Dongping County Tourism

Dongping County, Tai'an, Shandong — the birthplace of Water Margin culture, integrating the "three cores" of Dongping Lake, Water Margin Film City, and Baifo Mountain, blending lake and mountain scenery with historical culture. A 3-day in-depth tour decodes the essence of Water Margin culture, experiencing the unique charm of marsh scenery intertwined with humanity.

800+
Years of Water Margin Legends
1
4A-level Scenic Area
10+
Core Attractions
12+
Specialty Foods
Dongping Lake Scenic Area, Dongping County
Dongping Lake - Hometown of Water Margin
The second largest freshwater lake in Shandong Province, historically known as Liao'erwa, the only remaining waters of the "Eight Hundred Li Marsh" from the Water Margin, known as the "Little Dongting of Qilu".

Dongping County Three-Day Two-Night Water Margin Culture Tour

Tour Dongping Lake for marsh scenery, visit Water Margin City to experience Song Dynasty streets, climb Baifo Mountain for Buddha worship and views, seek Water Margin relics and taste specialty foods, unlocking the beauty of Dongping Water Margin culture

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Dongping Lake, Water Margin Film City, Baifo Mountain, Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall, Daicun Dam
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, film fans, photography lovers, food seekers
Budget per person
¥800 - ¥1400
01
Marsh Exploration
Dongping Lake Scenic Area · Daicun Dam · Lake Heart Island
Highlights

In the morning, take a boat tour of Dongping Lake to experience the lingering charm of the "Eight Hundred Li Marsh", visit the Daicun Dam water conservancy project. In the afternoon, land on Lake Heart Island to enjoy wetland landscapes. In the evening, admire the sunset over the lake.

Attractions
Dongping Lake Scenic Area
National 4A scenic area, the second largest freshwater lake in Shandong Province, covering 627 square kilometers. The only remaining waters of the "Eight Hundred Li Marsh" from the Water Margin, with scattered islands and beautiful wetland ecology.
Daicun Dam
An important water conservancy project of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, first built during the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty. Known as the "Heart of the Grand Canal", it is an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese hydraulic engineering with significant historical value.
Lake Heart Island
The largest island in Dongping Lake, with dense vegetation and rich bird resources. Equipped with bird-watching platforms and ecological trails, it is an ideal place for viewing lake scenery and wetland ecology.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Dongping Lake Resort
  • Water Margin Film City themed hotel
  • Dongping county business hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Dongping fermented fish
  • Fresh lake feast
  • Water Margin big chunk meat
  • Dongping congee
Travel Tips
  • Dongping Lake boat trips recommended on sunny days
  • Pay attention to safety signs when visiting Daicun Dam
  • Keep quiet when birdwatching on Lake Heart Island
02
Water Margin Dream Quest
Water Margin Film City · Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall · Liugong Mountain
Highlights

In the morning, visit Water Margin Film City to experience Song Dynasty market life and watch Water Margin live shows. In the afternoon, tour Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall to learn about the background of Water Margin. In the evening, climb Liugong Mountain for a panoramic view of Dongping Lake.

Attractions
Water Margin Film City
National 4A scenic area, a large film and television base built with the Water Margin as its backdrop. The city recreates Song Dynasty architectural styles and market life, serving as a filming location for many Water Margin-themed films and TV series.
Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall
Built in memory of Luo Guanzhong, author of the Water Margin. The hall displays biographical materials and research achievements on Water Margin culture, an important venue for understanding the background and cultural connotations of the novel.
Liugong Mountain
The setting for the story of "Three Attacks on the Zhu Family Village" in the Water Margin. The mountain features antique buildings such as the Water Margin Stockade. The summit offers a panoramic view of Dongping Lake, an ideal location for experiencing Water Margin culture and enjoying scenery.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Tourist shuttle from Dongping county to Water Margin Film City
  • Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall is located on Zhoucheng Street
  • Liugong Mountain accessible by scenic area sightseeing car
Ticket Info
  • Dongping Lake Scenic Area: 50 yuan
  • Water Margin Film City: 60 yuan
  • Baifo Mountain: 30 yuan
  • Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall: free
Travel Tips
  • Scheduled Water Margin live shows at the Film City
  • Guided tour recommended at Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall
  • Liugong Mountain hiking trails are steep; pay attention to safety
03
Buddha Charm & Landscape
Baifo Mountain · Dongping Museum · Departure
Highlights

In the morning, climb Baifo Mountain to visit cave grotto statues and experience Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, tour Dongping Museum to learn about local history, purchase Dongping specialties, and conclude the pleasant journey.

Attractions
Baifo Mountain
National 3A scenic area, named for the white stone Buddha on the mountain. Features Sui Dynasty cave grotto statues with exquisite carvings, an important Buddhist cultural heritage site in Shandong.
Dongping Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing Dongping's history and culture, with a rich collection of artifacts. Through historical relics, pictures and other materials, it presents Dongping's development from ancient times to the present and its cultural characteristics.
Dongping Specialty Market
A professional market specializing in Dongping's characteristic products, mainly lake products including fermented fish, salted duck eggs, lotus root, as well as Water Margin cultural souvenirs and handicrafts.
Practical Info
Experience Activities
  • Water Margin live show participation
  • Dongping Lake fishing experience
  • Baifo Mountain blessing activity
  • Traditional fermented fish making observation
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Dongping fermented fish
  • Dongping salted duck eggs
  • Lake lotus seeds
  • Water Margin cultural souvenirs
  • Dongping congee mix
Departure Guide
  • Dongping county is about 90 km from Tai'an city center
  • Dongping Bus Station has coaches to surrounding cities
  • Specialties can be purchased centrally at Dongping Specialty Market

Must-Try Foods in Dongping County

Dongping Fermented Fish

Dongping traditional famous food, made with fresh Dongping Lake fish, fermented with distiller's grains and secret spices through multiple processes. Bones are crisp, meat is tender, with rich fermented aroma, a must-have dish for local banquets.

Fresh Lake Feast

A specialty feast featuring Dongping Lake aquatic products, including steamed mandarin fish, braised carp, oil-fried shrimp and other dishes. Delicious taste, fully showcasing the authentic flavor of lake ingredients.

Water Margin Big Chunk Meat

A specialty dish derived from Water Margin culture. Pork is cut into large chunks and braised with special seasonings until tender. Fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry, embodying the heroic spirit of Water Margin heroes.

Dongping Congee

Dongping traditional breakfast, made from millet, beans and other grains, paired with specially prepared pickled vegetables. Cooked to a thick consistency with a unique flavor, a beloved daily food for locals.

Dongping County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Beautiful lake and mountain scenery, pleasant climate
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Boating on the lake, summer resort
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear skies, plump aquatic products
  • Winter (Nov-Mar): Migratory birds wintering, prime birdwatching season
Must-Try Foods
  • Dongping fermented fish
  • Fresh lake feast
  • Water Margin big chunk meat
  • Dongping congee
  • Dongping salted duck eggs
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 140 yuan
  • Accommodation: 150-300 yuan/night
  • Meals: 70-130 yuan/day
  • Transport: about 50 yuan
  • Total: 800-1400 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best time for Dongping Lake boat trips? → Morning 9:00-11:00, afternoon 14:00-16:00
  • Are there performances at Water Margin Film City? → Multiple Water Margin live shows daily
  • Can I take photos at Baifo Mountain grottoes? → Yes, but please do not use flash
  • Where to buy the most authentic Dongping fermented fish? → Recommended "Time-honored Fermented Fish Shop" (century-old heritage)

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