Ju County Tourism

Ju County, Rizhao, Shandong — a millennium-old county, birthplace of Ju culture, integrating Fulai Mountain, Ju Kingdom Ancient City, and Dinglin Temple, blending historical depth with mountain and water scenery. A 3-day in-depth tour decodes the essence of Ju culture, experiencing the unique charm of ancient charm and nature intertwined.

4000+
Ginkgo Tree Age (Years)
2
4A-level Scenic Areas
12+
Core Attractions
15+
Specialty Foods
Fulai Mountain Ginkgo Tree, Ju County, Rizhao
Fulai Mountain - Millennium Ginkgo Tree
Core landscape of Fulai Mountain Scenic Area, known as the "Number One Ginkgo Tree Under Heaven", over 4000 years old. Golden yellow in late autumn, reputed as a "living fossil".

Ju County Three-Day Two-Night Ju Rhyme Cultural Tour

Admire the millennium ginkgo wonder, explore Ju Kingdom Ancient City, trace origins at the museum, taste specialty mutton soup, unlock the beauty of Ju County's humanity and nature

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Fulai Mountain, Ju Kingdom Ancient City, Dinglin Temple, Ju County Museum, Shuhe Park, Wulougu Mountain
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, history researchers, families, photography lovers, food seekers
Budget per person
¥600 - ¥1200
01
Ancient Temple & Ginkgo
Fulai Mountain Scenic Area · Dinglin Temple · Jiaojing Building · Fushou Pavilion
Highlights

In the morning, explore Fulai Mountain to marvel at the 4000-year-old ginkgo tree wonder, stroll Dinglin Temple to feel the zen of an ancient temple. In the afternoon, visit Liu Xie's Jiaojing Building, climb Fushou Pavilion for a panoramic view. In the evening, taste authentic Ju County mutton soup.

Attractions
Fulai Mountain Scenic Area
National 4A scenic area, composed of Fulai Peak, Folai Peak, and Feilai Peak, known for "one mountain hiding three peaks". Core landscape is the millennium ginkgo tree, also featuring Dinglin Temple, Jiaojing Building and other historic sites, known as the "Pearl of Eastern Lu".
Dinglin Temple
An ancient temple built during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, one of the oldest existing Buddhist temples in China. Houses important relics such as the millennium ginkgo tree and Liu Xie's Jiaojing Building. Liu Xie wrote "The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons" here.
Jiaojing Building
A landmark building in Dinglin Temple, built to commemorate Liu Xie's proofreading of Buddhist scriptures here. The building preserves documents related to "The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons" and a statue of Liu Xie, an important site for studying Wei-Jin culture.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Homestays near Fulai Mountain
  • Business hotels in county center
  • Featured inns in Ju Kingdom Ancient City
Food Recommendations
  • Ju County mutton soup
  • Whole lamb feast
  • Fried meat
  • Baked cake
Travel Tips
  • Guided tour available at Fulai Mountain (50 yuan/time)
  • Best time to photograph the millennium ginkgo: late October to early November
  • Comfortable sports shoes recommended; scenic area requires walking
02
Ancient City Tracing
Ju Kingdom Ancient City · Shuhe Park · Wenxin Square · Night Market
Highlights

In the morning, explore Ju Kingdom Ancient City to experience the Spring and Autumn Ju kingdom style, visit intangible cultural heritage workshops. In the afternoon, stroll Shuhe Park to enjoy ecological beauty. In the evening, visit Wenxin Square and taste night market specialty snacks.

Attractions
Ju Kingdom Ancient City
A large cultural tourism project centered on Spring and Autumn Ju kingdom culture, restoring buildings such as Ju kingdom palaces and ancient street shops. Encompasses intangible cultural heritage displays, specialty dining, and cultural creative experiences. Brilliantly lit at night, full of ancient charm.
Shuhe Park
An urban ecological park built along the Shuhe River, 15 km long, divided into multiple themed areas. Features water-view platforms, landscape bridges, fitness trails and other facilities, a great place for citizens to relax and enjoy nature.
Wenxin Square
Ju County's central city square, named in memory of Liu Xie's "The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons". Surrounded by bustling commerce, has a night market in the evenings, gathering various specialty snacks and handicrafts, full of local life.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Ju Kingdom Ancient City: take bus routes 1 or 5 to Gucheng Station
  • Shuhe Park is about a 20-minute walk from the ancient city
  • Wenxin Square is in the county center, accessible by multiple bus routes
Ticket Info
  • Fulai Mountain Scenic Area: 65 yuan
  • Ju Kingdom Ancient City: free (some experience activities charge)
  • Ju County Museum: free (registration required)
  • Dinglin Temple: included in Fulai Mountain ticket
Travel Tips
  • Night light show at Ju Kingdom Ancient City starts at 19:30
  • Intangible cultural heritage workshops in the ancient city offer paper-cutting and pottery making experiences
  • Popular night market snacks suggested to try during off-peak hours to avoid queues
03
Civilization Tracing
Ju County Museum · Wulougu Mountain · Lingyanghe Site · Departure
Highlights

