Juancheng County Travel

Juancheng County, Heze, Shandong — historically known as Juanyi, it is the hometown of the military master Sun Bin, honored as the "Land of Yao and Shun." It boasts historical sites such as Sun Bin Tourism City, Yao King's Tomb, and Lishan Shun Temple, integrating military culture, Yao-Shun culture, and folk customs. A 2-day in-depth tour unlocks the charm of this millennia-old county, experiencing the unique blend of military wisdom and Chinese civilization.

3000+
Years of Urban History
1
4A-level Scenic Area
7+
Core Attractions
10+
Specialty Foods
Sun Bin Tourism City, Juancheng County, Heze City
Sun Bin Tourism City - Holy Land of Military Culture
National 4A-level scenic area, centered on Sun Bin culture, including Sun Bin Temple, Yicheng Temple, and Sun Bin Military Expo Park, recreating Sun Bin's life and the wisdom of "Sun Bin's Art of War" — one of the largest military culture theme scenic areas in China.

Juancheng County Two-Day One-Night Military Roots Tour

Visit Sun Bin's hometown to comprehend the way of military strategy, explore Yao-Shun relics to trace civilization, taste Juancheng roasted mutton, and unlock the history and cultural beauty of this ancient county

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Sun Bin Tourism City, Yao King's Tomb, Lishan Shun Temple, Juancheng County Museum, Dongshan Zen Temple
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, military culture researchers, families with children, culture explorers
Budget per Person
¥400-¥850
01
Military Origins
Sun Bin Tourism City · Dongshan Zen Temple · Juancheng County Museum · Evening Stroll
Highlights

Morning: Explore Sun Bin Tourism City to appreciate military wisdom. Afternoon: Visit Dongshan Zen Temple to experience Zen culture, tour Juancheng County Museum to systematically learn local history. Evening: Stroll through the county town to enjoy the night scenery of ancient Juancheng.

Attractions
Sun Bin Tourism City
National 4A-level scenic area covering 999 mu, comprising Sun Bin Temple, Yicheng Temple, Military Expo Park, and Yuanrong Lake. The temple houses a statue of Sun Bin and replica bamboo slips of "Sun Bin's Art of War." The Military Expo Park displays ancient weapons and battle formations — the core scenic area for experiencing military culture.
Dongshan Zen Temple
First built in the early Tang dynasty and rebuilt in 2008, covering 25 mu. Main buildings include the Grand Buddha Hall, Heavenly King Hall, and Guanyin Hall. The temple enshrines statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva, with ancient cypress trees and thriving incense — an important Buddhist activity site in Juancheng.
Juancheng County Museum
Houses over 2,000 artifacts, including 8 national first-class relics. Features exhibition halls on "Sun Bin Culture," "Yao-Shun Culture," and "Historical Artifacts," systematically showcasing Juancheng's historical development from prehistoric to Ming and Qing dynasties.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Business hotels in city center
  • Homestays near Sun Bin Tourism City
  • Military-themed inns
Food Recommendations
  • Shiji roasted mutton
  • Zuoying mung bean balls
  • Juancheng fermented fish
  • Water-fried buns
Travel Tips
  • Sun Bin Tourism City is large; renting an electric cart (¥20/person) is recommended
  • The museum holds Sun Bin's Art of War lectures every Saturday at 10:00
  • Please keep quiet at Dongshan Zen Temple and respect religious customs
02
Yao-Shun Roots
Yao King's Tomb · Lishan Shun Temple · Shatu Temple · Departure
Highlights

Morning: Visit Yao King's Tomb to trace the origins of Chinese civilization, climb Lishan Shun Temple to feel Emperor Shun's virtuous influence. Afternoon: Tour Shatu Temple to appreciate folk architectural art, purchase specialties before departure.

