[2025 Jinan Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhu Jiayu (Updated Oct)

It is currently autumn, and many places in Shandong have entered the "autumn sun-drying" mode, turning autumn into a palette of colors. Come and join this "autumn sun-drying appointment." The sun-drying in Zhujia Valley, Jinan, is a cultural feast. Corn hangs like golden curtains on bamboo racks, red chili peppers jump like flames, and a giant national flag made of crops, combined with windmills and scarecrows, splashes vibrant autumn colors across the ancient village. The Hongye Shiyan Tourist Area offers a "one mountain, two scenes" sun-drying spectacle. The colorful crops on the drying racks in the ancient village at the foot of the mountain form a picturesque scene with the stone houses and black tiles; the "autumn in the clouds" on the mountain is like a fairy tale, with maple leaf arches and more intertwined, and beneath the suspension bridge is a sea of maple leaves. Sanshuiyuan in Zibo features Shandong’s unique water-based sun-drying scene, along with all-day fun of "playing freely by day and chasing lights by night." Come to Shandong and experience this vibrant "color of life"!

Itinerary Highlights: ✅ Explore "Little Spring City" Mingshui and experience spring water culture ✅ Visit Baima Spring Park to enjoy the northern water town scenery ✅ Taste local specialties like Zhangqiu green onions and Huang Family BBQ ✅ Tour Zhujia Yu Ancient Village to feel the ancient charm of Qilu 📅 Itinerary Day 1: Spring Water Culture & Ancient City Stroll Morning: 🚄 Arrive in Zhangqiu (recommended to take high-speed rail to "Zhangqiu Station" or "Zhangqiu North Station," about 1 hour drive from Jinan city) 🏨 Check in at hotel (recommended four-star hotels in Mingshui urban area, such as Yinzuo Jiayue Hotel or Zhangqiu Hotel, about 400-500 RMB/night) 🍜 Lunch: Try Huang Family BBQ (Zhangqiu specialty, about 50-80 RMB per person) Afternoon: 🌊 Baima Spring Park (entrance fee 50 RMB) Visit famous springs like Mo Spring, Plum Blossom Spring, and Shuyu Spring to feel the charm of "Little Spring City" Visit Li Qingzhao’s Former Residence to learn about the story of the "Greatest Female Poet in History" 🚶 Mingshui Ancient City (free) Stroll through the old streets and appreciate Ming and Qing architectural styles Evening: 🍢 Dinner: Try Zhangqiu green onion rolled pancakes (recommended to eat with "green onion dipping sauce + BBQ") 🌃 Night tour of Xiuyuan River (free), enjoy the light show and fountain performance Day 2: Ancient Village Exploration & Natural Scenery Morning: 🏡 Zhujia Yu Ancient Village (entrance fee 40 RMB) Known as the "First Ancient Village of Qilu," filming location of "Chuang Guandong" Visit Shanyin Primary School, Zhu Family Ancestral Hall, ancient theater stage, etc. Noon: 🍲 Lunch: Farmhouse meal (recommended stewed native chicken, handmade tofu, about 50-80 RMB per person) Afternoon: 🌿 Jinan Wildlife World (optional, entrance fee 160 RMB) Great for family trips, can drive or take a small train tour 🌄 Or Qixingtai Scenic Area (entrance fee 60 RMB) Hike and camp, stargazing at night Evening: 🍻 Dinner: Zhangqiu specialty iron pot stewed fish or Shandong cuisine restaurant (about 80-100 RMB per person) Day 3: Leisure Shopping & Return Morning: 🛍️ Zhangqiu Green Onion Market (free) Buy authentic Zhangqiu green onions (vacuum packaging available for take-away) 🏺 Or Longshan Culture Museum (free) Learn about black pottery culture and admire artifacts like "eggshell pottery" Noon: 🍚 Lunch: Taste Mingshui fragrant rice (Zhangqiu specialty, served with local side dishes) Afternoon: 🚄 Return trip (can visit Jinan city on the way, such as Baotu Spring and Daming Lake) 💰 Budget Breakdown (for 2 people) Item Cost (2 people) Transportation (high-speed rail/car) 500-800 RMB Accommodation (2 nights four-star) 800-1000 RMB Meals (6 meals) 600-800 RMB Tickets (Baima Spring + Zhujia Yu + optional attractions) 200-400 RMB Shopping and others 400-600 RMB Total About 2500-3000 RMB 📌 Travel Tips ✔ Best season: Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October), abundant spring water, pleasant climate ✔ Must-try foods: Huang Family BBQ, Zhangqiu green onions, Mingshui fragrant rice, iron pot stewed fish ✔ Transportation advice: 1-hour drive from Jinan city or take high-speed rail to Zhangqiu Station then taxi Wish you a wonderful time in Zhangqiu Mingshui! 🌿✨

