Hekou District Travel

Hekou District, Dongying, Shandong — the northern gateway of the Yellow River Delta, integrating locust forest flower seas, old Yellow River channel wetlands, and oil industry ruins, blending wild ecological charm with industrial memories. A 3-day in-depth tour unlocks the unique scenery at the tail of the Yellow River, experiencing the dual charm of nature and humanity.

18,000+
Wetland & Forest Area (ha)
1
4A-level Scenic Spot
9+
Core Attractions
12+
Specialty Foods
Gudao Locust Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area, Hekou District, Dongying
Gudao Locust Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area - Thousands of Acres of Locust Flower Sea
The iconic ecological scenic area of Hekou District, featuring the largest man-made locust forest in North China. In spring, locust flowers bloom like snow cover; in summer, it offers cool escape with supporting hot spring resources — an ideal leisure resort.

Hekou District 3-Day Eco & Industrial Memory Tour

Enjoy locust forest flowers, explore the old Yellow River course, discover oil marks, taste fisherman's delicacies, and feel the natural gifts and cultural heritage of Hekou District.

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Gudao Locust Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area, Old Yellow River Channel Ecological Wetland, Hekou Mingcui Lake, Hekou Oilfield Science and Technology Exhibition Hall, Zhuangxi Fishing Port
Suitable For
Eco enthusiasts, photography lovers, industrial history fans, food seekers, families with children
Budget per Person
¥500-¥900
01
Locust Forest Flower Sea & Hot Spring Experience
Gudao Locust Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area · Locust Flower Avenue · Hot Spring Resort · Locust Forest Picking
Highlights

Morning: Stroll through Gudao Locust Forest, walk along Locust Flower Avenue to enjoy thousands of acres of flower sea, experience locust flower picking. Afternoon: Relax in the hot spring resort. Evening: Taste locust flower feast and local farm dishes.

Attractions
Gudao Locust Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area
National 4A-level scenic area, covering 15,000 mu (1,000 ha), the largest man-made black locust forest in North China. When locust flowers bloom in spring, they create a "snow sea" spectacle. Equipped with a hot spring center, wooden cabin villas, etc., integrating sightseeing, leisure, and wellness.
Locust Flower Avenue
The core landscape corridor within the tourist area, flanked by rows of locust trees. When locust flowers bloom in spring, they form a hundred-meter-long "flower corridor" with sweet fragrance in the air — an excellent route for photography and walking.
Gudao Hot Spring Center
Built relying on underground natural hot spring resources, featuring indoor and outdoor hot spring pools, SPA area, and children's water play area. The spring water temperature remains around 58°C throughout the year, rich in various minerals with health benefits.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Hot spring wooden cabin villas inside the scenic area
  • Business hotels in Gudao Town
  • Chain hotels in Hekou city center
Food Recommendations
  • Locust flower buns
  • Locust flower honey drink
  • Gudao braised chicken
  • Yellow River Estuary duck eggs
Travel Tips
  • Locust flower season (mid-April to early May) is the best viewing period; check flower forecast in advance
  • Bring your own swimsuit for the hot spring area, or buy on-site (higher price)
  • Mosquitoes are abundant in the forest; bring insect repellent
02
Old Yellow River Channel & Urban Wetland
Old Yellow River Channel Ecological Wetland · Hekou Mingcui Lake Wetland Park · Yihe Town Red Education Base · Hekou City Night View
Highlights

Morning: Explore the Old Yellow River Channel wetland for bird watching and scenery. Afternoon: Stroll through Mingcui Lake to enjoy urban wetland views, visit Yihe Town Red Education Base to learn local history. Evening: Admire the night view of Hekou city.

Attractions
Old Yellow River Channel Ecological Wetland
A natural wetland left after the Yellow River changed course, preserving original river landforms and vegetation. It hosts over 200 bird species including wild ducks, egrets, and grey herons. Equipped with bird-watching platforms and wooden boardwalks, it is a natural classroom for ecological study.
Hekou Mingcui Lake Wetland Park
A comprehensive wetland park located in Hekou city center, centered around a lake, integrating aquatic plant viewing, leisure fitness, and science education. Features waterfront platforms and a lake-loop trail, serving as an ecological space shared by citizens and tourists.
Yihe Town Red Education Base
Built on revolutionary sites from the Anti-Japanese War period, showcasing the anti-Japanese history and revolutionary stories of the Yihe Town area. Through physical objects, pictures, and scene restoration, it inherits red culture.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Old Yellow River Channel wetland is about 20 km from city center; self-driving or township bus recommended
  • Mingcui Lake Park: take Hekou Bus Route 2 or 5 directly
  • Yihe Town Red Education Base: taxi from city center (about 30 minutes)
Ticket Info
  • Gudao Locust Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area: ¥60 (hot spring extra)
  • Old Yellow River Channel Ecological Wetland: ¥30
  • Mingcui Lake Wetland Park: Free
  • Yihe Town Red Education Base: Free (reservation required)
Travel Tips
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching at Old Yellow River Channel wetland
  • Mingcui Lake at dusk is great for shooting lake sunset
  • Red Education Base can arrange guides (groups of 10+)
03
Oil Imprints & Fisherman Flavors
Hekou Oilfield Science and Technology Exhibition Hall · Zhuangxi Fishing Port · Gudao Fresh Fish Soup Food Street · Departure
Highlights

