Linyi County Travel

Linyi County, Dezhou, Shandong — historically known as "Licheng," the hometown of Ming dynasty calligraphy master Xing Tong. It integrates cultural and natural attractions such as Xing Tong Park, Hongtan Temple Forest Park, and Linyi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery, along with specialty flavors like Songji Roasted Pigeon and Licheng Steamed Bowls. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour decodes calligraphy culture and ecological wildness, experiencing the unique charm of the Northern Lu Plain.

400+
Years of Xing Tong calligraphy heritage
1
Provincial forest park
6+
Core attractions
9+
Specialty foods
Xing Tong Park, Linyi County, Dezhou
Xing Tong Park – Calligraphy Cultural Landmark
Built to commemorate Ming dynasty calligrapher Xing Tong, the park features Xing Tong Memorial Hall, Laiqinguan Stele Inscriptions Group, and a calligraphy corridor, housing treasures like Xing Tong's "Laiqinguan Tie" and showcasing his calligraphic achievements equal to Dong Qichang. A must-visit for calligraphy enthusiasts.

Linyi County Two-Day One-Night Culture-Eco Tour

Appreciate Xing Tong's calligraphy to grasp ink charm, explore Hongtan ancient temple to enjoy tranquility, taste roasted pigeon and remember Licheng, unlocking the unique Northern Lu charm of 'culture and food shining together'

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Main Destinations
Xing Tong Park, Hongtan Temple Forest Park, Linyi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery, Xing Tong Memorial Hall, Licheng Wetland Park
Suitable For
Calligraphy enthusiasts, nature explorers, red study tour groups, food seekers, families
Budget per person
¥380-¥750
01
Ink Charm Licheng
Xing Tong Park · Xing Tong Memorial Hall · Linyi Food Street
Highlights

Stroll through Xing Tong Park in the morning to experience calligraphy culture, visit Xing Tong Memorial Hall to appreciate original works of "Laiqinguan Tie." In the afternoon, explore New Century Square for urban vitality. In the evening, hit the food street to taste Songji Roasted Pigeon and other specialties.

Attractions
Xing Tong Park
A cultural park themed on Ming dynasty calligrapher Xing Tong, with lush greenery. Features a Xing Tong statue, Laiqinguan stele group, and calligraphy study room. The "Xing Tong Calligraphy Stele Corridor" collects masterpieces in regular, running, and cursive scripts, showcasing the artistic achievements of the "Northern Sage of Calligraphy."
Xing Tong Memorial Hall
A specialized museum housing over 300 pieces of Xing Tong's calligraphy originals, stele rubbings, and documents, systematically displaying his life and artistic achievements. The "Laiqinguan Tie" is hailed as the "Best Calligraphy of the Ming Dynasty." Interactive calligraphy copying experiences are available.
Linyi Food Street
A commercial street gathering Linyi's specialty foods, featuring Songji Roasted Pigeon, Linyi Braised Chicken, and Licheng Steamed Bowls. Old brands and trendy shops complement each other, with calligraphy enthusiasts often improvising on the streets, blending culture and food.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Cultural theme homestays near Xing Tong Park
  • Downtown business hotels (near food street)
  • Budget hotels near New Century Square
Food Recommendations
  • Songji Roasted Pigeon
  • Linyi Braised Chicken
  • Licheng Steamed Bowls
  • Sweet Foam Tofu Pudding
Tips
  • Calligraphy copying experience at the memorial hall requires advance reservation (free)
  • Call ahead to reserve Songji Roasted Pigeon at the food street (peak hours queue)
  • Morning calligraphy practice activities at Xing Tong Park (join and interact)
02
Ecology & Red Charm
Hongtan Temple Forest Park · Linyi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery · Licheng Wetland Park
Highlights

Explore Hongtan Temple Forest Park in the morning for natural wildness. Visit Linyi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery in the afternoon to honor martyrs. Stroll through Licheng Wetland Park for ecological scenery. Purchase roasted pigeon and other specialties before returning.

