2026 Sishui Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Hello everyone! I’m your travel explorer 👣, and today I’m taking you to an underrated “magical place” — Sishui County, Shandong! This place not only boasts rich cultural heritage but also breathtaking natural scenery, plus those hidden treasures you definitely wouldn’t expect! ✨ Ready? Let’s use the most practical guide to start a journey full of surprises and positive energy! 💪🎒 🌟 Why must you visit Sishui? — Reasons bursting with positive energy! 💥 Sishui, a place full of historical charm and natural wonders, is waiting for you to discover its endless allure! Here you’ll find the profound heritage of “Confucius culture” and the pure beauty of “rural countryside.” Whether you love culture, nature, food, or relaxation, this place has it all! “Step out, and you’ll meet a better self and gain more touching moments!” 🌈 🗺️ Super practical 3 days 2 nights perfect itinerary (packed with essentials!) Day 1: Cultural journey, feel the humanistic charm of Confucius’s hometown! 🕘 Morning: Confucius’s Hometown (Sishui edition) Main attractions: Confucius Temple, Confucius Family Temple, Confucius Institute ruins Tip: Book a guide in advance to enjoy an in-depth cultural lecture and experience the charm of the “Land of Etiquette”! 🍽️ Noon: Authentic Shandong cuisine feast Recommended: Sishui specialty roast duck, home-style Shandong dishes, taste the warmth of home! 🕑 Afternoon: Sishui Museum Learn about Sishui’s historical changes and feel the profound culture of the ancient city. 🌙 Evening: Ancient city night tour Brilliantly lit, the stories in the old streets and alleys await your discovery—perfect for photos and check-ins! Day 2: Natural scenery, a great place to free your soul! 🕘 Morning: Sishui Lake National Wetland Park Highlights: reed marshes, water birds, wetland ecology—enjoy tranquility and freshness! Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the most beautiful bird moments! 🍉 Noon: Countryside farmhouse experience Experience: pick fresh fruits and vegetables yourself and feel the pure rural life! 🕑 Afternoon: Dazeshan Scenic Area Features: hiking, cloud sea viewing, waterfalls—experience a “fairyland” natural wonder! 🌌 Evening: Open-air bonfire party Sit around the bonfire with friends or family, enjoy the starry sky and countryside peace! Day 3: Culture + leisure, bring back the full “Sishui flavor”! 🕘 Morning: Sishui folk experience Try: handmade pottery, traditional paper cutting, feel the spirit of craftsmanship! 🍽️ Noon: Specialty farmhouse restaurant Recommended: rural clay stove meals, farmhouse specialty dishes, taste nostalgia! 🕑 Afternoon: Specialty market and handicrafts Buy: Confucius culture souvenirs, unique handicrafts, green agricultural products—the most meaningful souvenirs to take home! 🎯 Tips: Make your Sishui trip even more perfect! **Best travel time:** Spring and autumn, mild weather, most beautiful scenery! **Must-have gear:** Sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, camera, power bank! **Transportation advice:** Self-driving or chartered car, attractions are close and traffic is convenient! 💖 Finally, imagine this: In Sishui’s dawn, feel the depth of Confucius’s thoughts; amidst lake and mountain scenery, find peace for your soul; in rural cuisine, savor the taste of nostalgia. This is not just a trip, but a spiritual cleansing! Tell me in the comments: which attraction do you most want to visit? Or what are you looking forward to? 🔖 Don’t forget to like + save, share with friends, and start the wonderful journey in Sishui together! 🌈 If you need more detailed itinerary suggestions, budget planning, or specialty food recommendations, just let me know! Wishing your trip is full of sunshine and laughter! 😊

