Dezhou Travel

Dezhou, Shandong — historically known as Ande, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal flows through the city. Renowned as the "China Sun City" and "Hometown of Braised Chicken," it boasts attractions such as Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb, Yellow River Old Course Forest Park, and Dongzi Garden, integrating canal culture, food culture, and Confucian culture into a vibrant tourist destination.

2000+
Years of city history
20+
A-level scenic spots
10356
km² total area
5.6M+
Permanent population

Dezhou Travel by District/County

Decheng District

Central urban area of Dezhou, political, cultural, and commercial core

Sultan Sulaiman's TombDongzi GardenJianhe Wetland ParkDezhou Braised Chicken Museum
Lingcheng District

Eastern urban area of Dezhou, rich in history and culture

Lingxian Cultural Expo GardenDingzhuang ReservoirDongfang Shuo Park
Leling City

Northern county-level city of Dezhou, hometown of golden thread jujubes

Ten-Thousand-Mu Jujube ForestBixia Yuanjun Former ResidenceLeling Museum
Yucheng City

Southwestern county-level city of Dezhou, birthplace of Great Yu culture

Yu Wang Ting MuseumTuha River Wetland ParkLunzhen Ten-Thousand-Mu Pear Orchard
Ningjin County

Northwestern county of Dezhou, hometown of crickets

Ningjin Cultural Arts CenterBixia TempleKangning Lake Wetland Park
Qingyun County

Northeastern county of Dezhou, famous trading town

Qingyun Haidao Jinshan TempleXianghai Chanlin Ancient Jujube Eco-ParkQingyun Palace
Linyi County

Northern county of Dezhou, hometown of painting and calligraphy

Xing Tong ParkHongtan Temple Forest ParkLinyi Museum
Qihe County

Southernmost county of Dezhou, pearl of the Yellow River

Quancheng Ocean Polar WorldYellow River Wetland ParkDinghui Temple
Pingyuan County

Midwest county of Dezhou, hometown of Three Kingdoms culture

Three Kingdoms Culture SquareThousand Buddha PagodaPipa Bay Park
Xiajin County

Western county of Dezhou, Yellow River Old Course eco-area

Yellow River Old Course Forest ParkDebai Hot Spring ResortXiangxue Garden
Wucheng County

Southwestern county of Dezhou, hometown of Chinese chili peppers

Four Daughters Temple Scenic AreaCanal Ancient TownWucheng Xiangge Lake Park

Dezhou Three-Day Two-Night Canal Culture & Food Tour

Explore Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb to witness friendship, stroll through the Yellow River Old Course to enjoy ecology, visit Dongzi Garden to appreciate Confucian culture, and taste authentic Dezhou braised chicken.

Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Main Destinations
Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb, Yellow River Old Course Forest Park, Dongzi Garden, Four Daughters Temple Scenic Area, Quancheng Ocean Polar World
Suitable For
History & culture enthusiasts, food explorers, families, eco-tourists, Confucian culture researchers
Budget per person
¥700-¥1800
01
Ancient City Heritage
Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb & Dongzi Garden Cultural Tour
Highlights

Visit Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb in the morning to learn about the history of international exchange. Tour Dongzi Garden in the afternoon to experience Confucian culture. Explore the Braised Chicken Museum in the evening to savor food culture.

Attractions
Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb
National 4A scenic area, the tomb of the Eastern King of the Philippine Sultanate of Sulu from the Ming dynasty. It is the only foreign monarch's tomb in China, featuring archways, sacred paths, a princess consort tomb, and a mosque, bearing witness to the history of Sino-Philippine friendship.
Dongzi Garden
A cultural park named after the great Western Han Confucian scholar Dong Zhongshu, featuring Dongzi Reading Terrace, a Confucian culture exhibition hall, and a bronze statue of Dong Zhongshu. An important venue for promoting Confucian culture.
Dezhou Braised Chicken Museum
China's first museum themed on braised chicken culture, showcasing the historical origins, production techniques, and cultural connotations of Dezhou braised chicken. Visitors can watch the traditional cooking process on site.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Central Decheng hotels
  • Homestays near Dongzi Garden
  • Budget hotels near the train station
Food Recommendations
  • Dezhou Braised Chicken
  • Baodian Donkey Meat
  • Zhangguan Steamed Buns
  • Daliu Noodles
  • Songlou Pancake
Tips
  • Hire a guide at Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb for historical context
  • Dongzi Garden has beautiful evening lightscapes
  • Vacuum-packed braised chicken available at the museum
02
Ecology & Customs
Yellow River Old Course & Four Daughters Temple Nature & Culture Tour
Highlights

Spend the morning exploring Yellow River Old Course Forest Park to admire thousand-year-old mulberry trees. Visit Four Daughters Temple in the afternoon to experience canal culture and enjoy the comfort of a hot spring resort.

