[2025 Liaocheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Dongchang Lake (Updated May)

Appreciate this northern water city with "a city in the lake, a lake in the city, and a river integrated with the city and lake". 1. The largest urban lake in northern China - Dongchang Lake. "In the south, there is the beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou, and in the north, there is the fragrance of rouge in Liaocheng. It refers to the largest urban lake in the north - Dongchang Lake. This lake was formed as a moat during the Song Dynasty, and later the water from the Grand Canal and the Yellow River was introduced, forming the current lake surface. It is the largest urban lake in the north." Dongchang Lake covers an area of 6.3 square kilometers, comparable to West Lake, and is five times larger than Daming Lake in the provincial capital of Jinan. I took a boat ride at night and enjoyed the view of the ancient city decorated with lights, as well as the reflection of bridge-shaped towers in the lake. It was really pleasant. In the center of Dongchang Lake lies the ancient city of Liaocheng, which has a history of thousands of years. It is square-shaped with each side measuring 1 kilometer, resembling a chessboard. With the Ming Dynasty's Guangyue Tower as the center, the streets and alleys around it are clearly defined. The ancient city is also known as the "microblogging capital," with miniature museums scattered throughout, becoming a concentrated display of Liaocheng's splendid culture. On both sides of the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, streets and alleys are arranged, and various shops and residences are built along the slopes and the river. Walking in the ancient city, you will see small and large stone-paved docks, towering ancient locust trees, as well as Song Dynasty iron towers, Ming Dynasty Guangyue Tower, Qing Dynasty Shanxi Guild Hall, and traditional folk art performances. All of these allow people to experience the prosperity and glory of the canal city in the past. 2. Guangyue Tower, which Emperor Qianlong climbed six times. The highest building in the ancient city is Guangyue Tower, which is also the center of the ancient city. It is surprising that this tower is as famous as the Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, and enjoys the reputation of "although the Yellow Crane and Yueyang should also pay homage". Many literati and scholars have climbed the tower to compose poems and essays, reflecting on the past and present. Among them, Emperor Kangxi climbed the tower four times, while Emperor Qianlong climbed it six times and wrote 13 poems about it. However, none of them became famous, and they did not add much to the glory of Guangyue Tower. 3. The Shanxi-Shaanxi Association Hall, which was built in 1966. Another national treasure in the ancient city is the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, located on the west bank of the canal in the east gate of the ancient city. It is a combination of a temple and a guild hall built by merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi. The entire clubhouse cost over 60,000 taels of silver and took 66 years to build. The stone used in the clubhouse was transported from Shanxi and Shaanxi. To this day, the building of the clubhouse remains well-preserved, with exquisite carvings and paintings inside. Listen to opera and drink tea here, spend a leisurely afternoon. I wonder if the wealthy merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi back then did the same, discussing big business deals while enjoying opera and tea, feeling so at ease. 4. Endless memories of Chatian cuisine. In addition, the food in Liaocheng is also particularly rich. It's worth coming here just for the food. There is a kind of food in Liaocheng called "Guada", which sounds very special. It is named after the sound "Guada" made during its production. Another interesting dish is Wu Dalang's pancake and Pan Jinlian's black-hearted pickles. When eating, use Wu Dalang's pancake to sandwich the pickles and enjoy the crispy and golden Wu Dalang's pancake with the fragrant and soft Pan Jinlian's pickles. It is nutritious and leaves a lingering aftertaste. Perhaps this is the best expression of love between Wu Dalang and Pan Jinlian. The delicious food in Liaocheng and the "Four Fruits Butterfly" of the Grand Canal: Misandao, Jujube Sand Pastry, Green Bean Cake, and Pepper Salt Pastry. The Grand Canal Banquet includes four dishes: Dongchang Iron Rooster, One-Dollar Smoked Fish, Fried Dongchang Lake Shrimp, and Nanlian Pond Ten-Hole Lotus Root. Other famous dishes include Fan Huaimeng's roasted pigeon, Guanxian crispy lamb, Qixing Juyi pot roasted chicken, Ejiao Baobao snow pear, steamed Yellow River carp, hollow glass ball meatballs, Linqing Shixiang noodles, Dongchang sweet foam, and so on. Each dish is unforgettable.

