Liaocheng, the only ancient water town in China, boasts a long history and rich cultural heritage. It is often referred to as “the first city of water towns in the north of Jiangnan”.
Today, I will introduce you to this city – Liaocheng in Shandong Province.
📍Shandong Liaocheng – A Quiet and Less Crowded Ancient Water Town in China
Liaocheng, known as the Venice of Northern China, has a history spanning a thousand years.
Although the ancient town of Liaocheng is not large, covering only 1 square kilometer, what makes it unique is that it is surrounded by the 6.3 square kilometer Dongchang Lake. Looking down at the ancient town, it is surrounded by water on all sides, resembling a chessboard, with a layout that reflects the concept of “round sky and square earth”, which is truly rare. From a high vantage point, the ancient town looks like a glittering pearl embraced by the green lake water, wonderfully beautiful.
Despite its small size, the ancient town’s charm is not to be underestimated. Historically, it has deeply attracted two emperors. It is said that whenever Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong traveled to Jiangnan, they would visit this place. Kangxi came here six times, and Qianlong nine times.
Tickets: The ancient town is open for free all day, but some individual attractions inside charge separate fees.
📍Shanshan Guild Hall
💰Ticket: 30 RMB
It is a small courtyard with three entrances, and the front hall and back yard are relatively small. On the west side, there is also a garden with some stone carvings, epitaphs, and inscriptions. The architectural style and carvings are magnificent.
Upon entering the guild hall, you can see the following👇
- ✅ See the golden wood
- ✅ See the mortise and tenon
- ✅ See the wood carvings
- ✅ See the stone carvings
- ✅ See the stone lions
- ✅ See the stage
- ✅ See the stone tablets
- ✅ See the sea beasts
- ✅ See the strange characters
📍Guangyue Tower
💰Ticket: 30 RMB
It is one of the top ten famous towers in China. Emperor Qianlong once inscribed the words “The First Tower in the World”, and his temporary palace was also located here. In 1988, it was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit, enjoying the reputation of “Although it is the Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, they should also bow down to it”. It has attracted countless scholars and literati to visit, which shows its status in history.
During the Chinese New Year, there are many folk activities, which are quite lively.
📍Ferris Wheel
The combination of the architecture and the Ferris wheel is said to rank in the top three in Asia, and the view from above looks like the ocean.
🚘Transportation: Most high-speed trains arrive at Liaocheng West Station. Transportation from the station is not very convenient, and usually requires taking a taxi.
Two-day itinerary:
- 🌈Day 1: Dongguan Street → Fu Sinian Memorial Hall → Iron Tower – Guangyue Tower → Longti Pier → Ferris Wheel
- 🌈Day 2: Yuxin Street → Shanshan Guild Hall – Christian Church → Grand Canal Culture Museum → Return trip
🍲About Food
✅ Large Split Firewood Steamed Bowl
- ✅ Authentic Old Tofu from Gaotang
- ✅ Stroll and eat on Yuxin Street
- ✅ Yiliju Restaurant’s Halal Eight Bowls
- ✅ Hongshunxing Steamed Dumpling Restaurant
- ✅ Qiujia Guozi Soy Milk and Tofu Pudding
- ✅ Baoliang First Family Pancake Rolls
If you like food, you can consider Linqing, which has many delicacies, some of which are even intangible cultural heritage, and you are less likely to be disappointed.
🏠Accommodation Suggestions
There are several concentrated directions for accommodation: Liaocheng Station, Liaocheng Wanda, and inside the ancient town. The ancient town is basically all homestays, which is more convenient for eating, drinking, and playing. If you don’t want to take a taxi and want to play close to the ancient town, you can choose a suitable homestay inside the ancient town.
⚠️Tips:
- 💦 It is recommended to leave some time for evening activities, as there will be a beautiful light show;
- 💦 There is no need to take a boat, as there are bridges on all four sides of the ancient town that allow vehicle access, and there are free parking spaces at the north and east gates;
- 💦 If you arrive during holidays, you can join Shandong’s reverse tourism plan.
The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is approaching. If you want to engage in reverse tourism, you can choose this niche but excellent water town to visit!
