Hedong District Travel

Hedong District, Linyi, Shandong — a charming urban area on the east bank of the Yi River, integrating the Ming and Qing elegance of Yizhou Ancient City, the pastoral romance of Dragon Garden, and the millennium nourishment of Tangtou Hot Spring, blending red memories with wellness leisure. A 3-day in-depth tour decodes Hedong's diverse charm, experiencing the unique fusion of ancient city, hot spring, and red culture.

1300+
Years of Tangtou Hot Spring History
2
4A-Level Scenic Areas
11+
Core Attractions
12+
Specialty Foods
Yizhou Ancient City, Hedong District, Linyi City
Yizhou Ancient City - Ming & Qing Elegance
A restored Ming and Qing style ancient city, recreating the historical features of Yizhou. Featuring ancient streets, archways, opera stages and other structures, showcasing southern Shandong folk culture — a popular destination for experiencing slow-paced ancient city life.

Hedong District Three-Day Ancient City & Hot Spring Journey

Stroll through ancient city to experience folk customs, tour Dragon Garden to enjoy romance, soak in hot springs to nurture body and mind, recall red history to understand original aspirations, unlocking the dual charm of Hedong culture and wellness

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Yizhou Ancient City, Dragon Garden, Tangtou Hot Spring, Shandong Anti-Japanese Base Memorial Hall, Mount Huang Eastern Yi Culture Park
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, families with children, wellness vacationers, red study groups
Budget per Person
¥700-¥1500
01
Ancient City & Red Charm
Yizhou Ancient City · Shandong Anti-Japanese Base Memorial Hall · Mount Huang Eastern Yi Culture Park (Night View) · Jiefang East Road Food Street
Highlights

In the morning, stroll through Yizhou Ancient City to travel back to Ming and Qing dynasties, visit the Shandong Anti-Japanese Base Memorial Hall to honor martyrs. In the evening, enjoy the night view at Mount Huang Eastern Yi Culture Park, and explore Jiefang East Road Food Street to taste Hedong flavors.

Attractions
Yizhou Ancient City
National 3A-level scenic area, a Ming and Qing style ancient city rebuilt against the backdrop of Yizhou's historical culture. Features attractions such as Yizhou Government Office, Wang Xizhi Former Residence (rebuilt), and Folk Custom Museum. Ancient street shops line the streets, intangible cultural heritage performances are regular, and the night lights are as splendid as a painting.
Shandong Anti-Japanese Base Memorial Hall
A national patriotic red tourism classic scenic area, systematically showcasing the founding and development of the Shandong Anti-Japanese Base. Through artifacts, images, and scene restoration, it reproduces the historical facts of the Yimeng military and civilians' anti-Japanese struggle, serving as an important base for patriotic education.
Mount Huang Eastern Yi Culture Park
A cultural park themed around Eastern Yi culture, featuring the Eastern Yi Museum, sacrificial altar, totem poles and other landscapes, showcasing the Eastern Yi civilization dating back 8000-4000 years. Night lights blend with architecture, creating a mysterious and primitive atmosphere.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Themed homestays within Yizhou Ancient City
  • Landscape hotels on Binhe East Road
  • Business hotels on Jiefang East Road
Food Recommendations
  • Hedong Stir-Fried Chicken
  • Yimeng Whole Lamb Soup
  • Fried Cicada Pupae
  • Linyi San Soup (Hedong Savory Version)
Travel Tips
  • Yizhou Ancient City has fewer people in the early morning, great for empty-scene photography
  • Free guided tours available at the Anti-Japanese Memorial Hall (groups of 10+)
  • Best lighting effect at Mount Huang Eastern Yi Culture Park after 20:00
02
Pastoral Fun
Dragon Garden Tourism Area · Zhengzhi Auto Theme Park · Riverside Wetland Park · Wuyue Plaza Commercial Area
Highlights

In the morning, experience pastoral romance and fairy tale scenes at Dragon Garden. In the afternoon, feel speed and passion at Zhengzhi Auto Theme Park. In the evening, stroll along Riverside Wetland Park to enjoy Yi River scenery, and explore Wuyue Plaza for modern entertainment.

Attractions
Dragon Garden Tourism Area
National 4A-level scenic area, integrating wedding photography, parent-child fun, and pastoral leisure. Features areas such as Champs-Élysées Avenue, Ainuo Flower Sea, Dinosaur Park, and Tropical Rainforest Pavilion. European architecture blends with natural landscapes, earning the nickname "Little Europe of Linyi."
Zhengzhi Auto Theme Park
A theme park featuring car culture, equipped with a karting track, auto museum, test drive experience zone and more. Combining sports competition with science education, it is a paradise for car enthusiasts.
Riverside Wetland Park
An ecological park built along the east bank of the Yi River, featuring wetland boardwalks, waterfront platforms, flower sea landscapes and more. Habitat for various water birds, it is an ideal place for bird watching, cycling, and picnicking. Offers distant views of Lanshan urban area across the Yi River.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Take bus K21 to Dragon Garden Station
  • Take bus K30 to Zhengzhi Auto Park
  • Riverside Wetland Park has multiple parking lots along Binhe East Road for self-driving
Ticket Info
  • Yizhou Ancient City: Free (some experience projects charged)
  • Dragon Garden: ¥78
  • Mount Huang Eastern Yi Culture Park: ¥30 (museum free)
  • Zhengzhi Auto Park: Free entry (projects charged separately)
Travel Tips
  • Best viewing period for Dragon Garden Ainuo Flower Sea: Apr-May, Sep-Oct
  • Zhengzhi karting recommended to book by phone in advance (weekends may queue)
  • Evening cycling at Riverside Wetland offers views of Yi River sunset
03
Hot Spring Wellness
Tangtou Hot Spring Tourism Resort · Guantang Hot Spring · Tangtou Hot Spring Town · Departure
Highlights