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! 🎉

📍Detailed Address: • Dongchang Lake: No. 2 Hubin Road, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. • Liaocheng Ferris Wheel Happy City: Intersection of Hunan Road and Nanguan Street, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City. • Wan Garden: Yinhe Road, Linqing City, Liaocheng, Shandong Province. • Liaocheng Water Ancient City: No. 2 Lounan Street, Gulou Street, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. • Liaocheng Park: East side of the intersection of Huayuan South Road and Yuxin Street, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. • Liaocheng Zoo: Binhe Road, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. 🚗Transportation Guide: • By Air: Choose Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport as your arrival point, airport shuttles are available to Liaocheng. • By Train: Liaocheng Station and Liaocheng West Station are the two main railway passenger stations. • By Long-distance Bus: Liaocheng has multiple long-distance bus stations, buses are economical. • Self-driving: About 1.5 hours from Jinan, about 2 hours from Dezhou. • City Transportation: Public buses, taxis, shared bicycles/electric vehicles. 🕙Opening Hours: • Dongchang Lake: Open all day. • Liaocheng Ferris Wheel Happy City: 08:30-21:00. • Wan Garden: 08:30-17:30. • Liaocheng Water Ancient City: 09:30-17:30. • Liaocheng Park: Open 24 hours. • Liaocheng Zoo: 08:30-17:30 (last entry at 17:00). 💰Ticket Prices: • Dongchang Lake: Free admission, some attractions within the scenic area charge separately. • Liaocheng Ferris Wheel Happy City: Specific ticket prices not provided, recommend inquiring on-site. • Wan Garden: Specific ticket prices not provided, recommend inquiring on-site. • Liaocheng Water Ancient City: Specific ticket prices not provided, recommend inquiring on-site. • Liaocheng Park: Free camping. • Liaocheng Zoo: Specific ticket prices not provided, recommend inquiring on-site. 🌟Highlights: • Dongchang Lake: Known as the "Water City North of the Yangtze," the lake is vast and scenic, perfect for walking, cycling, or boat tours. Nearby ancient city walls and Guangyue Tower offer a taste of historical culture. • Liaocheng Ferris Wheel Happy City: The largest Ferris wheel in Liaocheng, the world's first urban landmark combining architecture and a Ferris wheel, a romantic spot for couples and families. • Wan Garden: A classical garden complex in Southern Chinese style, featuring pavilions, bridges, streams, rockeries, and ponds, exquisitely designed and a perfect place to appreciate classical garden beauty. • Liaocheng Water Ancient City: Centered around Guangyue Tower with four main streets extending in all directions, the ancient city is rich in traditional charm. Walking through the old city allows you to feel the weight of history and cultural heritage. • Liaocheng Park: Open 24 hours, ideal for leisure walks and a great place for locals and tourists to relax. • Liaocheng Zoo: Perfect for family trips, with diverse animals and plants, allowing children to get close to nature and expand their knowledge. 📌Tips: • Best Travel Season: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. • Accommodation Recommendations: Choose lakeside hotels near Dongchang Lake for convenient access to the lake and ancient city; city center has more hotel options with convenient transportation for business or leisure travelers. • Food Recommendations: Liaocheng Guada, Horseshoe Baked Flatbread, Smoked Chicken, Gaotang Donkey Meat, etc. - each bite offers the authentic taste of Liaocheng, not to be missed. • Transportation Options: Choose suitable transportation based on your starting point; city transportation is convenient with options including buses, taxis, shared bicycles/electric vehicles.