Zhujia Valley, located in Zhangqiu District, is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city center. It is a 4A-level tourist attraction and is the only 'Chinese Historical and Cultural Village' in Shandong Province. At the same time, Zhujia Valley is also a famous 'red education base', where children can be taken to learn and feel the history of that era... Because it is a lesser-known spot, it has not been overdeveloped, and to this day, it still retains a relatively complete collection of ancient bridges, ancient paths, ancient ancestral halls, ancient temples, and ancient houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Passing through the main entrance, the first gate you go through is the Li Gate. Further ahead is the Chuang Guandong Culture Museum, which displays the hardships experienced during the era of venturing into the northeast. Wenchang Pavilion: Built in 1838, the 18th year of the Daoguang Emperor, it is dedicated to Wenchang Dijun, commonly known as Wenquxing, who is the patron of literature and officialdom. Passing through the archway of Wenchang Pavilion, you will see two steles. These two steles are inscribed with the names of those who donated to the construction of Wenchang Pavilion and Shanyin Primary School. During the Cultural Revolution, they were used for paving roads, which is why the inscriptions are now almost invisible, and they are now known as 'blank steles'. Next to it is Shanyin Primary School, which, as the name suggests, is located on the north side of the mountain. Built in the 33rd year of the Republic of China, the school gate is modeled after the Whampoa Military Academy, and after entering, the archway is the school song of Shanyin Primary School. Now, each classroom is an exhibition hall. Huangshi Cave: A cave where Zhu Liangyu, the progenitor of Zhujia Valley, once lived after moving to Zhujia Valley. It is called Huangshi Cave because the stones are yellow. Zhu Family Ancestral Hall: Built in the 8th year of the Guangxu Emperor, 1882, and rebuilt in the 26th year of the Republic of China, the ancestral hall is divided into front and back courtyards, with the portrait of the progenitor Zhu Liangyu enshrined in the main hall. Zhu's North Building: A loft where the young ladies used to live, well preserved. Jinshi Residence: Built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, Jinshi Zhu Fengyin was a private school teacher at that time. After he passed the imperial examination, he coincided with his mother's death and had to observe filial piety for three years, so he did not take up an official post in the city. During those three years, he was not idle and ran a private school here, taking in two students, one was Liu Yuanliang, the editor-in-chief of the Hanlin Academy, and the other was Liu Zhongdu, the general of Fengtian, both of whom were very famous, one in literature and the other in martial arts, hence this family is known as 'one family with three Jinshi'. Women's School: Built in the 21st year of the Republic of China, by the enlightened individual Zhu Liandi. Further ahead is the Kangxi Overpass, also known as Kangxi Double Bridge, which was established during the Kangxi Emperor's reign and is hailed as the prototype of the world's overpass. Above the bridge is the former residence of Zhu Kaimountain, the filming location for the TV series 'Venturing into the Northeast'. It is also the film and television base of Zhujia Valley. Many TV series such as 'Heading South', 'Relying on the Mountain', 'Honor', and the well-known TV series 'The Old Peasant' were filmed here. During the filming of 'The Old Peasant', this place was the home of Niu Dabold.

