Qihe County Travel

Qihe County, Dezhou, Shandong — the northern gateway of Jinan, integrating theme parks such as Quancheng Ocean Polar World and Europark Fantasy World, natural and cultural attractions like Yellow River Waterfront National Wetland Park and Dinghui Temple, along with specialty flavors like Qihe big pot pancake and Yellow River carp. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour unlocks family fun and Yellow River ecology, experiencing the vitality and heritage of northwestern Shandong.

2
4A-level scenic areas
1
National Wetland Park
8+
Core attractions
10+
Specialty foods
Quancheng Ocean Polar World, Qihe County, Dezhou
Quancheng Ocean Polar World – North China Marine Theme Landmark
National 4A scenic area, the largest indoor aquarium in North China, featuring belugas, penguins, polar bears and over 10,000 marine species. Equipped with an underwater tunnel and dolphin performance theater, it is a popular destination for family interaction and marine science education.

Qihe County Two-Day One-Night Family Fun Tour

Explore the ocean wonderland and dance with fish, challenge your heartbeat at Europark, enjoy bird watching and listen to the waves at Yellow River Wetland, unlocking the double experience of joy and ecology north of Jinan.

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Main Destinations
Quancheng Ocean World, Europark, Yellow River Wetland, Dinghui Temple, Shi Chuanxiang Memorial Hall
Suitable For
Families, young people, ecology enthusiasts, food seekers
Budget per person
¥800-¥1500
01
Joyful Carnival
Quancheng Ocean Polar World · Europark Fantasy World · Qihe Food Street
Highlights

Explore the ocean wonders at Quancheng Ocean Polar World in the morning and watch dolphin shows; enjoy Europark Fantasy World in the afternoon, experiencing roller coasters and other thrilling rides; stroll the food street in the evening to taste Yellow River carp and other specialties, and enjoy the park's light show at night.

Attractions
Quancheng Ocean Polar World
National 4A scenic area, an indoor constant-temperature ocean theme park featuring polar animal halls, an underwater tunnel, shark hall, and dolphin theater. Get close to beluga interactions, watch penguins waddle, and enjoy the "Dolphin Love Song" special performance. Ideal for family science fun.
Europark Fantasy World
National 4A scenic area, a large theme park with over 30 rides including Blue Fire Roller Coaster and Suspended Roller Coaster. Features theme zones like Fairy Tale Town, Adventure Island, and Joy Paradise. Night fireworks shows (weekends and holidays) make it a paradise for youth and families.
Qihe Food Street
A specialty food hub adjacent to the scenic area, focusing on local flavors like Yellow River carp, Maji roasted chicken, and Qihe big pot pancake, blended with various snacks. Many restaurants feature kid-friendly seating, convenient for dining with children, and lively at night.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Europark Knight Resort Hotel (themed rooms)
  • Family homestays near Ocean World
  • Downtown business hotels (great value)
Food Recommendations
  • Yellow River Carp (sweet-sour / braised)
  • Maji Roasted Chicken
  • Qihe Big Pot Pancake
  • Tofu Skin Wrapped Scallion
Tips
  • Dolphin shows at Ocean World daily at 11:00/15:30; arrive 30 min early for seats
  • Visit Europark roller coasters during off-peak hours (fewer crowds within 1 hour of opening)
  • Stroller rental available for children (¥50/day at Ocean World, ¥60/day at Europark)
02
Ecology & Humanity
Yellow River Waterfront National Wetland Park · Dinghui Temple · Shi Chuanxiang Memorial Hall · Yudai Lake Park
Highlights

Stroll through Yellow River Wetland Park in the morning to enjoy wetland scenery and watch migratory birds; visit Dinghui Temple in the afternoon for Zen tranquility, explore Shi Chuanxiang Memorial Hall to learn model worker spirit; relax at Yudai Lake Park in the evening, and purchase specialties before returning.

