the former residence of Hu Bangzuo, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment in the Ming Dynasty. Because of its small area, it was later named 'Shihu'.
The plan of Shihu Garden is rectangular, composed of three ancient architectural axes in the middle, west, and east. The central axis buildings and their courtyards are the main part of the garden. The main building in the garden, Yanxiang Tower, was built in the Ming Dynasty. It has three openings, two floors, and the walls are embedded with more than 90 authentic inscriptions of calligraphers and painters such as Zheng Banqiao and Jin Nong. It is one of the gardens in the northern region of China with the delicate characteristics of Jiangnan gardens.
In 1988, Shihu Garden was announced by the State Council as the third batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
VoyageOfDiscovery
There are really many things to do in Weifang
There are really few tourists in Weifang. In fact, Weifang itself is quite famous. The International Kite Festival and vegetables are famous throughout the country. If anyone still wants to go to Zibo for barbecue, you can consider taking a day trip to Weifang!
✅Get up in the morning and go to Wangji Roast Grill first
This store is Weifang’s city card. There are a lot of people queuing up but it’s very fast. It’s different from the ones in other places. It’s worth a try!
✅The most famous Shihu Garden that we checked in in the morning is the third batch of national key cultural heritage sites. It is a Qing Dynasty garden where northern and southern gardens coexist. It is also "Gao Laozhuang" in the CCTV version of Journey to the West
✅Then you can go to Fangci Town or Happy Beach Scenic Area
✨The town of Fangci is full of German buildings. It’s great for taking photos. You can also check in at the old train station and the Coal Mine Museum.
✨Happy Beach is a bit far away, but the sea water is good and the artificial beach is also very clean with fine white sand.
✨There is also the Bohai Eye near Happy Beach, which is the tallest shaftless Ferris wheel in the world
Both of these are free, but it is recommended to bring slippers, meals, sunscreen, chairs, etc. to Happy Beach. Many things there are extra charges.
✅Be sure to try Chaotian Hotpot at noon
I love this kind of burrito so much. It is a special snack in Weifang. The meat inside is so crispy and delicious. It looks plump but not greasy. It is completely satisfying and can be paired with some side dishes.
✅You can go to the Kite Museum or Weifang Museum in the afternoon
Just make an appointment online, it's free
Closed on Monday
✅You can eat and watch Weifang cuisine in the evening
We chose the nearby Yuanfei Weifang restaurant and asked the waiter to order some Weifang-specific dishes. The mustard chicken was amazing! The double fried pork is also good, and I chose Hele as the main dish.
✨There is a famous kite shop on this road! You can buy it as a souvenir, or you can buy it and play it on the spot. The price is very cheap, called Siping Kite Factory.
🏨The hotel we chose is La Quinta Wyndham
BenjaminThompson.28
In the center of Weifang, Shandong, there is a garden in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The area is not large. It is named Shiyan Garden, which means that it is only as large as ten seesaws. The owner of the garden is Ding Shanbao, the richest man in the county of Qing Dynasty, and is therefore also known as the "Ding Jia Garden." The garden of Shiyan Garden is connected with a large piece of Ming and Qing Dynasties in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, reflecting the culture and customs of the Wei and Ming Dynasties. The city of
Weifang was called Jixian in the Qing Dynasty. At that time, it was famous for its developed handicraft industry. It has the reputation of Southern Suzhou and Beijiao County. Zheng Banqiao, one of the eight strangers in Yangzhou, once wrote a poem in Qixian County. He wrote such a poem, "There are no lights in the three, and the city is full of flowers. The foreign songs are outside the clouds. "
quaint courtyard, the houses are mostly built with blue bricks. They have the rigorous and regular architectural style of the northern region. The alleys divide the courtyard into several courtyards.
is located at the intersection of north and south, reaching Beijing and Tianjin to the north and Suhang to the south. The style of the garden is also a combination of north and south, small and exquisite.
Shiyanyuan was originally the home of Langzhong Hubangzuo in the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. Zheng Banqiao lived here and Kang Youwei lived. In the eleventh year of the Guangxu reign of Qing Dynasty (AD 1885), Shiyanyuan was purchased by the richest man in Dingshan County, Ding Shanbao, as a private school, and was repaired. It has today's scale.