Xiajin County Travel

Xiajin County, Dezhou, Shandong — an ecological pearl on the old course of the Yellow River, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Mulberries." It integrates natural and cultural attractions such as the Yellow River Old Course Forest Park (National 4A), Debai Hot Spring Resort, and Xiajin Confucian Temple, along with specialty flavors like Bag Chicken and Mulberry Paste. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour decodes ancient mulberry culture and hot spring wellness, experiencing the ecological charm of Northwestern Shandong.

1200+
Years of ancient mulberry trees
1
4A-level scenic area
7+
Core attractions
9+
Specialty foods
Yellow River Old Course Forest Park, Xiajin County, Dezhou
Yellow River Old Course Forest Park – Millennia-Old Mulberry Forest Sanctuary
National 4A scenic area and national forest park, boasting the largest ancient mulberry forest in North China, with over 300 ancient mulberry trees over a thousand years old. In spring, mulberries hang heavy on branches; in summer, dense foliage shades the sky. A natural treasure trove integrating ecological sightseeing, science education, and picking experiences.

Xiajin County Two-Day One-Night Eco-Wellness Tour

Explore the old course and ancient mulberry trees to taste sweet fruit, soak in hot springs to relieve fatigue, taste Bag Chicken to evoke nostalgia, and unlock the nature and flavors of the 'Ecological Pearl' in Northern Lu.

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Main Destinations
Yellow River Old Course Forest Park, Debai Hot Spring, Xiajin Confucian Temple, Huimeng Park, Mulberry Culture Industrial Park
Suitable For
Eco-lovers, wellness vacationers, families, food seekers, study tour groups
Budget per person
¥500-¥1200
01
Eco Discovery
Yellow River Old Course Forest Park · Yishou Garden · Debai Hot Spring Resort · Xiajin Food Street
Highlights

Stroll through the Yellow River Old Course Forest Park in the morning to admire thousand-year-old mulberry trees, pick mulberries at Yishou Garden; relax at Debai Hot Spring in the afternoon; explore the food street in the evening to taste Bag Chicken and other specialties, and enjoy the hot spring area light show at night.

Attractions
Yellow River Old Course Forest Park
National 4A scenic area and national forest park, composed of multiple ancient mulberry garden areas. The core area "Yishou Garden" features the millennial mulberry king (tree age 1300 years). The Mulberry Culture Festival is held in spring, allowing picking of purple and white mulberry varieties. The park includes a mulberry culture museum showcasing sericulture history.
Debai Hot Spring Resort
A comprehensive scenic area integrating hot spring wellness and leisure vacation, featuring over 50 indoor and outdoor hot spring pools, specializing in Chinese herbal medicine health pools. Equipped with hotels, restaurants, children's playgrounds, and other facilities. Winter offers a hot spring + snowscape experience, making it a popular choice for families and wellness seekers.
Xiajin Food Street
A specialty food hub adjacent to the scenic area, featuring local flavors such as Bag Chicken, Songlou Baked Flatbread, and Xiajin Silver Thread Noodles. In spring, a mulberry feast is available (mulberry cake, mulberry wine, etc.). Most shops use farm-fresh ingredients, recreating the rustic taste of Northern Lu.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Debai Hot Spring Resort Hotel (includes hot spring ticket)
  • Yellow River Old Course homestays (near picking area)
  • Downtown business hotels (great value)
Food Recommendations
  • Bag Chicken
  • Songlou Baked Flatbread
  • Xiajin Silver Thread Noodles
  • Mulberry Paste
Tips
  • Best mulberry picking time at Yellow River Old Course is mid-May to early June; bring your own basket
  • Bring your own swimwear for the hot spring area; children's pool temperature is suitable (32-34°C)
  • Bag Chicken at the food street needs to be ordered 1 hour in advance (made fresh)
02
Humanity & Heritage
Xiajin Confucian Temple · Huimeng Park · Mulberry Culture Industrial Park · Specialty Shopping
Highlights

Visit Xiajin Confucian Temple in the morning to experience Confucian culture, stroll through Huimeng Park to trace history; explore the Mulberry Culture Industrial Park in the afternoon to learn about deep-processing techniques; purchase mulberry paste and other specialties in the evening before returning.