Attractions
Hongtan Temple Forest Park
A provincial forest park named after the ruins of the ancient Hongtan Temple. Featuring woodland, wetlands, and flower seas, with forest trails, observation decks, and camping areas. Fragrant locust flowers in spring, colorful forests in autumn, it is a natural oxygen bar and eco-leisure resort.
Linyi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery
A patriotic education base, resting place for revolutionary martyrs from the Anti-Japanese War and Liberation War periods. Features a monument, memorial hall, and hero wall, showcasing Linyi's revolutionary struggle history through artifacts and historical materials, inheriting the red spirit.
Licheng Wetland Park
An urban wetland park themed on the ancient name "Licheng," built around natural waterways. Features reed marshes, lotus ponds, and waterfront platforms, hosting various waterbirds. A great place for bird watching, walking, and photography, showcasing Linyi's eco-friendly living environment.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take Linyi Bus Route 3 to Linzi Town Station, then transfer to tricycle for Hongtan Temple Forest Park
  • Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery is 2 km from city center, taxi about ¥8
  • Licheng Wetland Park is in eastern city area, walk or cycle
Ticket Info
  • Xing Tong Memorial Hall: ¥15
  • Hongtan Temple Forest Park: ¥20
  • Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery: Free
  • Licheng Wetland Park: Free
Tips
  • Bicycle rental at Hongtan Temple Forest Park (¥40/hour)
  • Red-themed guided tour available at the cemetery (suitable for groups, free)
  • Bring mosquito repellent in summer at Licheng Wetland Park, carry binoculars for bird watching

Linyi County Must-Try Foods

Songji Roasted Pigeon

Linyi's signature dish, originating in the Qing dynasty. Made from local quality squab, marinated with secret recipe and charcoal-roasted. Crispy skin, tender meat, unique aroma, named after founder Mr. Song. Known as "Number One Roasted Pigeon in Northern Lu," its technique is listed as a municipal intangible cultural heritage.

Linyi Braised Chicken

Linyi's traditional meat dish, derived from Dezhou braised chicken technique with local improvements. Known for "tender meat, savory flavor penetrating the bone." Whole chicken deboned, vacuum-packed for portability, a popular holiday gift.

Licheng Steamed Bowls

Linyi's traditional banquet dish, named after the ancient name "Licheng." Pork belly, chicken chunks, and other ingredients are layered in ceramic bowls, steamed for hours with secret sauce. Rich but not greasy, soft and flavorful, a must-have at local weddings and festivals.

Sweet Foam Tofu Pudding

Linyi's classic breakfast, pairing millet-based sweet foam with silky tofu pudding. Sweet foam is savory and slightly spicy, while tofu pudding is topped with sesame paste and chive flower sauce. Rich flavor profile, a beloved local breakfast combination.

Linyi County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Locust flowers bloom at Hongtan Temple, ideal for forest walks
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool weather, suitable for visiting historical sites and enjoying autumn scenery
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Enjoy roasted pigeon hotpot and other winter specialties
Must-Try Foods
  • Songji Roasted Pigeon (best freshly roasted)
  • Linyi Braised Chicken (vacuum-packed for takeaway)
  • Licheng Steamed Bowls (pork belly filling)
  • Sweet Foam Tofu Pudding (must-try breakfast)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥50
  • Accommodation: ¥110-180/night
  • Meals: ¥50-100/day
  • Transport: approx ¥40
  • Total: ¥380-750
FAQ
  • Are there branches of Songji Roasted Pigeon? → Only Cangsheng Street main store is authentic; vacuum-packed available
  • Are calligraphy souvenirs available at Xing Tong Memorial Hall? → Yes, replica rubbings of "Laiqinguan Tie" (¥50-200/set)
  • Can I picnic at Hongtan Temple? → Designated areas available, bring own supplies and clean up
  • Difference between Linyi Braised Chicken and Dezhou Braised Chicken? → Linyi version uses saucier marinade, firmer texture

Explore Districts & Counties of Dezhou