Attractions
Yao King's Tomb
Provincial key cultural relic protection unit. Legend says it is the resting place of the ancient sage king Yao. The tomb mound is 6 meters high with a circumference of 150 meters. Stone tablets from the Ming and Qing dynasties inscribed with "Yao King's Tomb" stand before it, surrounded by ancient cypress trees — an important relic for tracing the roots of Chinese civilization.
Lishan Shun Temple
Built in memory of the ancient sage king Shun, who is said to have farmed at Lishan. The existing temple was rebuilt during the Qing dynasty, featuring a main hall, side halls, and a statue of Shun, displaying stories of Shun's life and embodying the traditional virtue of "filial piety moving heaven."
Shatu Temple
First built in the Tang dynasty, renowned for its exquisite architectural carvings. Existing structures include the mountain gate, main hall, and stage. Wood and brick carvings feature rich themes including myths and historical allusions, hailed as the "Treasure House of Folk Carving Art in Southwest Shandong."
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Yao King's Tomb is 10 km from county center; take rural bus or self-drive
  • Lishan Shun Temple is 8 km from Yao King's Tomb; self-driving recommended for a combined tour
  • Shatu Temple is 20 km from county center; accessible by rural bus
Ticket Info
  • Sun Bin Tourism City: ¥60
  • Yao King's Tomb: ¥20
  • Lishan Shun Temple: ¥15
  • Juancheng County Museum: Free (registration required)
  • Shatu Temple: ¥10
Travel Tips
  • Yao King's Tomb and Lishan Shun Temple are in rural areas; wear comfortable shoes
  • Shatu Temple holds a temple fair on the 16th day of the first lunar month; folk activities can be experienced
  • For roasted mutton, choose freshly made products from "Time-Honored Roasted Mutton Shop" in Shiji Town

Must-Try Foods in Juancheng County

Shiji Roasted Mutton

A traditional famous dish of Juancheng, originating in the Qing dynasty. Made from local goats through marinating, braising, and roasting. The meat is tender, rich but not greasy, with a strong aroma. Named after its origin in Shiji Town — a provincial intangible cultural heritage.

Zuoying Mung Bean Balls

A specialty snack from Zuoying Township, Juancheng. Made from mung beans and flour, formed into balls and deep-fried until golden. Crispy texture with rich bean aroma. Can be eaten directly or boiled in soup — selected as county-level intangible cultural heritage for its unique craftsmanship.

Juancheng Fermented Fish

A traditional folk delicacy of Juancheng. Made from freshwater fish, marinated with distiller's grains and slow-cooked. The fish bones are soft, the meat fragrant with a hint of wine aroma — a must-have festive dish known as "the ultimate rice companion."

Water-Fried Buns

A common street snack in Juancheng. Filled with pork and chives, the buns are first fried then steamed. The bottom is golden and crispy, the top fluffy, and the filling juicy and savory. Paired with millet congee, it forms a classic breakfast combination beloved by locals.

Juancheng County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Apricot blossoms around Lishan Shun Temple, ideal for outings
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool weather, perfect for visiting historical sites
  • 16th day of first lunar month: Shatu Temple fair, folk activities available
Must-Try Foods
  • Shiji roasted mutton
  • Zuoying mung bean balls
  • Juancheng fermented fish
  • Water-fried buns
  • Juancheng jelly
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥105
  • Accommodation: ¥120-260/night
  • Meals: ¥50-110/day
  • Transport: about ¥50
  • Total: ¥400-850
FAQ
  • Are there live performances at Sun Bin Tourism City? → Yes, "Sun Bin's Art of War Deduction" performed daily at 11:00 and 15:00
  • Can Shiji roasted mutton be vacuum-packed? → Yes, time-honored shops provide on-site vacuum packaging service
  • Are guided tours available at Yao King's Tomb? → Yes, group tours of 10+ people can book a guide (¥50/time)
  • What is the connection between Lishan Shun Temple and Emperor Shun? → Legend says Emperor Shun farmed here; the temple displays his "Farming at Lishan" deeds

Explore Districts & Counties of Heze