The popularity of this ancient village could be higher. | Zhangqiu Zhujia Yuyuan. The popularity of this ancient village could be higher.🏡 Zhujia Yuyuan is the only 'Chinese Historical and Cultural Village' in Shandong Province, a typical mountain village in the northern region, known as the 'Number One Ancient Village in Qilu'✨✨ The filming location of 'Chuang Guandong', Zhu Kaishan's hometown is right here. 🏯 Because the site is niche and has not been overly commercialized, it has retained to this day a relatively complete set of ancient bridges, paths, ancestral halls, temples, and houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the architectural layout. It has an ancient charm and is very suitable for cultural photography📸 There are also many art students who come here to sketch🎨 🎫 Ticket: 40 yuan, half price for students, free for seniors over 60 and children under 1.4 meters 🏨 Accommodation: There are several homestays in the village to choose from, and staying in one can waive the ticket fee. ⚠️ I stayed at 'Zhujia Yuyuan Yue Shan Siheyuan Homestay', which is relatively clean, located on the hillside, with a free parking lot, and a good-tempered Corgi to pet～ 🅿️ Parking: If you're not staying overnight, just navigate directly to Zhujia Yuyuan scenic area, where there is a parking lot, 5 yuan per time. Homestays usually have free parking. 🥟 Cuisine: Internet-famous large buns, handmade pancakes, special earthen stove stewed chicken, fried grasshoppers, fried cicadas, various wild vegetables, and elm money cakes. ⚠️ The chickens are stewed on the spot and take more than an hour to be ready. It is recommended to order and pay in advance, then go for a stroll. After strolling for more than an hour and getting tired, it's just right to come back for a meal❗ 🕗 Business Hours: 8:00-17:00 (entry stops at 16:30) ⚠️ This is when the advantage of staying overnight shows. After four in the afternoon, it's still bright, but there are fewer people, making the visit more comfortable. After getting tired from walking, sit under a tree in the courtyard of Shanyin Primary School and drink a big bowl of tea, comfortable and pleasant～

🌄 Zhujiayu 'Venturing to the Northeast' Ancient Village Mountain Climbing and Chicken Eating Free Tour Guide🍗 🎥 The historical imprint of the TV series: Zhujiayu, an ancient village famous for the TV series 'Venturing to the Northeast', retains many scenes from the filming period. Stepping into this village is like traveling back in time, feeling the 'stubbornness' of the legendary character Zhu Kaisan and the resilience of life. 🍲 Taste authentic farmhouse delights: Zhujiayu is not only a witness to history, its charm also lies in the rich rural atmosphere. Old houses turned into farmhouses and street vendors allow you to taste the most authentic rural cuisine here. Six yuan pancakes, Zhangqiu's famous large buns, or chicken stewed in a clay stove, each is not to be missed. ⛰ A natural journey through the mountains: After a full meal, you can continue deeper into the mountains, enjoy the fun of mountain climbing, and burn off the extra calories from the food. The natural scenery of Zhujiayu will fill every step with surprises. 🌟 Tips for walking through the ancient village: The stone roads in the ancient village are somewhat difficult to walk on and easy to sprain an ankle, so it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. 🚌 Convenient transportation: You can directly take bus No. 17 to reach the entrance of Zhujiayu scenic area. For friends who drive by themselves, there is also a parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area, which is convenient for visitors to park their vehicles. Zhujiayu is not only the filming location of 'Venturing to the Northeast', but also a village full of life, natural beauty, and delicious food. It is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, return to nature, and experience a simple life. Whether you are a fan of the TV series or a seeker of nature and gourmet food, Zhujiayu is a destination you should not miss.🚶‍♂🚶‍♀