Attractions
Xiajin Confucian Temple
First built during the Hongwu period of the Ming dynasty, it is one of the best-preserved Confucian temple complexes in Northern Lu. Existing structures include the Dacheng Hall, Lingxing Gate, and Pan Pond. The hall enshrines statues of Confucius and his disciples, and preserves over 10 steles from the Ming and Qing dynasties, serving as important material evidence for studying local educational history.
Huimeng Park
A city park themed on the historical "Feudal Lords Alliance," said to have taken place here during the Spring and Autumn period. The park features the Alliance Platform ruins, historical relief walls, and antique pavilions. Lush vegetation makes it a place for citizens to relax and learn about local history.
Mulberry Culture Industrial Park
A park integrating mulberry planting, processing, and exhibition. Visitors can tour the production lines of mulberry paste, mulberry wine, and mulberry health products, learning the entire process from fresh fruit to deep-processed goods. A tasting area and specialty supermarket are available for convenient shopping.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take Xiajin Bus Route 3 to Forest Park Station for Yellow River Old Course
  • Confucian Temple is in the city center; take Bus Route 1 to Nancheng Street Station, walk 5 minutes
  • Mulberry Industrial Park is 8 km from the city center; taxi about ¥15
Ticket Info
  • Yellow River Old Course Forest Park: ¥40 (includes picking experience)
  • Debai Hot Spring: ¥198
  • Xiajin Confucian Temple: ¥15
  • Huimeng Park: Free
Tips
  • Free Confucian classics lecture every Sunday at the Confucian Temple (10:00-11:30, suitable for children)
  • Mulberry Industrial Park offers free tasting of mulberry products; free shipping for purchases over ¥200
  • Local intangible heritage "Xiajin Frame Drum" performance can be seen during morning exercise at Huimeng Park (6:30-7:30)

Xiajin County Must-Try Foods

Bag Chicken

Xiajin's traditional famous dish, originating in the Qing dynasty. Young chicken is deboned and stuffed with 16 kinds of fillings including sea cucumber, abalone, and shrimp, sewn into a bag shape, and slow-cooked. Tender meat, rich fillings. Named "Bag Chicken" for its bag-like shape and hidden delicacies, selected as provincial intangible heritage.

Songlou Baked Flatbread

Specialty pasta from Songlou Town, Xiajin County. Made from high-quality flour, fermented, oil-layered, and charcoal-baked. Crispy outer skin, fluffy interior. Can be filled with meat or vegetables. Its unique texture makes it a preferred choice for breakfast and snacks.

Xiajin Silver Thread Noodles

Xiajin's traditional pasta, hand-pulled noodles as thin as silver threads yet firm and not mushy. Served with shredded chicken, egg crepe, and coriander, the broth is slowly simmered with old chicken, clear and delicious. Known as "A Unique Wonder in Northern Lu" for its "thread-like noodles and jade-like soup."

Mulberry Paste

Xiajin's specialty dessert, made from fresh mulberries from the Yellow River Old Course, boiled and concentrated to remove residue. Dark purple in color, sweet and rich aroma, rich in anthocyanins. Can be eaten directly or brewed with water. Has nourishing effects, representing the local specialty product.

Xiajin County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (May-Jun): Mulberries ripe at Yellow River Old Course, join the picking festival
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool weather, perfect for forest walks and hot spring wellness
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Debai Hot Spring launches hot spring + snowscape package, unique experience
Must-Try Foods
  • Bag Chicken (recommend sharing for 6+, generous portion)
  • Songlou Baked Flatbread with Sauced Meat
  • Silver Thread Noodles (must-order breakfast)
  • Fresh Mulberries (pick and eat fresh, best in mid-to-late May)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥250 (including hot spring)
  • Accommodation: ¥150-500/night (hot spring hotel slightly higher)
  • Meals: ¥60-120/day
  • Transport: approx ¥40
  • Total: ¥500-1200
FAQ
  • Is mulberry picking charged? → Yellow River Old Course park ticket includes 1 jin of picking; extra charged at ¥10/jin
  • Which Bag Chicken is most authentic? → "Xiajin Old Kitchen" (downtown main store, established 1920)
  • Is the hot spring suitable for elderly? → Dedicated health pools available (37-38°C), family accompaniment required
  • How long is the shelf life of mulberry products? → Mulberry paste 6 months at room temperature, mulberry wine over 12 months

Explore Districts & Counties of Dezhou