🌞【First Impressions of Liaocheng】 Liaocheng in May is like a marshmallow softened by the sun🍬, gentle and lazy~ This "Water City of North China" is located on the Luxi Plain, with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal running through it. The scenery is even more captivating than Jiangnan! The old town features stone-paved roads and red lanterns🏮, while the new town hides amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurants among its high-rise buildings, a charming contrast. 🚣♀️【3 Days and 2 Nights: Detailed Itinerary】 ​​Day 1: Slow Living in the Water City​​ 🌅Morning: Head straight to Dongchang Lake! It's free🆓! Rent a small boat (60 yuan/hour) and drift on the lake, watching the reflection of the ancient city walls shatter into golden flakes. 🍜Noon: By the lake, at the Damatou Stewed Fish Restaurant, enjoy carp stewed in a wood-fired stove, served with cornbread. The soup is so thick it coats the spoon! 🌇Evening: Take a night tour of the China Water Ancient City. The light illuminates the blue bricks and gray tiles, transporting you back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Don't forget to buy an "old popsicle" (2 yuan) to enjoy as you stroll. ​​Day 2: History Exploration Mode​​ 🌅Morning: Climb Guangyue Tower (30 yuan entrance fee)! Overlooking the entire city, you'll feel like an "ancient CEO." 🍜Noon: At Shazhen Yangjia Guada, try the mutton guada (8 yuan). It's crispy, crumbly, and bursting with meaty aroma! 🌇Evening: Visit the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall (30 yuan entrance fee) to witness the "opulence" of Shanxi merchants. The gold lacquer on the wood carvings is still dazzling! ​​Day 3: Artsy and Fresh​​ 🌅Morning: Fenghuangyuan Botanical Garden is free🆓! Take photos by the rose flower wall📷 for a natural soft-focus filter effect. 🍜Noon: At Yanggu Buddai Chicken, enjoy a whole chicken stuffed with eight treasures. The aroma when it's cut open is so tempting it made the kid at the next table cry! 🌇Evening: At the Ferris Wheel Happy World, ride the Ferris wheel (50 yuan) and watch the city lights twinkle like scattered stars✨. 🏯【Must-See Checklist】 1️⃣ ​​Dongchang Lake Boat Tour​​ ⏰Open all day｜The island in the center of the lake is perfect for picnics. Remember to bring a picnic blanket for stunning photos! 2️⃣ ​​Shazhen Yangjia Guada​​ ⏰5:30-13:00｜The queue of uncles and aunties in the early morning is a testament to its popularity! One bite, and you'll be hooked on the blend of oil and onion flavors. 3️⃣ ​​China Water Ancient City Night View​​ ⏰18:00-22:00｜The moment the lanterns light up, it transforms into a scene from "A Dream of Splendor"! Perfect for those in Hanfu! 4️⃣ ​​Yanggu Jingyanggang​​ ⏰8:30-17:00｜The place where Wu Song fought the tiger! You can actually drink rice wine at the "Three Bowls But Not Over the Ridge" tavern🍶 in the scenic area. 5️⃣ ​​Linqing Grand Canal Chaoguan​​ ⏰9:00-17:00｜The ancient tax bureau! Touch the bronze weights and experience the joy of "weighing silver." 🏨【Stay by the Water】 🌟Liaocheng Arcadia International Hot Spring Hotel ✅Recommended reason: The rooms offer lake views! It has its own hot spring♨️. After a day of exploring, soak in a rose bath and melt your stress away. 🚌【Transportation Tips】 👍Great experience: Rent an electric scooter🛵 in the ancient city (30 yuan/day). It's super convenient for navigating the alleys and finding delicious food! 😭Painful experience: Bus K2 during the morning rush hour is packed like sardines... Take a taxi instead (the starting price of 6 yuan is a steal)! 🍜【Foodie Radar Activated】 1️⃣ ​​Wei's Smoked Chicken​​｜Dark, shiny, and oily, it gets more flavorful with every chew. Pair it with beer🍺 for an amazing experience! 2️⃣ ​​Eight Treasure Buddai Chicken​​｜The chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice and lotus seeds, absorbing the soup until it's sticky and delicious! 3️⃣ ​​Shazhen Guada​​｜100 times crispier than rou jia mo! One serving in the morning will keep you full until afternoon. 4️⃣ ​​Linqing Tuoban Tofu​​｜Hot tofu trembling as it slides into your mouth, exploding with bean flavor! 5️⃣ ​​Gaotang Old Tofu​​｜Drizzled with sesame paste and chili oil, it's a slippery and soul-satisfying treat! 💰【Budget Alert】 Accommodation 600+ meals 300+ tickets 200+ transportation 100≈1200 yuan/person (Student IDs get half-price tickets! The money saved is enough for three smoked chickens🐔) 💡【Survival Tips】 ①The midday sun in May is scorching! Sunscreen and a straw hat👒 are essential. ②Wear sneakers for the stone-paved roads in the old town! High heels will make you cry😭. ③Go early for guada! There's nothing left in the afternoon. 🌿May in Liaocheng is a time for leisurely boating and enjoying skewers, a time for admiring the roses peeking out from the ancient city walls. Even the wind carries the gentle caress of the water🌊. So, want to be a "Water City Loafer" for a day?

