Sishui County Travel

Sishui County, Jining, Shandong — the birthplace of Confucius, known as the "Sacred Land of Springs," integrating Quanlin Spring Group, Anshan Temple, and Wanzi Qianhong Resort, blending natural ecology with Confucian culture. A 2-day in-depth tour decodes the essence of the spring township and experiences the unique charm of landscape and humanity intertwined.

72+
Quanlin Famous Springs
2
4A-Level Scenic Areas
10+
Core Attractions
10+
Specialty Foods
Quanlin Spring Group, Sishui County, Jining City
Quanlin Spring Group - Sacred Land of Springs
The iconic landscape of Sishui County, named for its "dense spring eyes like a forest." Historically a sacred site for emperors to offer sacrifices. Confucius once sighed here: "It passes on like this, never ceasing day or night."

Sishui County Two-Day Spring Source Culture Tour

Enjoy the gushing springs of Quanlin, climb Anshan ancient temple to pray, roam the ecological gallery of Wanzi Qianhong, taste spring township specialty foods, and unlock the beauty of Sishui's nature and humanity

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Quanlin Spring Group, Anshan Temple, Wanzi Qianhong Resort, Xihou Valley, Sishui Ancient City
Suitable For
Ecology enthusiasts, culture explorers, families with children, outdoor leisure seekers
Budget per Person
¥500-¥1,000
01
Spring Source Exploration
Quanlin Spring Group Scenic Area · Sishui Ancient City · Xihou Valley
Highlights

In the morning, explore Quanlin Spring Group to witness the wonder of "hundred springs gushing," stroll through Sishui Ancient City to feel historical charm. In the afternoon, head to Xihou Valley to experience canyon scenery. In the evening, return to the county town to taste specialty foods.

Attractions
Quanlin Spring Group Scenic Area
National 4A-level scenic area, famous for its numerous springs, featuring 72 famous springs including Pearl Spring, Baotu Spring, and Black Tiger Spring. The area contains historical sites such as Imperial Stele Pavilion and Quanlin Temple, with the Confucius Observing Waters inscription being particularly renowned.
Sishui Ancient City
A reconstructed historical and cultural district preserving Ming and Qing architectural styles. It houses the Sishui Museum, Intangible Heritage Exhibition Hall, and specialty shops, allowing visitors to experience Sishui's historical changes and folk culture.
Xihou Valley
A natural scenic area featuring canyon landscapes, with cascading waterfalls and dense vegetation. Known as the "No.1 Grand Canyon of Southern Shandong," it is an ideal destination for hiking adventures and summer escapes.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Business hotels in county center
  • Characteristic homestays in Quanlin Town
  • Farm stays near scenic areas
Food Recommendations
  • Sishui Huoshao (Baked Flatbread)
  • Rainbow Trout Feast
  • Quanlin Tofu Skin
  • Sishui Sticky Porridge
Travel Tips
  • Quanlin Spring gushes most vigorously in the early morning; arrive early
  • Wear comfortable sports shoes for hiking at Xihou Valley
  • The night light show at Sishui Ancient City is worth seeing (19:30-21:00)
02
Ecology & Blessings
Anshan Temple Scenic Area · Wanzi Qianhong Eco-Wellness Tourism Area · Departure
Highlights

In the morning, climb Anshan Temple to pray for blessings and experience Buddhist culture amidst mountain scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy Wanzi Qianhong Resort for eco-leisure activities. Purchase specialties in the evening before departure.

Attractions
Anshan Temple Scenic Area
An ancient temple first built during the Tang Zhenguan period, built against the mountain. It contains the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Pavilion and other buildings. The surrounding forests are lush with towering ancient cypresses — a wonderful place for blessings and sightseeing.
Wanzi Qianhong Eco-Wellness Tourism Area
National 4A-level scenic area, featuring ecological landscapes with mountains and waters, integrating sightseeing, vacation, and wellness. The area boasts lakes, wetlands, and flower seas — an ideal choice for leisure vacations.
Qinglong Mountain Forest Park
A forest park centered on Qinglong Mountain, featuring attractions such as Jade Emperor Temple and Wangyue Pavilion. The summit offers panoramic views of Sishui. The scenery is especially charming when peach blossoms bloom in spring.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Anshan Temple is about 25 km from the county town; self-driving or charter recommended
  • Wanzi Qianhong Resort has a direct shuttle bus (departs at 9:00, 14:00 daily)
  • Rural bus routes connect the county town to all attractions
Ticket Info
  • Quanlin Spring Group Scenic Area: ¥30
  • Anshan Temple: ¥20
  • Wanzi Qianhong Resort: ¥60
  • Xihou Valley: ¥25
Travel Tips
  • Keep quiet inside Anshan Temple and respect religious customs
  • Wanzi Qianhong Resort is suitable for cycling tours (bicycles available for rent)
  • Spring (April-May) is the best season for flower viewing in Sishui; consider traveling off-peak

Must-Try Foods in Sishui County

Sishui Huoshao (Baked Flatbread)

A traditional Sishui famous food made from flour, stuffed with scallions, oil, salt and other fillings, baked over charcoal fire. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a rich aroma — the top choice for local breakfast.

Rainbow Trout Feast

A Sishui specialty dish, using rainbow trout farmed in local high-quality spring water. Can be prepared as sashimi, braised, steamed, and more. Tender meat, rich nutrition — a must-try dish for visitors.

Quanlin Tofu Skin

A specialty of Quanlin Town, made from local spring water and soybeans. Thin as cicada wings, chewy in texture, can be served cold, stir-fried, or used in soups — a famous Sishui soybean product delicacy.

Sishui Sticky Porridge

A traditional Sishui breakfast made from millet flour or cornmeal, boiled until thick and sticky. Can be enjoyed with pickled vegetables and fried dough sticks — warms the stomach and body, a common winter delicacy in the region.

Sishui County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Peach and pear blossoms bloom, enchanting flower seas at Wanzi Qianhong Resort
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Spring groups have abundant water; Xihou Valley is perfect for escaping the heat
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Sishui peaches ripen, ideal for picking experiences
Must-Try Foods
  • Sishui Huoshao (Baked Flatbread)
  • Rainbow Trout Feast
  • Quanlin Tofu Skin
  • Sishui Sticky Porridge
  • Sishui Peach
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥135
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Meals: ¥60-120/day
  • Transport: approx ¥80
  • Total: ¥500-1,000
FAQ
  • Best viewing time for Quanlin Spring Group? → Early morning 8:00-10:00, when the springs are most vibrant
  • When is Sishui peach picking season? → June-August, recommend Sizhang Town picking gardens
  • Can I drive up to Anshan Temple? → Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot (¥10/time)
  • Where is the most authentic Sishui Huoshao? → "Old Li Huoshao Shop" near the old bus station in the county town

Explore Districts & Counties of Jining