Known as the "first ancient village in Qilu, a specimen of settlements in the north of the river", this ancient village has a history of over 600 years. It is Zhujiayu Ancient Village in Zhangqiu, Jinan, the spring city. Zhangqiu Zhujiayu Village, located in Guanzhuang Township, Zhangqiu City, Shandong Province, was entered by the Zhu family in 1371 during the Hongwu years of the Ming Dynasty. Because it was the surname of the country, it was named Zhujiayu. Zhujiayu is a good place for vacation, tourism, and leisure. The ancient village is presented in a trapezoidal shape. Personally, I think it's worth coming, mainly because I like ancient rural towns. Standing in the Kui Xing Pavilion in the village, you can overlook the whole view of Zhujiayu. The entrance of Zhujiayu Village is in the north, surrounded by green mountains on three sides of the southeast and west. The north side is a vast plain, and the village is like sitting on a huge master chair, with the entire village cleverly hidden in the green trees and rocks. Today, Zhujiayu has nearly 200 ancient buildings of various sizes, more than 20 stone bridges, more than 20 wells and springs, more than 10 temples, including the Kangxi Double Bridge known as the "prototype of the world's overpass", the ancient double-track road known as the "pioneer of ancient transportation", and the Wenchang Pavilion, Guandi Temple, Zhu Family Ancestral Hall, Tan Bridge Seven Bends, etc., there are countless cultural and natural landscapes. It is also a film and television shooting base. For example, the film and television dramas such as "Breaking through the East", "Red Sister-in-law", "Leaning on the Mountain", "Forever Spring" that once swept the north and south of the Yangtze River were all shot here. It's worth coming to explore. 🚩Zhangqiu Zhujiayu Travel Guide ✅Wenchang Pavilion ✅Shanyin Primary School ✅Zhu Family Ancestral Hall ✅Girls' School ✅Guandi Temple ✅Overpass ✅Zhu's North Building ✅Jinshi's Former Residence ✅Zhu Kaishan's Former Residence ✅Agricultural Museum ✅Wenfeng Mountain ✅Altar Well ✅Seven-hole Bridge, etc. ✅Breaking through the East Exhibition Hall 🍵Food recommendation ✅Scallion Fried Sea Cucumber ✅Nine Turns Large Intestine ✅Sweet and Sour Yellow River Carp ✅Stir-fried Kidney Flowers, etc. 🏠Accommodation recommendation ✅There are homestays in the ancient village ✅You can also stay in Zhangqiu after playing 💰Ticket information ✅40 yuan/person 🚗Transportation information ✅Bus: Take bus No. 17 in Zhangqiu (the waiting time for the bus is a bit long) ✅It is recommended to take a taxi, about 25 yuan, but it is not easy to call a car when coming back, you can make an appointment with the driver in advance ✅Self-driving: Navigate to Zhujiayu Scenic Area

🚦Location: Southeast of Zhangqiu District, Jinan City, Shandong Province 🎫Ticket: 40 yuan 🎬Tour time: 3 hours 🛖Zhujia Yu, a place known as the 'living encyclopedia of northern Chinese mountain villages', is a typical ancient mountain village in northern China. ⛩After more than 600 years of vicissitudes, it still preserves the original architectural layout of ancient bridges, roads, ancestral halls, temples, houses, schools, springs, and sentry posts. 🎈Different from the ancient towns with carved beams and painted buildings in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi, Zhujia Yu is simple and natural, without any extravagance and style, and lacks a lot of powder. 🏞The earthy yellow road, the hard stone wall, the simple villagers, every grass and tree in Zhujia Yu are fascinating. If you have time, you must visit Zhujia Yu and feel its history.

According to statistics, 900,000 villages in China have disappeared in just ten years, and Zhujiatun is the only Chinese historical and cultural village in Shandong Province. The temples, pavilions, ancient bridges and ancient cultural sites are scattered. The first door through the village - Limen, is the ancient road that was built in the Ming Dynasty. There are two large blocks of bluestone embedded in the center of the road. The villagers call it the double track ancient road. Zhu Jiayu became famous overnight, or because of the TV series "Zhang Guandong", the story of the protagonist Zhu Kaishan in the play was also taken from here. Zhujiatun has nearly 200 large and small ancient buildings, 99 large and small stone bridges, 66 well springs, and more than 100 natural landscapes. The long history and culture, and the colorful scenic resources attract a large number of Chinese and foreign tourists and scholars to visit Zhujiatun.