#discoverchina Shandong’s water towns, notably Tai’erzhuang and Liaocheng, offer a captivating blend of history and scenic beauty. Tai’erzhuang, once a bustling hub on the Grand Canal, showcases restored Ming and Qing architecture, intricate stone carvings, and vibrant cultural performances. Despite wartime devastation, the town has been meticulously rebuilt, preserving 95% of its original road and water systems . Liaocheng, encircled by rivers and lakes, features the ancient Dongchang Lake and the historic Guangyue Pavilion, standing since 1374 . These towns provide a serene escape, reflecting China’s rich heritage and the enduring allure of its waterways.   

📸 Exploring Liaocheng: A Picture-Perfect Getaway During our visit to Liaocheng, we explored some breathtaking spots that are perfect for photography. From ancient waterways to historic landmarks, this city offers plenty of scenic locations to capture. If you’re planning a trip, here are three must-visit places for unforgettable shots! 🌊 Dongchang Lake Scenic Area We visited Dongchang Lake, the largest lake in northern China’s plains, and it was absolutely stunning. The combination of crystal-clear water, ancient city walls, and traditional-style bridges made every corner photogenic. The best time to take pictures is during sunrise or sunset when the soft golden light reflects beautifully on the lake’s surface. I would highly recommend this spot for anyone who loves capturing serene waterscapes! 📍 Address: Dongchang Lake Scenic Area, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province 🏯 Guangyue Tower We explored Guangyue Tower, one of the best-preserved ancient towers in China, and it was like stepping back in time. The intricate wooden architecture, red lanterns, and panoramic views from the top make it a dream location for photographers. The best time to visit is in the morning when the lighting highlights the tower’s details, or in the evening when it’s beautifully illuminated. If you enjoy historical and architectural photography, I would definitely recommend visiting! 📍 Address: No. 1 Guangyue Road, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province 🌿 The Water City Gate A trip to Liaocheng wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Water City Gate, an iconic landmark where the old city wall meets the canal. We loved capturing the reflections of the stone gates on the water, creating a perfect blend of history and nature. The best time for photography is late afternoon, when the warm sunlight casts beautiful shadows on the ancient walls. I would highly recommend this spot for those looking for unique and timeless shots! 📍 Address: Water City Scenic Area, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province Each of these locations offers a unique and beautiful side of Liaocheng, making it a fantastic destination for photography lovers. We highly recommend visiting these spots for an unforgettable experience! 📷✨ #discoverchina #travel #Vacation

Liaocheng is known as the Water City of Jiangbei ✅Liaocheng Water Ancient City is located in the center of Liaocheng City, surrounded by water and Dongchang Lake, hence the name "Water Ancient City". ✅The ancient city of Liaocheng was built in the Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,000 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the ancient city was an important commercial and cultural center along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and was once prosperous. ✅Main attractions: Guangyue Tower Dongchang Lake Shanxi and Shaanxi Guild Hall Haiyuan Pavilion ✅There are many traditional handicrafts and special snacks in the ancient city, such as Dongchang gourd carvings, Liaocheng smoked chicken, etc. ✅It’s still very pleasant to visit the city in the off-season, climb high and see far, and take pictures all at once. ✅ Reserve 2-3 hours

