Another Hidden Gem in Shandong: A Fun-Filled 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

The May Day holiday is just around the corner, and Shandong's famous cities are likely to be packed with tourists. But don't worry, Shandong also has quiet and less-crowded destinations, such as Jining. This city boasts a rich history and culture. The Grand Canal area in the city center resembles the moat in Jinan, exuding a unique charm. Moreover, Jining's districts and counties are well-connected by frequent intercity buses, providing great convenience for tourists. Here's a fantastic 4-day, 3-night itinerary for you. 4-Day Itinerary D1: Yanzhou Station—Xinglong Cultural Park—Yanzhou Museum—Catholic Church—Zoucheng Station—Tombs of the Ming Prince of Lu—Zoucheng Museum—Mencius Temple and Mansion—Hujiashan Mountain Start your journey at Yanzhou Station. First, immerse yourself in the unique cultural atmosphere of Xinglong Cultural Park, then delve into history at the Yanzhou Museum. Afterwards, visit the Catholic Church. Upon arriving at Zoucheng Station, explore the magnificent Tombs of the Ming Prince of Lu, with its impressive underground palace (many artifacts from the tomb are now well-preserved in the Shandong Provincial Museum). Next, visit the Zoucheng Museum, and finally, experience the charm of Confucian culture at the Mencius Temple and Mansion. Conclude your fulfilling day by enjoying the natural scenery at Hujiashan Mountain. D2: Xiaowangzhuang Tombs—Pan Family Mansion—Jining Museum (Old Building)—Taibai Tower—Grand Canal Area—Dongda Temple—Jining Museum (New Building)—Jining Art Museum—Taibai Lake Begin your second day exploring the historical Xiaowangzhuang Tombs, followed by a visit to the Pan Family Mansion. Then, head to the old building of the Jining Museum, and ascend Taibai Tower to experience the poetic grandeur. Stroll along the Grand Canal area, which resembles Jinan's moat, and admire the scenery along the banks. Next, visit the Dongda Temple to appreciate the beauty of religious architecture. In the afternoon, explore the new building of the Jining Museum (a highly recommended museum in Shandong, where you can easily spend half a day). Afterwards, cultivate your artistic sensibilities at the Jining Art Museum, and in the evening, enjoy the beautiful night view of Taibai Lake. D3: Dushan Island—Houshiying Village—Canal City Gate Tower—Grand Canal Area Night View—Ruima Hotel In the morning, set off for Dushan Island, known as the "sea" of Jining. It offers a seaside ambiance and is a popular leisure destination for locals. Next, experience rural life at Houshiying Village, and then climb the Canal City Gate Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, revisit the Grand Canal area to admire the dazzling night view, which is quite different from the daytime scenery. Finally, head to the Ruima Hotel. D4: Wenshang Baoxiang Palace—Baoxiang Temple—Zhongdu Museum On your last day, visit the Wenshang Baoxiang Palace, a place with an exotic atmosphere. If you missed Xinglong Cultural Park, you can experience a unique and awe-inspiring ambiance here. Then, visit Baoxiang Temple, and finally, conclude your Jining trip with a visit to the Zhongdu Museum. Travel Tips 1. Getting to Dushan Island: If you choose to take the bus to Dushan Island, navigate to Dongdan Village. From there, it's a short walk to the causeway. 2. Flexible Itinerary: In addition to the 5 recommended highlights, you can arrange other attractions based on your time and interests. This itinerary doesn't include Qufu. If you wish to visit Qufu, it's recommended to allocate an extra day. 3. Food and Accommodation: Jining offers a diverse culinary scene. Don't miss local specialties like Jining pancakes and clay pot braised pork with rice. For accommodation, it's recommended to stay near Taibai Tower for convenient transportation. This itinerary is perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path travel in Shandong, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing holiday.