Attractions
Yellow River Old Course Forest Park
National 4A scenic area, an ecological forest formed by the ancient Yellow River channel, featuring ten-thousand-mu ancient mulberry groves and Xiangxue Garden. A natural oxygen bar and leisure resort.
Four Daughters Temple Scenic Area
National 4A scenic area, famous for the legend of "Four Daughters Filial Devotion." The area features the Four Daughters Temple Water Conservancy Hub, Foguang Temple, and a canal museum, serving as an important node of canal culture.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • About 1-hour drive from city center to Yellow River Old Course
  • About 40-min drive from Yellow River Old Course to Four Daughters Temple
  • Sightseeing cars available within the scenic area
Ticket Info
  • Yellow River Old Course Forest Park: ¥60
  • Four Daughters Temple Scenic Area: Free (some parts charge)
  • Debai Hot Spring: ¥168/person
Tour Tips
  • Check bloom forecasts in advance for spring flower viewing
  • Bring insect repellent due to many mosquitoes in the forest
  • The Four Daughters Temple water conservancy hub is great for photography
03
Family Fun Time
Ocean Polar World & Great Yu Culture Experience
Highlights

Start the day with a joyful family trip to Quancheng Ocean Polar World. Visit Yu Wang Ting Museum in the afternoon to trace Great Yu culture. Purchase Dezhou specialties before heading back.

Attractions
Quancheng Ocean Polar World
National 4A scenic area, featuring tropical rainforests, underwater tunnels, polar animal halls, and more. Enjoy dolphin shows and underwater weddings, perfect for family fun.
Yu Wang Ting Museum
A museum themed on Great Yu culture, featuring Yu Wang Pavilion, Yu Wang Hall, bell tower, and other structures, showcasing the historical achievements of Yu the Great in flood control and the history of Yucheng.
Practical Info
Schedule
  • Ocean Polar World: ~4 hours
  • Ocean World to Yu Wang Ting: ~1 hour drive
  • Yu Wang Ting: ~1.5 hours
  • Depart before 3 PM for return trip
Food Map
  • Yucheng Braised Chicken
  • Qihe Big Pot Pancake
  • Xiajin Silver Thread Noodles
  • Wucheng Xuan Pancake
  • Linyi Tiankou Lamb
Souvenir Ideas
  • Vacuum-packed Dezhou Braised Chicken
  • Leling Golden Thread Jujubes
  • Baodian Donkey Meat
  • Xiajin Mulberry Dried Fruit
  • Wucheng Chili Products

Dezhou Must-Try Foods

Dezhou Braised Chicken

Dezhou's most famous specialty food, originating in the Qing dynasty. Made from high-quality local free-range chickens through a dozen processes, the meat is tender and fragrant, acclaimed as the "Number One Chicken Under Heaven."

Baodian Donkey Meat

A specialty of Ningjin County, Dezhou, with a long history. Made from high-quality donkey meat, braised using traditional techniques. Tender and rich in flavor, earning the saying "Heavenly dragon meat, earthly donkey meat."

Zhangguan Steamed Buns

A specialty snack from Zhangguan Town, Ningjin County, Dezhou. Known for thin wrappers, generous fillings, and delicious taste. Made with fresh pork and various seasonings, a beloved traditional food among locals.

Daliu Noodles

A specialty noodle dish from Daliu Town, Ningjin County, Dezhou. The noodles are as thin as silk, firm and smooth, served with various toppings. A famous traditional pasta in northern Shandong.

Songlou Pancake

A specialty snack from Songlou Town, Xiajin County, Dezhou. Beautiful appearance, crispy outside and soft inside, can be filled with meat or vegetables. Unique flavor, a traditional local delicacy.

Dezhou Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Apr-May: Flower viewing at Yellow River Old Course, mulberries and pears bloom
  • Jun-Aug: Summer escape, best season for Ocean Polar World
  • Sep-Oct: Pleasant autumn weather, ideal for outdoor tours and food experiences
  • Nov-Mar: Fewer tourists in winter, hot spring resort experience available
Must-Do Experiences
  • Taste freshly made authentic Dezhou braised chicken
  • Admire thousand-year-old mulberry trees at Yellow River Old Course
  • Watch dolphin show at Quancheng Ocean Polar World
  • Enjoy canal scenery at Four Daughters Temple
  • Experience Confucian culture at Dongzi Garden
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥200-400
  • Accommodation: ¥180-350/night
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: ¥100-300 (including inter-county travel)
  • Total: ¥700-1800
FAQ
  • Which brand of Dezhou braised chicken is most authentic? → Brands under Dezhou Braised Chicken Group are well-known
  • What is special about Yellow River Old Course? → It has the largest ancient mulberry forest in North China
  • What age range is suitable for Quancheng Ocean Polar World? → Suitable for children aged 3-15
  • What is the historical significance of Sultan Sulaiman's Tomb? → It bears witness to ancient Sino-Philippine friendly exchanges
  • Is transportation from Dezhou to Jinan convenient? → High-speed train about 30 minutes