- Location: Located in the western part of Shandong, bordering Jinan and Tai'an to the southeast, bordering Henan Province to the south, bordering Handan and Xingtai to the west, bordering Dezhou to the north and northeast. - Origin of the name: Due to the abundant water resources in the city, there is Dongchang Lake, the largest urban lake in northern China. The Grand Canal, Tuhai River, and more than 30 other rivers and streams run through the city, forming a unique landscape of "city within a lake, lake within a city, city and lake as one." Therefore, it is called "Jiangbei Water City." - Historical evolution: Liaocheng has a history of more than 5,000 years. It was an important city-state of the Qi state during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Grand Canal was well-developed, and it was known as "the throat of the canal, the elbow of the capital, and a metropolis in Jiangbei." - Cultural heritage: It is a national historical and cultural city. The Yellow River culture and the Grand Canal culture are intertwined here. There are more than 400 cultural relics and historical sites in the city. Six heritage sites and two sections of the river are included in the World Cultural Heritage List of the Grand Canal. - Dongchang Lake: A national 4A-level scenic area with a total area of 5 square kilometers. You can take a boat to enjoy the scenery and experience the charm of the water city. - Water area: Located in the central urban area of Liaocheng, it consists of 10 lake areas and 20 water surfaces, with a total area of 6.3 square kilometers and a coastline of 16 kilometers. - Historical origin: It was built in the third year of the Xining era of the Northern Song Dynasty, and it was built on the basis of the original moat. - Water quality characteristics: The water source is the Yellow River. The water depth is 3-5 meters all year round. The lake water is clear and there is no industrial pollution. - Natural landscape: The lake water is clear and green, with sparkling waves, and the lake and sky are connected. The coastline is winding, the vegetation is rich, and it presents a unique landscape of "city within a lake, lake within a city, city and lake as one." - Cultural heritage: The ancient Grand Canal runs through the scenic area. Guangyue Tower, Iron Tower, and Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall are located on the lake. "Water Margin" and "Liaozhai" are historical and literary masterpieces with historical origins. - Culinary specialties: - Guada: With a history of more than 200 years, the dough is a mixture of scalded and dead dough, and the fillings include meat, vegetarian, and wind-stirred snow. It is fried until golden on both sides, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and not greasy. - Wei's smoked chicken: Originated in the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, using high-quality fat and tender live chicken, marinated in old soup and then smoked with sawdust, with a dark red color, tight skin and tendons, and a strong aroma. - Dong'a Yellow River carp: Dong'a carp, the "hometown of Yellow River carp" in Dong'a, has a slender body and is rich in nutrients. Sweet and sour Yellow River carp is a representative method, with beautiful shape, moderate acidity and sweetness, and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. - Gaotang donkey meat: Donkey bone broth, simmered with various spices, with a sauce-red color, not scattered, refreshing and palatable, can be used as an appetizer or served with fire-roasted meat. - Guanxian crispy meat: Mainly made of mutton and pork, marinated and then fried with batter. It can be eaten dry or stewed in soup, sprinkled with coriander and chili oil, fragrant and crispy. - Linqing ten-flavor noodles: Noodles are hand-rolled, with more than 10 kinds of ingredients and side dishes, and then served with pickled vegetables, fermented bean curd, and tomato and egg sauce, meat sauce. After stirring evenly, the taste is rich.

Dongchang Lake in Liaocheng is worth a visit Choose a small city that is not popular and spend a leisurely day there. It is very pleasant! Take a cruise on Dongchang Lake to enjoy the ancient city on the lake, pass through the 21-hole bridge, and look at the Ferris wheel in the distance. After disembarking, walk to Guangyue Tower in the center of the ancient city. It is divided into four ancient streets, all of which are small shops, stalls, and various snacks. Then I came to Liaocheng Iron Pagoda, which is shorter than I imagined. The night view of Dongchang Lake is also very beautiful. I saw the Ferris wheel up close, and it was beautiful. Finally, I came to Phoenix Garden. It is really comfortable and suitable for taking photos and walking with children. It would be more beautiful if it were the flower season. My trip to Liaocheng ended with exhaustion and happiness. As for the food, I didn't eat my favorite Shazhen Yangjia Guada and Sanjiao Huoshao, which were not delicious.