Morning: Visit Hekou Oilfield Science and Technology Exhibition Hall to learn about oil extraction history. Afternoon: Go to Zhuangxi Fishing Port to experience fisherman life and buy fresh seafood. Evening: Taste specialties at Gudao Fresh Fish Soup Food Street before departure.

Attractions
Hekou Oilfield Science and Technology Exhibition Hall
A thematic exhibition hall showcasing the development of the petroleum industry in the Hekou area. Through old equipment, models, and video materials, it recreates the journey from exploration to development of the Hekou Oilfield, demonstrating the spirit of oil workers.
Zhuangxi Fishing Port
One of the important fishing ports in Hekou District. Every day when fishing boats return, the port bustles with activity. Visitors can watch fishermen unloading and sorting seafood, and enjoy buying freshly landed swimming crabs, prawns, saury, and more.
Gudao Fresh Fish Soup Food Street
A food hub characterized by "fresh fish soup". Using assorted fresh fish from the Yellow River Estuary, the soup is brewed through multiple processes, rich and delicious. Paired with local specialty noodles, it is a must-visit place to experience Hekou flavors.
Practical Info
Experiences
  • Simulated drilling operation experience at Oilfield Exhibition Hall
  • Boat sightseeing at Zhuangxi Fishing Port (negotiate with fishermen)
  • Fresh fish soup cooking observation
  • Seafood processing and packaging service (available near fishing port)
Souvenirs
  • Vacuum-packed fresh fish soup seasoning packs
  • Yellow River Estuary dried saury
  • Gudao locust flower honey
  • Bohai Bay dried shrimp
  • Oil-themed creative products
Departure Guide
  • Hekou city center to Dongying Shengli Airport: about 60 km, 1 hour taxi
  • Hekou Bus Station has buses to Dongying city center, Jinan, etc.
  • Seafood is best processed on-site at Zhuangxi Fishing Port or carried refrigerated

Must-Try Foods in Hekou District

Gudao Fresh Fish Soup

The signature dish of Hekou District. Made from fresh assorted fish caught at the confluence of the Yellow River Estuary and Bohai Bay, slowly simmered until the broth turns milky white. Local tofu and coriander are added to enhance freshness. Rich and delicious, it is praised as "a bowl of soup warms the whole body."

Yellow River Estuary Saury

A specialty aquatic product of Hekou District. Named for its annual migration from sea to river to spawn in spring. Slender and knife-shaped, with tender flesh rich in protein. Suitable for steaming or pan-frying — a rare spring delicacy in the region.

Locust Flower Buns

A spring specialty noodle dish of the Gudao area. Filled with fresh locust flowers and minced pork or eggs, wrapped in leavened dough and steamed. Soft texture with the sweetness of locust flowers — a must-try farmhouse flavor during locust flower season.

Bohai Bay Swimming Crab

A coastal specialty of Hekou District, named for its shuttle-shaped shell. Plump meat, rich roe, most delicious in autumn. Can be steamed, stir-fried with chili, or made into crab porridge — a fine dish for local banquets.

Hekou District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Gudao locust flowers in full bloom, ideal for flower viewing and hot springs
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Seafood is plump, wetland scenery diverse, climate cool
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Suitable for wetland escape and fishing port experience
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer people, peaceful, hot spring wellness experience
Must-Try Foods
  • Gudao fresh fish soup
  • Yellow River Estuary saury
  • Locust flower buns
  • Bohai Bay swimming crab
  • Hekou big pot stewed fish
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥120
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200/night
  • Meals: ¥50-90/day
  • Transport: about ¥60
  • Total: ¥500-900
FAQ
  • Best viewing period for Gudao locust flowers? → Late April to early May
  • Which restaurant serves the most authentic fresh fish soup? → Several long-established shops on Yong'an Road, Gudao Town; choose busy ones
  • What seafood can I buy at Zhuangxi Fishing Port? → Swimming crab, prawns, saury, bass, etc. (varies by season)
  • Are distances between Hekou attractions far? → Self-driving recommended, or rent a car in the city (about ¥200/day)

Explore Districts & Counties of Dongying