Si Shui Quanlin | Tracing the First Spring Group of Qilu, Encountering the Poetry at the Source of Si Shui In Sishui, Jining, Shandong, there is a hidden realm known as the "Crown of Qilu Springs" — the Quanlin Spring Group. This is the source of the Si River, where thousands of springs gush forth in a magnificent scene, complemented by towering ancient trees and serene surroundings. It is a natural oxygen bar and a treasure spot far from the city's hustle and bustle! 🌟 Must-Visit Highlights 1. The Spectacle of Thousands of Springs Gushing Stepping into Quanlin, the first thing that shocks you is the countless spring eyes. Famous springs like Baotu Spring, Pearl Spring, and Black Tiger Spring are scattered like stars. Spring water bubbles up from underground, creating layers of white splashes that shimmer with a clear blue-green under the sunlight. Touching the water, the icy coolness instantly dispels the summer heat. In autumn and winter, morning mist lingers over the water, and the springs exude warmth, resembling a fairyland. 2. The Ancient Charm at the Source of Si Shui The "Si Shui Origin" archway in the scenic area is magnificent, with blue and red paintings paired with flying eaves and upturned corners, making it a perfect photo backdrop. Strolling along the stone paths, ancient willows hang on both sides, pavilions and towers are built by the water, and every snapshot looks like a classical masterpiece. There is also a stone stele engraved with "Si Shui Quanlin Spring Group Scenic Area," witnessing the historical heritage here. 3. The Comfort of a Natural Oxygen Bar Quanlin is surrounded by dense forests, with dawn redwoods, pines, cypresses, and weeping willows growing in a scattered arrangement, full of negative oxygen ions. Walking along the water system, listening to the tinkling springs and crisp bird songs, whether for a family stroll or solitary relaxation, you can feel the healing power of nature. From a height, the entire Quanlin is wrapped in greenery, with the river winding like a jade belt, presenting an indescribably beautiful scene. 📍 Practical Tips - Address: Quanlin Town, Sishui County, Jining City, Shandong Province - Transportation: Recommended to drive, about 30 minutes from Sishui County town; you can also take the bus from the county town to Quanlin Town and walk after getting off - Duration: 2-3 hours, take your time to fully appreciate the beauty of Quanlin - Dress Suggestions: Wear comfortable flat shoes, apply sun protection in summer, bring a light jacket in autumn and winter, as it can be cool by the water Quanlin is free from excessive commercial noise, only the tranquility where nature and ancient charm blend. If you want to escape the city, coming here to find a clear spring and enjoy a moment of leisure is just perfect~

So stunning it’s almost illegal! 📸 Besides the giant romantic Christmas tree 🎄 These hidden spots will blow up your friends’ feeds⭕️～ 🎄 Check-in list · Save with one click: ✨ Speed Slide (Wangxing Plaza) Starlight stairs + Ferris wheel behind, perfect for dreamy night shots! ✨ Snow Mountain Star Waterfall (Central Garden Sightseeing Waterfall) Light and shadow flow like a water curtain, any photo taken in front is atmospheric masterpiece～ ✨ Flower Shadow Flowing Light (Central Garden Sunken Plaza) Steps covered in starlight + “Nanchang” wall, a city memory spot you must get! ✨ Starlight Ice Crystal (Central Garden) Feels like stepping into Frozen! Ice crystal lights are super fairy-tale-like～ ✨ Dream Prelude (Gate 1/5 Glass Curtain Wall) High-end light and shadow wall inside the mall, simple and clean, great for photos ✨ Star River Light and Shadow (Central Garden) Streamlined lighting + architectural depth, instantly adds layers to your shot ✨ Fairy Tale Stroll (Ganjiang Middle Avenue side) Red and gold lighted trees, Christmas vibes maxed out 🎄 ✨ Snowy Bus (Gate 1/5 Bus Stop) Cute bus shape, a must-visit for playful check-ins～ 💡 Tips: Visit 5 spots (including 🎄) + add the tag Locate and head to the B1 service desk to claim exclusive souvenirs✨ (Limited quantity, first come first served!) This winter, let the light and shadow make you shine all season long～🌟