The following is a detailed guide to Liaocheng Dongchang Lake: • 1. Overview of the scenic area • Location and transportation: Dongchang Lake is located at No. 2 Hubin Road, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. It can be reached by taking buses No. 2, 3, and 6 in the city. The transportation is very convenient. • Opening hours: Dongchang Lake is open 24 hours a day, but it is recommended to visit during the day to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. • Ticket information: Tickets to Dongchang Lake are free, but some recreational facilities in the scenic area require additional payment. • 2. Recommended attractions • Lake Island: The island is picturesque and a great place to take photos. • Guangyue Tower: As a landmark building in Liaocheng, Guangyue Tower has a long history and is majestic. The ticket price is 30 yuan. • Shanxi and Shaanxi Guild Hall: The guild hall has exquisite architecture and profound cultural heritage. The ticket price is 30 yuan. • 3. Food Recommendations • Fried Lake Shrimp: Freshly caught lake shrimp are simply seasoned and fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, retaining the freshness of the shrimp. • Braised silver carp: Silver carp is one of the specialties of Dongchang Lake. It can be cooked into a dish with bright red color and rich flavor, which will make people linger on the aftertaste. • IV. Accommodation recommendations • Liaocheng Haiyuange Hotel: less than 100 meters away from Dongchang Lake, a 1-minute walk away, with many attractions around, making travel worry-free. • Liaocheng Minglou Hotel: About 650 meters away from Dongchang Lake, a 9-minute walk away, it is also located in the Dongchang Lake business district, enjoying a convenient life.

|Healing B&B is right outside Dongchang Lake. ✨A B&B integrating a tea house ✨ book bar ✨ restaurant ✅Located by Dongchang Lake Do you know how it feels to be able to enjoy the view of the lake from your room? The wooden style design, the room comes with a large window and it is super photogenic when you take photos. ✅The corridor rest area also has a reading corner. Food and coffee are provided in the store. Whether you are traveling or gathering with friends, you can really feel relaxed here. ✅The design of the loft also has a bathtub. It is no problem for 4 people to stay and it is very convenient for travel. Only 10 minutes walk to Dongguan Street Store name: Buhua B&B ✅Location: Gulou East City Wall Road

Nowadays, Mishijie has been transformed into a homestay, restaurant, flower shop, tea house, pub, escape room, etc. Some old residents still live here, making it a commercial and lively place. Walking on the bluestone slabs, you can reminisce about the past and enjoy the present. Mishijie is located in Gulou Street, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng. It is less than 1 km from south to north and was once the main road connecting the canal wharf and the city. It is very close to the ancient city on the water, and you can reach it by crossing the bridge. There is an alley in the middle of the street that leads directly to the Shanxi and Shaanxi Guild Hall. It is said that from the Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China, there were many grain shops here, ranging from large grain shops and warehouses to small grain shops and pavilions. There were dozens of them at their peak. They were bought and sold every day, and the transactions were busy. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, powder metallurgy factories, shoe factories, furniture factories, and other units were set up in Mishijie.

Water City, Ancient Canal Capital--Liaocheng Basically, I spent a whole day exploring around Dongchang Lake. It was a bit tiring on the legs as I walked nearly eighteen kilometers. I forgot to bring sunscreen gloves, and with the sweating and makeup coming off, I felt like I got quite tanned. But with such beautiful scenery along the way, I was still very happy. I crossed Dongchang Lake and stayed by the lakeside for a long time, enjoying the breeze and taking many photos. It was very comfortable, and I really liked the feeling. When entering the city gate, I saw an old man trying to lift his bicycle over a stone step, so I went up to help him. He ended up telling me a secret remedy for headaches. Along the way, I passed Liaoxing City and the Fu Sinian Exhibition Hall, and finally arrived at the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, the largest existing guild hall, with exquisite carvings that witness the commercial prosperity of Liaocheng. Huguo Longxing Temple and the Iron Pagoda are very close to each other. Every time I visit a Buddhist temple, I always pray devoutly. Mishi Street is a popular street transformed from a factory area, but when I went there at noon, it was already closed, so I couldn't see inside the factory. Near Liming Street, there are many malls and snacks, presenting a completely different urban appearance compared to the Dongchang Lake scenic area. I walked all the way to the authentic Wanda Plaza and encountered a TFboys fan club event. Finally, I arrived at the Canal Museum. Visiting museums is a must in every city, as it is the best way to understand the history and culture of the city. Here, I saw many exquisite cultural and creative products and calligraphy works. I also happened to meet a group of elementary school volunteer guides. A little boy spoke eloquently, and later a girl taller than me explained part of the exhibition hall to me. I have to say, the younger generation is really impressive. After a hot and tiring day, I felt fulfilled and happy. Reading thousands of books still requires traveling thousands of miles, and I am always on the road.

