Licheng District Travel

Licheng District, Jinan City, Shandong — the eastern ecological barrier and cultural heartland of Jinan, combining natural wonders such as Red Leaf Valley and Jiuru Mountain with historical treasures like Simen Pagoda and Hongjialou Church. A 3-day in-depth tour unlocks the unique charm of "Mountain-Water Licheng, Millennia-Old County."

1400+
Years of Simen Pagoda History
4
4A+ Level Scenic Areas
20+
Natural Landscapes
15+
Specialty Mountain Foods
Red Leaf Valley Scenic Area, Licheng District, Jinan City
Red Leaf Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Area - Qilu Red Leaf Paradise
National 4A-level scenic area, famous for its mountains of red leaves in autumn, integrating ecological sightseeing, leisure vacations, and science education — one of the most representative natural landscapes around Jinan.

Licheng District Three-Day Mountain-Water-Ancient Sites Tour

Enjoy the layered red leaves in Red Leaf Valley, visit the thousand-year-old Simen Pagoda, admire the waterfalls of Jiuru Mountain, discover the architectural gem of Hongjialou, and experience the dual gifts of nature and culture in Licheng

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Red Leaf Valley, Simen Pagoda, Jiuru Mountain, Hongjialou Church, Jinan Botanical Garden
Suitable For
Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, history and culture fans, families with children
Budget per Person
¥900-¥1,800
01
Red Leaves Everywhere
Red Leaf Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Area · Jinxiuchuan Reservoir · Moon Bay Urban Manor
Highlights

Spend the whole day exploring Red Leaf Valley, admiring the mountains of red leaves (best in autumn) or seasonal flowers. In the afternoon, stroll along Jinxiuchuan Reservoir to enjoy the lake and mountain views. In the evening, visit Moon Bay for rural leisure activities.

Attractions
Red Leaf Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Area
National 4A-level scenic area covering over 4,000 mu, mainly planted with wild cotinus coggygria. In autumn, the entire mountain turns brilliant red, creating a spectacular sight. Attractions include Tianqu Garden, Wanye Pagoda, and Xiangbala Leisure Valley.
Jinxiuchuan Reservoir
One of the important water sources for Jinan city proper, built in 1966 with a capacity of 41.5 million cubic meters. Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, it is an ideal place for leisure fishing and enjoying lake views.
Moon Bay Urban Manor
A manor integrating rural tourism, leisure entertainment, and farming experiences. Offers folk performances, picking gardens, children's playgrounds, and other activities — suitable for family trips.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Homestays near Red Leaf Valley
  • Farm stays in Zhonggong Town
  • Hotels near Hongjialou in the city center
Food Recommendations
  • Stir-fried chicken
  • Pepper bud stir-fried pork
  • Free-range chicken stewed with mushrooms
  • Wild vegetable buns
Travel Tips
  • Best time for Red Leaf Valley: mid-October to early November
  • The scenic area is large; sightseeing cars are available (¥20/person)
  • Temperature differences in mountainous areas are significant; bring a light jacket
02
Ancient Temple & Waterfalls
Simen Pagoda Scenic Area · Jiuru Mountain Waterfall Cluster · Shuilian Gorge
Highlights

Morning: Explore Simen Pagoda, the oldest surviving stone pagoda in China, and feel the thousand-year Buddhist charm. Afternoon: Tour Jiuru Mountain to marvel at the waterfall cluster wonders. Evening: Optionally visit Shuilian Gorge for mountain spring fun.

Attractions
Simen Pagoda Scenic Area
National 4A-level scenic area centered on the Sui dynasty Simen Pagoda, the oldest surviving single-story stone pagoda in China (built in 611 AD, 7th year of Daye era, Sui dynasty). Also features Thousand Buddha Cliff and Dragon-Tiger Pagoda.
Jiuru Mountain Waterfall Cluster Scenic Area
National 4A-level scenic area featuring waterfalls, deep pools, canyons, and forests. Home to dozens of waterfalls, the largest with a drop of over 100 meters. Known as the "Summit of Springs, Home of Waterfalls."
Shuilian Gorge Scenic Area
A natural scenic area integrating mountain-water landscapes, waterfall clusters, springs, and karst caves. Features Jinan's highest waterfall "Galaxy Falling from Heaven" and cultural attractions such as the Taishan Stone Gan Dang Culture Park.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Simen Pagoda: Take bus 67 from city center
  • Jiuru Mountain: Self-driving or scenic shuttle bus recommended
  • Distances between attractions are considerable; self-driving is more convenient (about 30 min drive)
Ticket Info
  • Red Leaf Valley: ¥80
  • Simen Pagoda: ¥30
  • Jiuru Mountain: ¥100
  • Shuilian Gorge: ¥90
Travel Tips
  • Wear non-slip shoes at Jiuru Mountain; some sections are steep
  • Professional guides are available at Simen Pagoda (¥50/tour)
  • Limited dining options in mountainous areas; prepare snacks in advance
03
Culture & Leisure
Hongjialou Catholic Church · Jinan Botanical Garden · Huashan Scenic Area · Departure
Highlights