Welcome to Sishui, Jining, Shandong! This land is famous for its springs, history, and natural scenery, and the ginkgo forest in autumn is a striking splash of gold. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, nature lover, or just want a brief escape from the city hustle, the Sishui Ginkgo Forest will fulfill all your autumn dreams. This guide will help you unlock all the secrets to enjoying this place! 📍 Must-Visit Spot: Sishui Ginkgo Park Address: Intersection of Shengde Road and Quanf Road, Sishui County (north side of the County Party Committee compound, by Shengshui Lake). Features: Covering over 1,000 acres, the park is home to more than 700,000 ginkgo trees, creating a sea of gold. Walking through it, the rustling fallen leaves underfoot and sunlight filtering through golden leaves cast dappled shadows—every snapshot looks like a masterpiece. Admission: Free, excellent value. 🕑 Best Viewing Period: Catch the Golden Ten Days Time window: Early to mid-late November each year (according to weather forecasts, the best viewing period in 2025 is expected around November 10 to November 19). Why this time? Over 60% of the ginkgo leaves change color, smaller trees’ leaves turn almost completely yellow, and fallen leaves cover the ground like a golden carpet. Recommended daily time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, when the soft slanting sunlight makes the ginkgo leaves appear more translucent and golden, creating perfect light and shadow effects. 📸 Photography Tips: Capture the Atmosphere Outfit suggestions: Wear light colors, coffee tones, or white (such as beige sweaters or plaid skirts) to complement the golden background. Composition techniques: Low-angle shots: Use the fallen leaves as the foreground to emphasize depth. Overhead shots: Climb to a high point in the park to capture the majestic panorama of the ginkgo forest. Must-shoot scenes: Backlit leaf veins, leaf-covered paths, silhouettes of couples walking hand in hand. 🌟 Hidden Highlights: Ancient Ginkgo Trees and Cultural Heritage Besides the vast ginkgo forest, Sishui has two millennium-old ginkgo trees worth visiting: Anshan Temple Ancient Ginkgo: Located inside Anshan Temple in Sizhang Town, about 2,500 years old, said to have been planted by Confucius himself. The tree is 21.5 meters tall and requires six or seven people to encircle it. The golden leaves contrast with the red temple walls, creating a profound artistic atmosphere. Quanlin Spring Group Ginkgo: In the Quanlin Spring Scenic Area, ancient ginkgo trees stand alongside famous springs like Pearl Spring and Baotu Spring, allowing you to experience the wonder of “springs flowing through the forest” simultaneously. 🚗 Transportation and Itinerary By car: Navigate to “Sishui Ginkgo Park” or “Anshan Temple.” It’s about a 1-hour drive from Jining city center, with parking available around the park. By bus: Take the urban-rural bus from Sishui County town to “Shengyuan Lake” or “Sizhang Town,” then walk to the destination. Recommended one-day itinerary: Morning: Sishui Ginkgo Park (portrait photography, strolling) → Noon: Taste local rainbow trout and Quanlin flat dumplings → Afternoon: Anshan Temple (ancient tree + blessing) or Quanlin Spring Group (springs + ginkgo). 💡 Helpful Tips Avoid peak times: Weekends are crowded; it’s best to visit early on weekdays for a private experience. Environmental awareness: Do not pick ginkgo leaves or shake branches; bring your own water bottle to reduce waste. Extended experiences: If time allows, visit nearby places like Dengxiangu Art Granary (artisanal craft experience) or Sishui Riverside Park (beautiful night views). 💎 The Sishui Ginkgo Forest is not only a natural spectacle but also a ritual of dialogue with autumn. Here, you can feel the poetic charm of “fallen golden ginkgo leaves covering the ground, as if announcing success to heaven and earth.” This autumn, take this guide and set off! 📅 Countdown to the best viewing period: November 10 to November 19, 2025. The golden world awaits your discovery! (Images sourced from the internet)

The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is here again, and a trip to Surabaya is a must! Surabaya Old Town is the historical heart of the city, filled with Dutch colonial architecture and a rich cultural atmosphere. Visitors can start at the Surabaya Port, where they can admire traditional fishing boats and the bustling port scene, experiencing the vibrant energy of the city. The Surabaya City Hall, with its classic Dutch architectural style, is a significant local landmark. For those wanting to delve deeper into local life, the Brutus Market is an ideal spot. It offers a variety of local snacks and handicrafts, making it a great place for shopping and savoring local specialties. Surabaya Old Town is a perfect destination for the Dragon Boat Festival.

Surabaya Shangri-La Hotel is like a tranquil sanctuary hidden in the hustle and bustle of the city. With its excellent quality and attentive service, it creates a warm and welcoming experience for every guest. As you step into the hotel lobby, the elegant and luxurious decor style instantly catches your eye. The dazzling chandeliers and exquisite murals all exude an air of sophistication. The friendly staff greet you with a smile, making you feel the warmth of home from the moment you step in. The hotel's rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a warm and elegant layout. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with soft beds and complete facilities to ensure you enjoy ultimate comfort and relaxation during your journey. Through the windows, you can enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Surabaya or the tranquil courtyard views. The Shangri-La Hotel's restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes. From local specialties to classic dishes from around the world, all are carefully prepared by experienced chefs to satisfy your discerning taste buds. The hotel also features comprehensive leisure facilities, whether you want to work up a sweat in the gym or take a dip in the pool, you can relax and rejuvenate. Surabaya Shangri-La Hotel is not only a place to rest during your journey but also a place to create beautiful memories.