In the morning, visit Ju County Museum to understand the development of Ju culture. In the afternoon, climb Wulougu Mountain to overlook the Ju region, explore the Lingyanghe Site to experience prehistoric civilization. In the evening, purchase local specialties before departure.

Attractions
Ju County Museum
National second-class museum, housing over 12,000 cultural relics. Features Ju kingdom artifacts, displaying Neolithic black pottery, Shang-Zhou bronzes and other precious relics, systematically showcasing the development of Ju culture.
Wulougu Mountain
A famous historical mountain in Ju County, named for its tower-like shape. Features Yuhuang Palace, Laomu Temple and other historic sites. The summit offers a panoramic view of Ju County. Legend says it is one of the sites where Nuwa mended the sky, rich in cultural heritage.
Lingyanghe Site
A Neolithic Dawenkou culture site, unearthed important artifacts such as large-mouthed zun and jade cong. Among them, a pottery zun engraved with a "sun-moon-mountain" symbol is considered one of the earliest forms of Chinese writing, holding significant archaeological value.
Practical Info
Experience Activities
  • VR restoration experience of Ju Kingdom at Ju County Museum
  • Wulougu Mountain hiking trail challenge
  • Archaeological study at Lingyanghe Site (group reservation required)
  • Ju culture paper-cutting experience
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Ju County mutton soup instant gift box
  • Fulai Chun liquor
  • Ginkgo products
  • Black pottery handicrafts
Departure Guide
  • Ju County Bus Station has buses to Rizhao, Linyi and other cities
  • About 80 km from Rizhao Station, 1.5-hour drive
  • Local products can be purchased at Ju Kingdom Ancient City Commercial Street

Must-Try Foods in Ju County

Ju County Mutton Soup

Ju County traditional famous food, made from local goats slowly simmered in aged broth for hours. Milky white soup, tender meat, served with scallions, cilantro and baked cake, known as the "Number One Soup of Qilu", with a hundred-year history.

Whole Lamb Feast

Ju County specialty feast, using different parts of lamb cooked by various methods including stewing, boiling, roasting, and frying. A single feast can feature over ten dishes such as lamb soup, braised lamb trotters, and grilled lamb skewers, each with distinct flavors.

Cuttlefish Roe Soup

Ju County traditional soup, made mainly from cuttlefish roe, paired with coriander, vinegar and other seasonings. Clear soup, delicious and sour-spicy flavor, a prized dish for entertaining guests, reputed as the "Crown of Lu Cuisine Soups".

Pan-Fried Buns

Ju County specialty breakfast, wrapped with chive and egg or meat filling in flour dough, pan-fried until golden. Crispy crust, savory filling, often enjoyed with millet porridge, a beloved local home-style meal.

Ju County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): Fulai Mountain ginkgo turns golden, best scenery
  • Spring (Apr-May): Pleasant weather, suitable for hiking and outings
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Ju Kingdom Ancient City has strong New Year atmosphere, great for experiencing folk customs
Must-Try Foods
  • Ju County mutton soup
  • Whole lamb feast
  • Cuttlefish roe soup
  • Pan-fried buns
  • Baked cake
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 100 yuan
  • Accommodation: 150-300 yuan/night
  • Meals: 60-120 yuan/day
  • Transport: about 40 yuan
  • Total: 600-1200 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best time to see Fulai Mountain ginkgo? → Late October to early November
  • Does Ju County Museum require reservation? → Individual visits no reservation needed; groups need to book 1 day in advance
  • Is there accommodation inside Ju Kingdom Ancient City? → Several featured inns and homestays available
  • Where is the most authentic mutton soup? → "Shiqi Mutton Restaurant" in the county (century-old establishment)

Explore Districts & Counties of Rizhao