In the morning, immerse yourself in Tangtou Hot Spring for millennium nourishment, experience Guantang Hot Spring's characteristic pools. In the afternoon, stroll through Tangtou Hot Spring Town to buy specialties, taste the hot spring feast before departure, drawing a comfortable conclusion to the journey.

Attractions
Tangtou Hot Spring Tourism Resort
A hot spring resort with over 1,300 years of history. Spring water temperature reaches 70°C, rich in fluorine, silicon and other minerals, known as "Divine Spring." Gathering multiple hot spring hotels, it is a renowned wellness destination in East China.
Guantang Hot Spring
The core scenic area of Tangtou Hot Spring, a national 4A-level scenic area. Features over 60 characteristic soaking pools, including herbal baths, floral baths, stone slab baths and more. Complete with SPA, dining, and accommodation — a popular choice for hot spring wellness.
Tangtou Hot Spring Town
A characteristic town built relying on hot spring resources, featuring a Hot Spring Culture Exhibition Hall, specialty market, folk performances and more. Visitors can purchase hot spring eggs, black pottery crafts and other specialty products, experiencing hot spring culture.
Practical Info
Experience Programs
  • Guantang Hot Spring Fish Therapy (additional ¥38)
  • Dragon Garden Parent-Child Farming Experience
  • Yizhou Ancient City Intangible Cultural Heritage Paper-cutting DIY
  • Tangtou Hot Spring Boiled Eggs (¥5/portion)
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Tangtou Hot Spring Mineral Skincare Products
  • Hedong Stir-Fried Chicken Vacuum Gift Box
  • Eastern Yi Culture Black Pottery Ornaments
  • Yimeng Hawthorn Strips
Return Trip Guide
  • Hedong District is about 8 km from Linyi Station, 20 minutes by taxi
  • About 15 km from Linyi North Station (high-speed rail), take bus K11 directly
  • Tangtou Subdistrict has tourist shuttles direct to major stations in the city

Must-Try Foods in Hedong District

Hedong Stir-Fried Chicken

Hedong District's specialty dish, made with free-range chickens raised along the Yi River coast. Stir-fried with local chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, then slow-braised with secret sauce. Firm and chewy meat, the broth can be mixed with rice or pancakes — a must-have main dish at Hedong banquets.

Hot Spring Feast

Tangtou Hot Spring's characteristic feast, using hot spring water to cook ingredients. Signature dishes include hot spring boiled eggs, hot spring stewed chicken, hot spring tofu and more. Utilizing hot spring minerals to enhance ingredient freshness, combining wellness with deliciousness — a local specialty for entertaining guests.

Yimeng Whole Lamb Soup

Hedong autumn and winter specialty, made with local goats, slow-simmered whole for over 5 hours. Clear soup with tender meat, served with cilantro and chili oil. Warms the body and dispels cold. Soup can be refilled unlimitedly — a heartwarming dish for Yimeng people to entertain guests.

Fried Cicada Pupae

Hedong rural specialty snack, made from cicada larvae unearthed in summer. Deep-fried and seasoned with salt or cumin, crispy texture, rich in protein. A popular night market snack, known as "high-protein snack."

Hedong District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Dragon Garden flower sea in full bloom, perfect for spring outings and photography
  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): Cool weather, high comfort for hot spring experience
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Best season for hot spring wellness, can be paired with ancient city New Year activities
Must-Try Foods
  • Hedong Stir-Fried Chicken (recommend "Yi River Bank Stir-Fried Chicken Shop")
  • Hot Spring Feast (recommend Guantang Hot Spring Hotel)
  • Whole Lamb Soup (recommend "Old Place Lamb Soup House" on Tangtou Street)
  • San Soup (recommend "Li Ji San Soup" on Jiefang East Road)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥200
  • Hot spring experience: ¥150-300/person
  • Accommodation: ¥180-400/night
  • Meals: ¥70-150/day
  • Transport: approx ¥50
  • Total: ¥700-1500
FAQ
  • Is Tangtou Hot Spring suitable for elderly and children? → Dedicated low-temperature pools and family pools available, suitable for the whole family
  • Is there accommodation in Yizhou Ancient City? → Multiple themed homestays available, prices range from ¥150-500/night
  • Can I bring pets to Dragon Garden? → No, pets are prohibited inside the park
  • Does the Anti-Japanese Memorial Hall require reservation? → Individual visitors no reservation needed, groups need to reserve by phone 1 day in advance