🌊 Pusu Longwan Liangshe | A Poetic Retreat by the Sea 🌙 📍 Located in Shandong, Pusu Longwan Liangshe is like a hidden gem✨ lying quietly by the beautiful seaside. When the first ray of morning light shines on the courtyard, it gently wakes you up. Open the window and you will hear the whispers of the waves and the joyful songs of the seagulls🕊 The courtyard is full of blooming flowers🌸 Every corner exudes tranquility and serenity, as if time has stopped for this beauty. Here, you will find not only comfortable and elegant rooms with complete facilities, but also attentive butler service that makes you feel at home. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and feel the sea breeze; fall asleep to the sound of the waves and the moonlight, and have a sweet dream. Escape from the hustle and bustle, find peace of mind at Pusu Longwan Liangshe, and start an unforgettable seaside vacation.💕

I recently discovered a newly opened Blue Ocean Hotel in Surabaya, and I must say the ecological environment here is truly amazing, with fresh air! Looking out of the room window, you can see lush greenery, the rooms are spacious with comfortable mattresses, and the prices are affordable, which is really great👍🏻 For a fun trip with the kids, you can visit the Nishan Sacred Land to experience it, and the evening scene is also beautiful. You can prepare traditional Chinese outfits in advance for a great photo shoot, and on the way back to the hotel, you can go strawberry picking. For dinner, you can get a group deal at the hotel, a 99 yuan set meal that we couldn't finish, with great taste and service, and great value for money!

Holiday tour around Jining, stay in the five-star homestay Longwan Liangshe. Location Longwan Liangshe Homestay is located in the Art Town of Dengxian Valley in Sishui County, Jining City, about an hour's drive from Jining City, only ten minutes' drive from the south exit of Lunan High-speed Rail Sishui and the Sishui exit of Rihe Expressway, and only thirty minutes' drive from Qufu Nishan Holy Land. Accommodation Longwan Liangshe is a holiday homestay that combines the natural scenery of mountains and forests with the music aesthetics of Confucius. It has 23 guest rooms, a reception center, a restaurant, a tea room, etc. for children to play around. Next to the homestay is Longwan Lake Cultural and Creative Street, with trendy milk tea shops, Chuan Shang Coffee and all kinds of special snacks; you can experience tie-dyeing, pottery, painting, high-altitude and so on with your children; the bonfire party in the evening is the most anticipated moment. Living in the mountains, surrounded by plants and trees. Take your children to experience the freedom of rural life.

Located on the banks of the Si River in the Si River Basin, the Si Waterfront area is the core landscape area for future urban development. The planning is based on the themes of "culture, ecology, leisure, and tourism", guided by meeting the needs of the masses and tourists, and through modern design techniques, creating a "new" landscape of the Si River. It includes ecological leisure areas, cultural leisure areas, Chuan Shang poetry and literature square, Hai Dai famous river square, Si Water Sheng Ding, Si River Yuan Yuan, etc.

The Duanxiang Valley Art Granary is located in Jiashantou Village, Sishui County, Shandong Province. The original site was a military grain depot from the 1960s, and the square courtyard with blue bricks and red tiles was once deserted. However, it is a precious material and cultural heritage and cultural imprint, and is part of the Duanxiang Valley Art Town. An abandoned grain depot has been transformed into a creative center, where a group of designers and artists gather their ideals, passion, and imagination to transform the surrounding villages into modern leisure villages. Art is the grain, and sentiment is the warehouse. The art grain depot utilizes the local cultural and geographical advantages, and through the operation mode of "research + cultural creativity + art + education + agriculture + tourism", it turns remote rural areas into "poetry" and "distant places" that many people are happy to check in. There are various spaces in the granary, such as a leisurely study, a design studio, an art studio, an art gallery, a rural museum, a tea and coffee house, a gourmet experience, a sculpture studio, etc. The surrounding area is equipped with a rural music hall, boutique homestays, an art square, a research and study base for painting, a cultural and creative pedestrian street, a fruit and vegetable greenhouse for picking, and other spaces.

