Mudan District Travel

Mudan District, Heze, Shandong — the core area of China's Peony Capital, home to renowned flower-viewing destinations such as Caozhou Peony Garden and China Peony Garden, integrating peony culture, ancient Caozhou charm, and modern vitality. A 2-day in-depth tour unlocks the essence of peony culture, experiencing the unique charm of a sea of flowers intertwined with humanity.

1200+
Peony Varieties
2
4A-level Scenic Areas
8+
Core Attractions
15+
Specialty Foods
Caozhou Peony Garden, Mudan District, Heze City
Caozhou Peony Garden - National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance
One of the largest and most diverse peony gardens in China, hailed as "China's Number One Peony Garden," with a thousand-year history of peony cultivation, world-famous for its "national beauty and heavenly fragrance" sea of peonies.

Mudan District Two-Day Peony Culture Tour

Admire the stunning peonies, stroll through the ancient Caozhou city, taste peony specialties, experience intangible heritage culture, and unlock the beauty of Heze's culture and nature

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Caozhou Peony Garden, China Peony Garden, Caozhou Ancient City, Gujin Garden, Heze City Museum
Suitable For
Flower enthusiasts, culture explorers, families with children, photography lovers
Budget per Person
¥500-¥1,000
01
Peony Feast
Caozhou Peony Garden · China Peony Garden · Gujin Garden · Hundred Flowers Garden
Highlights

Morning: Stroll through Caozhou Peony Garden to admire thousands of blooming peonies. Afternoon: Explore China Peony Garden to appreciate peony culture. Evening: Wander through Gujin Garden and Hundred Flowers Garden to enjoy specialty peony varieties, experiencing the unique charm of the "Peony Capital."

Attractions
Caozhou Peony Garden
National 4A-level scenic area, one of the largest peony viewing bases in China. The garden grows over 1,200 peony varieties and 600 peony varieties. The International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival is held annually in April, earning it the title "Kingdom of Peonies."
China Peony Garden
A large park integrating peony variety protection, ornamental tourism, and cultural experience. It has over 800 domestic and international peony varieties and features a Peony Culture Museum that systematically displays peony cultivation history and culture.
Gujin Garden
A historic peony garden first built in the Ming dynasty, famous for its "pine and cypress bonsai" and "century-old peonies." It houses precious plants such as a thousand-year-old Chinese fringetree and a hundred-year-old emerald pine, exemplifying the integration of peony culture and garden art.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Resorts near Peony Garden
  • Business hotels in city center
  • Characteristic homestays in Caozhou Ancient City
Food Recommendations
  • Peony cake
  • Heze lamb soup
  • Huang'an donkey meat
  • Water-fried buns
Travel Tips
  • Peony blooming season is around April; check flower forecast in advance
  • The park is large; sightseeing carts are available (¥20/person)
  • Wear light-colored clothing for photos to contrast with the peony sea
02
Cultural Quest
Caozhou Ancient City · Heze City Museum · Zhaowang River Park · Departure
Highlights

Morning: Stroll through Caozhou Ancient City to experience the historical charm of ancient Caozhou, visit intangible heritage workshops to explore traditional crafts. Afternoon: Tour Heze City Museum to learn about regional culture. Evening: Visit Zhaowang River Park to enjoy city scenery, purchase specialties before departure.

Attractions
Caozhou Ancient City
A cultural tourism district built against the historical and cultural background of ancient Caozhou. It has restored historical buildings such as the Caozhou Government Office and Wenchang Pavilion, gathering Heze intangible heritage exhibitions, specialty dining, and cultural creative shops, showcasing the cultural charm of "one city, one charm."
Heze City Museum
National second-grade museum with over 16,000 artifacts. Features exhibition halls such as "Heze Historical Culture Exhibition" and "Peony Culture Exhibition," systematically showcasing Heze's historical development from prehistoric to Ming and Qing dynasties and its distinctive peony culture.
Zhaowang River Park
An urban waterfront park running through Mudan District, themed "Water Charm Peony." It integrates ecological landscape, leisure fitness, and cultural display functions. A relaxing spot for citizens and tourists alike, beautifully illuminated at night.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Caozhou Ancient City: take bus routes K3 or K4 directly
  • Museum is about 3 km from Ancient City; 10 min taxi ride
  • Multiple bus stops around Zhaowang River Park
Ticket Info
  • Caozhou Peony Garden: ¥75 (blooming season)
  • China Peony Garden: ¥60 (blooming season)
  • Gujin Garden: ¥20
  • Heze City Museum: Free (reservation required)
Travel Tips
  • Intangible heritage workshops in Caozhou Ancient City offer dough figurine and Lu brocade making experiences (reservation required)
  • Free guided tours at the museum (10:00, 14:00)
  • Zhaowang River Park is great for an evening stroll to enjoy the sunset

Must-Try Foods in Mudan District

Peony Cake

A specialty pastry of Heze, made from peony petals, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. Soft and sticky texture with a rich floral fragrance. Rich in local characteristics and cultural connotations, it is known as "the pastry of flowers."

Heze Lamb Soup

A traditional famous dish of southwestern Shandong. Made from local goats, slow-simmered in aged broth. The soup is milky white, the meat tender. Best enjoyed with sesame flatbread, earning the reputation of "China's Number One Soup."

Huang'an Donkey Meat

A specialty of Huang'an Town, Mudan District, Heze. Made from high-quality donkey meat, braised through multiple processes. Tender texture, rich aroma, high protein and low fat — a famous local meat delicacy.

Water-Fried Buns

A traditional breakfast in Heze. Made from flour, pork, and chives, first fried then steamed. Crispy bottom, fluffy top, savory filling — a beloved home-style dish deeply cherished by locals.

Mudan District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (April): Peony blooming season, the best time to view peonies
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool weather, ideal for visiting the ancient city and parks
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Caozhou Ancient City Spring Festival temple fair is worth experiencing
Must-Try Foods
  • Peony cake
  • Heze lamb soup
  • Huang'an donkey meat
  • Water-fried buns
  • Peony flower tea
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Meals: ¥60-120/day
  • Transport: about ¥30
  • Total: ¥500-1,000
FAQ
  • Best time to see peonies? → Mid to late April, blooming period about 20 days
  • Does Caozhou Ancient City require tickets? → Free entry; some experience activities charge fees
  • Does Heze City Museum require reservations? → Yes, reservations can be made via the official website
  • Where is the most authentic peony cake? → Time-honored "Peony Studio" in Caozhou Ancient City

Explore Districts & Counties of Heze