This time, we focus on Liaocheng, Shandong! :From Beijing to Liaocheng, you can choose between a bullet train and a high-speed train. The one-way trip takes about two and a half to three and a half hours. You can watch some shows or read a book along the way, and you'll arrive quickly. :Liaocheng's attractions are mainly centered around the ancient water city. The entire ancient city spans 500 meters from the central Guangyue Tower to the city gates on all sides, surrounded by Dongchang Lake. There are also some attractions on the periphery, which are easily accessible by walking or riding a small electric scooter. :Ferris Wheel -> Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall -> Guangyue Tower -> Liaocheng County Office -> China Canal Culture Museum -> Dongchang Lake Boat Tour Ferris Wheel: Known as the third largest Ferris wheel in Asia, the cabins are enclosed spaces that can get very stuffy during the day. It is recommended to ride before 10:00 AM or after sunset in the summer. The entire ride takes about 25 minutes, and at the highest point, you can get a panoramic view of the ancient city and the entire Liaocheng city area. It's definitely worth seeing. Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall: A guild hall built by merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi during the Qing Dynasty. Sisters who love ancient architecture should not miss this! Every plant, brick, and tile in the hall, including wood and stone carvings, has unique meanings. If possible, hire a guide to explain everything. Guangyue Tower: Located in the center of the ancient city, it was also the palace of Emperor Qianlong and the highest point of the ancient city. The tower is 33 meters high, and you can climb to the top floor to overlook the ancient city in all directions. The view is worth it! Liaocheng County Office: This can actually be skipped. To be honest, there's not much to see. It mainly restores the scene of an ancient yamen and introduces the departments and daily work of the ancient county office. The overall architecture is relatively new. China Canal Culture Museum: The only museum in China themed around canals. Head straight to the third and fourth floors, which provide detailed introductions to the development of canals from the Qin Dynasty to modern times, showcasing the wisdom and perseverance of ancient people. Dongchang Lake Boat Tour: We chose the night boat tour, with ticket checks at 19:45 and departure at 20:00. There are many mosquitoes by the lake, so it's recommended to wear long sleeves and pants and apply mosquito repellent. The boat takes you to a small island where you need to disembark to watch a live water performance and music fountain. The music fountain is a bit lengthy, introducing various historical anecdotes related to Liaocheng. After watching, you take the boat directly back to the dock. The entire tour takes about 1 hour. A day is enough to visit all these places! Reverse tourism is really enjoyable, with no crowded people, allowing you to slowly appreciate the beauty of the city.