On my first visit to Sishui, my friend recommended the leisure valley art town by Longwan Lake. "Seeking flowers by the riverside on a fine day, endless scenery is always new. Recognizing the face of the east wind at leisure, myriad colors of spring are in bloom." I really like this poem "Spring Day" by Song Zhu Xi, and the riverside of Sishui mentioned in the poem is here. The name of the town, Leisure Valley, is probably taken from this famous poem. Here, you can feel the beautiful rural scenery of Sishui and immerse yourself in the charm of excellent traditional Chinese culture. The Dengxian Valley Art Town has excavated and sorted out the excellent traditional and intangible cultural resources of the local area, and has built project areas such as Jia Mountain Head Village Dengxian Valley Art Granary, Dongzhongdu Village Yuelake Shangru Study Base, Longwan Lake Cultural and Creative Business District, and Longwan Academy. Gradually formed a tourism complex integrating learning, agricultural experience, specialty cuisine, handicraft workshops, leisure vacation, and ecological sightseeing. At the Longwan Study in this place, you can feel the atmosphere of literary and cultural heritage; at the Luban Memory Woodworking Workshop, you can experience the traditional mortise and tenon structure of intangible cultural heritage projects, learn about the tools used by ancient craftsmen and the legendary stories behind them; at the Taozhu Workshop, you can feel the pottery culture of Zhegou Town, the "hometown of pottery" in Sishui; walking into the Biantianxia, Bianshiji, and Taolifang handmade creative exhibition halls, you can experience the inheritance and innovation of local cultural product brands in Sishui. The geographical location of the town is not far from the Nishan Holy Land, Sishui Quanlinquan Group, Mengfu Meng Temple, and Yishan, but unfortunately I didn't have time to go. I suggest everyone take a look together. "The Spring Day" appears to be a poem about spring outing, and is considered a masterpiece in the genre of spring poems. However, during the Southern Song Dynasty when Zhu Xi lived by the banks of the Si River, it had already been occupied by the Jin people, and Zhu Xi had never gone north, so it was impossible for him to go spring outing and seek beauty there. The "Si River" in the poem is a reference to Confucianism. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucius taught his disciples between the Zhu and Si Rivers. "Seeking beauty" refers to seeking the way of the sage. "Ten thousand purples and thousands of reds" metaphorically describes the richness and diversity of Confucianism. The poet compares the way of the sage to the spring breeze that stimulates vitality and ignites all things. In fact, this is a philosophical poem with moral implications.

Fuxi Park is located in the central area of Sicheng and is a cultural park mainly built around Fuxi culture. According to historical records, Fuxi, Shennong, and Shaohao, who are all related to this place, are mentioned in ancient legends. The construction of Fuxi Park is integrated with the construction of the Sicheng water system, using modern gardening art to promote the profound humanistic history of the Si River, embodying the theme of seeking roots in the Si River and tracing the source of civilization, creating a landscape belt of the ancestor culture, and providing people with a place that integrates education, leisure, and fitness as an ancestor culture base.

🗺Detailed address: Nanzhongdu Village, Sishui, Shandong 👍Recommended homestay: Huazhu·Sishui Grandma's Homestay (Nishan Holy Land Branch) 🚘Transportation guide: 7.69 kilometers from Sishui Railway Station. ✨Highlight of the homestay: The homestay is located in Nanzhongdu Village, Shengshuiyu Town, Sishui County, Jining City, Shandong Province. It is 4 kilometers away from the soon-to-be-opened Sishui Station of Lunan High-speed Railway and 4.9 kilometers away from the Nishan exit of Rido Expressway, and is close to the Nishan Holy Land Scenic Area. The project consists of 4 courtyards, an reception center, and a 30-person conference room (Confucian Lecture Hall), as well as an independent restaurant and hotel, including 2 single rooms and 2 large halls as a rural homestay project. 🧩Must-try: Dengxian Valley Art Granary, Nishan, Little Elf Children's Park

Yongmunsan late autumn trip I am encouraged by someone's message of support