Junan County Travel
Junan County, Linyi, Shandong — "Red Capital of Qilu," an important birthplace of Yimeng Spirit, integrating three unique traits: the red memory of the 115th Division Headquarters, the lake and mountain scenery of Tianma Island, and the epic struggle of Lijiazhai. A 3-day in-depth tour decodes Junan's diverse charm, experiencing the unique blend of red culture, natural landscapes, and rural customs.
Junan County Three-Day Red Landscape Tour
Visit red sites to recall glorious years, tour Tianma Island to enjoy lake and mountain scenery, explore Lijiazhai to understand spirit, taste donkey meat to find flavor, unlocking the dual charm of Junan's red history and natural beauty
In the morning, visit the 115th Division Headquarters Site and Shandong Provincial Government Founding Site to revisit revolutionary history. In the afternoon, stroll through Dadian Ancient Town to experience ancient street charm. In the evening, explore the county town night market to taste Junan flavors.
- Red-themed homestays in Dadian Town
- Business hotels in county center
- Lakeside guesthouses near Tianma Island
- Junan Donkey Meat
- Junan San Soup
- Potstickers (Junan Style)
- Fried Mountain Scorpions
- Free guided tours available at the 115th Division Site (groups of 10+)
- Early morning at the ancient town has fewer people, great for capturing original street scenes
- Many donkey meat stalls at the night market; choose time-honored brands
In the morning, climb Tianma Island to experience the magnificent blend of lake and mountain, visit the thousand-year-old Ganlu Temple. In the afternoon, tour Sleeping Buddha Temple Park for tranquility and blessings. In the evening, stroll along Jilonghe Wetland Park to enjoy night lighting.
- Take Junan Bus Route 10 to Laopo Town Station, transfer to scenic area shuttle (¥5)
- Take Bus Route 3 to Sleeping Buddha Temple Station
- Take Bus Route 6 to Wetland Park Station for Jilonghe
- 115th Division Headquarters Site: Free (reservation required)
- Tianma Island Scenic Area: ¥80 (includes boat tour, cable car one-way ¥50)
- Sleeping Buddha Temple Park: Free (temple donations voluntary)
- Lijiazhai Exhibition Hall: Free
- Tianma Island boat tour + mountain climbing takes about 5 hours; bring dry food and water
- Ganlu Temple vegetarian meals served 11:30-13:00 (¥20/portion)
- Jilonghe musical fountain opens Saturdays 20:00-20:30
In the morning, visit Lijiazhai Exhibition Hall to experience the "Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains" spirit, tour Junan County Museum to learn about local history. In the afternoon, shop at the specialty market for Junan local products before departing with满载而归.
- 115th Division Site Red Scenario Drama Experience (¥30/person)
- Tianma Island Boat Fishing (bring your own gear, free)
- Lijiazhai Farming Experience (wheelbarrow pushing, plowing, ¥20/item)
- Sleeping Buddha Temple Prayer Lock (¥10/lock)
- Junan Donkey Meat Vacuum Gift Box
- Junan Chestnuts (Organic Certified)
- Tianma Island Green Tea
- Peanut Brittle
- Junan county town is about 80 km from Linyi Station, 1 hour 10 min by taxi
- About 15 km from Junan North Station, take Bus Route 8 directly
- The specialty market supports vacuum packaging and mailing of donkey meat and other food items
Must-Try Foods in Junan County
Junan Donkey Meat
Junan's signature dish, originating in the Qing dynasty. Made from locally raised black donkeys, featuring "live slaughter, aged broth braising" technique. Tender meat without gamey taste, can be served cold, braised, or as donkey meat flatbread. The broth is simmered for 8 hours with over ten spices, creating a unique flavor. Known as "Dragon meat in heaven, donkey meat on earth" — a "prestige dish" for entertaining guests in Junan.
Junan San Soup
Junan's improved version of San soup, made with beef broth as the base, adding wheat kernels, sliced beef, pepper powder, cilantro and other ingredients. Rich and thick flavor, spicy with freshness. Paired with local baked flatbread as breakfast, warming the heart and stomach. The century-old recipe at "Old Place San Soup House" in the county town is the most representative.
Potstickers (Junan Style)
Junan specialty snack, made with flour wrappers stuffed with leek, egg, dried shrimp and other fillings. Pan-fried until the bottom is golden and crispy while the top remains soft. The addition of local dried sea shrimp (Junan is near the Yellow Sea) enhances the umami flavor. Best enjoyed freshly made at street stalls.
Fried Mountain Scorpions
Junan mountain area specialty, made with full-bodied scorpions from the Yimeng Mountains, marinated and deep-fried until crispy outside and tender inside. Sprinkled with spiced salt for unique flavor. Locally believed to have dampness-removing and detoxifying effects — considered a "mountain delicacy" at banquets. Commonly found at farmhouse restaurants around Lijiazhai.
- Spring (Apr-May): Mountain flowers in full bloom at Tianma Island, new green willows along Jilonghe
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Tianhu Lake boat tours for escaping heat, lotus flowers in full bloom
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Golden terraced fields at Lijiazhai, chestnuts ripe for picking
- Junan Donkey Meat (recommend "Time-Honored Donkey Meat House")
- San Soup (recommend county town "Old Place San Soup House")
- Potstickers (recommend night market "Wang Ji Potstickers")
- Fried Mountain Scorpions (recommend Lijiazhai "Mountain Home")
- Tickets: approx ¥80 (incl. Tianma Island boat tour)
- Accommodation: ¥120-260/night
- Meals: ¥60-120/day
- Transport: approx ¥50
- Total: ¥600-1300
- Can I bring Junan donkey meat on the high-speed train? → Vacuum-packed is allowed, fresh donkey meat is not permitted
- Is Tianma Island suitable for elderly visitors? → Boat tour + cable car combo reduces hiking intensity, suitable for seniors
- Does the 115th Division Site require reservation? → Individual visits no reservation needed; groups (20+) need to reserve 1 day in advance
- Are there farming experiences at Lijiazhai? → Yes, on-site registration required; weekend experiences are more abundant