Dongchang Lake is located in the center of Liaocheng, Shandong Province. It is a beautiful body of water that combines natural scenery and cultural landscapes. Here, you can not only see the rippling lake but also historical and cultural relics, making it a dazzling pearl of Liaocheng. Walking along the lake, you can see ancient city walls, exquisite gardens, and the perfect integration of modern urban landscapes. 🏞️【Itinerary】🏞️ **Day One:** - Morning: Depart from Liaocheng city center, take a bus or taxi directly to Dongchang Lake Scenic Area. It is recommended to arrive around nine in the morning to avoid the peak crowd. - Noon: Enjoy an authentic Shandong cuisine lunch by the lake. - Afternoon: Visit historical and cultural sites such as Guangyue Tower and Iron Pagoda Temple to learn about the history of Liaocheng. - Evening: Stay in a characteristic lakeside homestay and enjoy a quiet night. **Day Two:** - Morning: Tour Dongchang Lake Park, experience the fun of boating or cycling around the lake. - Noon: Try local snacks such as Liaocheng pancakes and fried noodles with soybean paste. - Afternoon: Head to the ancient city on the west bank of the lake, explore the quaint alleys and shops. - Evening: Participate in a night tour on the lake and enjoy a splendid light show. 🍽️【Food Recommendations】🍽️ - **Liaocheng Pancakes**: Crispy on the outside, delicious filling, one of the traditional delicacies of Liaocheng. - **Shandong Cuisine**: Known for its exquisite cooking techniques, must-try dishes include Sweet and Sour Carp and Stir-fried Kidney. - **Local Snacks**: Stroll along the lakeside snack street and taste various local snacks such as grilled skewers and Jianbing Guozi. 🚗【Transportation Guide】🚗 - **Self-driving**: Liaocheng is about a two-hour drive from Jinan, with well-connected highways, suitable for self-driving tours. - **Public Transportation**: There are multiple bus routes in Liaocheng city that go directly to Dongchang Lake Scenic Area, very convenient. - **Train**: You can take a train to Liaocheng Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the destination.

Liaocheng, a city full of historical charm, a three-day tour is enough for you to appreciate its unique charm! Day 1: Start the morning at Guangyue Tower. This ancient tower has witnessed the changes of Liaocheng. Then go to Dongchang Lake, go boating on the lake, and feel the tranquility and beauty of the water city. For lunch, we recommend trying the Liaocheng specialty snack - Wei's smoked chicken, which has tender meat and a long aftertaste. In the afternoon, go to Shanxi and Shaanxi Guild Hall to appreciate the charm of ancient architectural art. Day 2: Full day tour of the ancient city. In the morning, we visited the Kong Fansen Memorial Hall to commemorate this great cadre who aided Tibet. In the afternoon, stroll along the old streets of the ancient city and savor the urban atmosphere of Liaocheng. You may want to try the time-honored donkey meat hotpot, which is crispy, delicious and fragrant. In the evening, climb up the iron tower and overlook the night view of Liaocheng, which is quite unique. Day 3: Get up early and go to Jiangdi Amusement Park to enjoy a relaxing and happy parent-child time. After lunch, head to the China Grand Canal Culture Museum to learn more about the history and heritage of canal culture. In the evening, take a stroll along the canal and feel its tranquility and beauty. Three-day tour of Liaocheng, covering all the highlights! Come and experience the unique charm of this historic city! Well Liaocheng Travel

Dongchang Lake in Liaocheng is an artificial lake that was formed by gradually expanding the moat that was formed after the soil was taken from the local area when Dongchang Prefecture City was built in the Northern Song Dynasty. The Dongchang Ancient City in the center of the lake is a rare city in a lake in China. The Dongchang Ancient City has experienced many destructions and reconstructions throughout the dynasties and was destroyed again during the War of Liberation. The current ancient city has been built on the basis of the remaining city walls and more than 30 ancient buildings since 1982. It is built in a relatively ordinary way, but you can still vaguely see the appearance of the ancient city at that time.

| Spring boating guide. Boating on Dongchang Lake is really great! 🍃 📍Address: Dongchang Lake, Liaocheng City 💰Price: - Electric boat for 1-4 people 80 yuan/hour - Big yellow duck boat for 5-6 people 100 yuan/hour - 8-person boat 120 yuan/hour 🧡You need to pay a deposit of 200 yuan, and you can get on the boat after putting on your life jacket~ 🤩Scenery: When there is no wind, boating on the lake, you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of South Lake and North Lake. ⏰Recommended play time: around 4 to 5 pm, just in time to catch the sunset. 📌Tips: 1⃣As the sun sets, the temperature will get lower and lower, so remember to wear a down jacket. 2⃣Be careful of your belongings when boating, hold your phone steady when taking photos, and be careful not to drop it into the water.