Attractions
Yellow River Waterfront National Wetland Park
National wetland park built along Yellow River tributaries and marsh wetlands, featuring reed marshes, lotus ponds, and bird-watching platforms. Over 200 bird species inhabit the area, including egrets and grey cranes. Best for spring outings and autumn bird watching. Boat rides available (¥30/person).
Dinghui Temple
An ancient Qihe temple first built in the Tang dynasty. Existing structures include the Mahavira Hall and Guanyin Pavilion. Ancient cypress trees shade the serene courtyard, enshrining Sakyamuni and Avalokitesvara. A place for peaceful prayer and experiencing Buddhist culture, with a vegetarian restaurant nearby (¥30/person).
Shi Chuanxiang Memorial Hall
Built to commemorate national model worker and "night soil collector" Shi Chuanxiang (a native of Qihe). The exhibition hall uses artifacts, photos, and videos to showcase his dedication spirit of "Rather bear one's own filth than bring cleanliness to thousands." A patriotism and labor education base, free admission.
Yudai Lake Park
Qihe's urban leisure park, named for its jade-belt-shaped lake. Features a lakeside trail, music fountain, and children's playground. Dense vegetation makes it a great place for walking and exercise. Evening square dancing and family activities create a vibrant community atmosphere.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take Qihe Bus Route 5 to Zhu'a Town Station, walk 10 min to Wetland Park
  • Dinghui Temple is about 8 km from the wetland, taxi about ¥20
  • Shi Chuanxiang Memorial Hall is in the city center, take Bus Route 1 to Century Road Station
Ticket Info
  • Quancheng Ocean Polar World: ¥190
  • Europark Fantasy World: ¥200
  • Yellow River Wetland Park: Free (boat ride charges apply)
  • Dinghui Temple: Free (voluntary incense donation)
Tips
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching at Yellow River Wetland (rental available ¥20/time)
  • Guided tour reservation available at Shi Chuanxiang Memorial Hall (suitable for student groups, free)
  • Music fountain at Yudai Lake Park daily 19:30-20:00 (summer)

Qihe County Must-Try Foods

Yellow River Carp

Qihe's specialty aquatic product. Grown in Yellow River waters, the flesh is tender. Can be prepared sweet-sour or braised. "Sweet-Sour Yellow River Carp" is a Lu cuisine classic, golden in color, crispy outside and tender inside, sweet and sour, a highlight of local banquets.

Maji Roasted Chicken

Traditional famous food from Maji Town, Qihe County, originating in the Qing dynasty. Made from local free-range chicken, marinated with 16 spices and smoked. Bright red skin, firm texture, rich flavor. Vacuum-packed for easy carrying, an excellent gift for friends and relatives.

Qihe Big Pot Pancake

Qihe's traditional pasta made from high-quality flour, fermented and baked in a large iron pot. Thick, crispy outside and soft inside, can be eaten directly or paired with dishes. Due to its long shelf life and strong satiety, it was once a staple for Yellow River boat trackers.

Tofu Skin Wrapped Scallion

Qihe's farmhouse specialty eating method. Use local handmade tofu skin (thin as paper), wrap around Zhangqiu scallions, dip in sweet bean sauce. Refreshing texture, blending bean fragrance and scallion aroma, a classic Northern Lu farmhouse appetizer.

Qihe County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Flowers bloom at Yellow River Wetland, ideal for bird watching and outings
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Theme parks open night sessions, avoid daytime heat
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool weather, perfect for wetland tours and tasting river delicacies
Must-Try Foods
  • Sweet-Sour Yellow River Carp (freshly killed and cooked)
  • Maji Roasted Chicken (best served hot)
  • Big Pot Pancake with Sauced Meat
  • Tofu Skin Wrapped Scallion (with sweet bean sauce)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥400 (Ocean World + Europark)
  • Accommodation: ¥200-500/night (themed hotels slightly higher)
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: ¥50-100
  • Total: ¥800-1500
FAQ
  • Is there a combo ticket for Ocean World and Europark? → Yes, a two-park combo ticket costs ¥350 (save ¥40 compared to individual tickets)
  • Which Yellow River carp restaurant is most authentic? → "Yellow River Home" restaurant (near the wetland)
  • How to get from Jinan to Qihe scenic area? → Take bus K904 from Jinan West Railway Station directly to the Eco-City
  • Is Shi Chuanxiang Memorial Hall suitable for children? → Yes, there are hands-on labor experience interactive programs

Explore Districts & Counties of Dezhou