Morning: Visit Hongjialou Catholic Church to experience Gothic architecture. Afternoon: Stroll through Jinan Botanical Garden to see rare plants. Evening: Climb Huashan Mountain for panoramic lake and mountain views, shop for specialties before departure.

Attractions
Hongjialou Catholic Church
First built in 1905, one of China's three most famous Catholic churches. Gothic architectural style with soaring twin towers and exquisite stained glass windows — an important historical and cultural landmark of Jinan.
Jinan Botanical Garden
A comprehensive botanical garden integrating plant research, science education, sightseeing, and leisure. Covering 1,500 mu, it features over 10 specialized gardens including peony garden, cherry blossom garden, and bamboo garden, with more than 1,000 plant species.
Huashan Scenic Area
Also known as Huabu Zhu Mountain, named for its lotus-like shape. A historically famous mountain in Jinan, once celebrated in poems by Li Bai. Attractions include Huashan Lake and Huayang Palace. Climb to the top for panoramic lake views.
Practical Info
Experience Programs
  • Jiuru Mountain cabin accommodation experience
  • Hongjialou Church photography
  • Jinan Botanical Garden science tour
  • Huashan Lake boat ride
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Licheng walnuts
  • Zhonggong chestnuts
  • Xiying jade apricots
  • Longshan black pottery
Return Trip Guide
  • Licheng is about 20 km from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport
  • Jinan East Station (high-speed rail) is located in Licheng District
  • City attractions can be reached via Metro Lines 2 and 3

Must-Try Foods in Licheng District

Licheng Stir-Fried Chicken

A specialty dish of Licheng District. Made from locally raised free-range chicken, stir-fried with green peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings. Tender and chewy meat with a rich aroma — the signature dish of Licheng farmhouse banquets.

Pepper Bud Stir-Fried Pork

A specialty dish from the mountainous areas of Licheng. Fresh pepper buds from spring are stir-fried with pork. The taste is tender, slightly numbing, and refreshingly aromatic — a seasonal local delicacy with unique mountain flavor.

Grass Bag Buns (Caobao Baozi)

A traditional Jinan famous food with branches near Hongjialou in Licheng District. Thin-skinned buns with generous fillings and rich broth, especially the pork soup buns — with nearly a century of history.

Licheng Walnuts

A specialty product of Licheng District and a national geographical indication product. Grown in the southern mountainous area with significant diurnal temperature variation, the walnuts are large with thin shells, plump kernels, and rich nutrition — a famous local agricultural product.

Licheng District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): Best time for Red Leaf Valley foliage
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Jiuru Mountain and Shuilian Gorge for summer escape and waterfall views
  • Spring (Apr-May): Jinan Botanical Garden in full bloom, ideal for spring outings
Must-Try Foods
  • Licheng stir-fried chicken
  • Pepper bud stir-fried pork
  • Grass bag buns
  • Free-range chicken stewed with mushrooms
  • Wild vegetable feast
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥300
  • Accommodation: ¥200-400/night
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: ¥100-200 (self-driving recommended)
  • Total: ¥900-1,800
FAQ
  • Can I drive into Red Leaf Valley? → Parking is available outside the scenic area; walking or sightseeing car required
  • Is Jiuru Mountain suitable for elderly visitors? → Some sections are steep; choose based on physical condition
  • Can I visit the interior of Hongjialou Church? → Yes, follow the rules and keep quiet
  • Are there shuttle buses between attractions in southern Licheng? → Few services; self-driving or chartered car recommended

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