Shizhong District Tourism

Shizhong District, Zaozhuang, Shandong — an important birthplace of modern industrial civilization, featuring Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park, Ganquan Temple and other characteristic attractions, blending industrial heritage and ancient temple culture. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour decodes the essence of diverse cultures, experiencing the unique charm of ancient and modern fusion.

130+
Years of Zhongxing Coal Mine History
1
4A Scenic Area
9+
Core Attractions
15+
Specialty Foods
Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park, Shizhong District, Zaozhuang City
Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park - Industrial Landmark
Shizhong District's iconic attraction, built on the former site of Zhongxing Coal Mine, one of China's three major modern coal mines, preserving industrial relics such as old headframes and steam engines, a living fossil of China's national industry development.

Shizhong District Two-Day One-Night Industrial Culture Tour

Explore Zhongxing Coal Mine to recall glory, visit Ganquan Ancient Temple to understand Zen, taste Zaozhuang Spicy Chicken for flavor, unlocking the unique experience where industrial heritage blends with city style

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park, Zaozhuang Museum, Ganquan Temple, Xisha River Landscape Belt, East Lake Park
Suitable For
Industrial heritage enthusiasts, history lovers, food explorers, families
Budget per person
¥450 - ¥900
01
Industrial Memory
Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park · Zaozhuang Museum · Xisha River Landscape Belt · Guangming Square
Highlights

In the morning, explore Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park to learn about China's national industry development history. In the afternoon, visit Zaozhuang Museum to systematically understand local history. In the evening, stroll along Xisha River Landscape Belt to enjoy night scenery, and head to Guangming Square at night to feel the city's vitality.

Attractions
Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park
National 4A scenic area, built on the former site of Zhongxing Coal Mine, one of China's three major modern coal mines, preserving industrial relics such as old headframes, steam engines, and coal washing plants, a living fossil of China's national industry development.
Zaozhuang Museum
A comprehensive museum integrating artifact collection, display and research, housing over 3,000 artifacts, systematically showcasing Zaozhuang's historical development from prehistoric to modern times, with canal culture and industrial heritage exhibits as highlights.
Xisha River Landscape Belt
A waterfront landscape belt running through Shizhong urban area, transformed into a city green corridor integrating leisure, fitness and sightseeing. Brilliantly lit at night, featuring waterfront platforms and cultural sculptures, showcasing modern city style.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Themed hotel near Zhongxing Coal Mine
  • Business hotel in city center
  • Budget hotel near Guangming Square
Food Recommendations
  • Zaozhuang Spicy Chicken
  • Vegetable Pancake
  • Lamb Soup
  • Sa Soup
Travel Tips
  • Rent an audio guide at Zhongxing Coal Mine Park (20 yuan/time) for deeper historical understanding
  • Free guided tours available at Zaozhuang Museum (10:00, 14:00)
  • Pay attention to safety when walking along Xisha River at night; some sections are dimly lit
02
Zen & Leisure
Ganquan Temple · East Lake Park · Longtou Market · Return
Highlights

In the morning, visit Ganquan Temple to experience the tranquility of the Zen courtyard. In the afternoon, tour East Lake Park to enjoy urban ecological scenery. In the evening, shop at Longtou Market for local specialties before ending the pleasant journey.

Attractions
Ganquan Temple
First built in the Song dynasty, named after a sweet spring within the temple. After renovations, existing buildings include the Mahavira Hall and Heavenly Kings Hall. Ancient cypresses stand tall within, the environment is peaceful, a good place for meditation and prayer in the urban area.
East Lake Park
The largest urban wetland park in Shizhong District, laid out as 'one ring, two axes, five zones', equipped with fitness squares, waterfront platforms, science exhibition halls and other facilities, a comprehensive park for citizens' leisure, fitness and entertainment.
Longtou Market
A comprehensive market with a long history in Zaozhuang, gathering local specialty agricultural products, handicrafts and food. The top choice for purchasing Zaozhuang Spicy Chicken seasoning, pomegranate products and other specialties.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Ganquan Temple is about 5km from city center; taxi recommended (about 15 yuan)
  • East Lake Park: take bus routes 10, 16 to East Lake Station
  • Longtou Market is located in city center, accessible by multiple bus routes (3, 5, 9)
Ticket Info
  • Zhongxing Coal Mine National Mine Park: 40 yuan
  • Ganquan Temple: 10 yuan
  • Zaozhuang Museum: free (ID card required)
  • East Lake Park: free
Travel Tips
  • Ganquan Temple holds prayer events on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month; participation is available
  • East Lake Park is suitable for cycling; bicycles can be rented (30 yuan/hour)
  • Bargaining is acceptable at Longtou Market; vacuum packing recommended for specialties

Must-Try Foods in Shizhong District

Zaozhuang Spicy Chicken

Shizhong's signature dish, made from locally free-range rooster, stir-fried with plenty of dried chilies and Sichuan pepper. The meat is tender, numbing and spicy, known as 'No.1 Chicken of Southern Shandong', with the saying 'no chicken, no feast'.

Vegetable Pancake

Zaozhuang traditional street snack, made from millet batter spread into a pancake, rolled with various shredded vegetables (cabbage, carrot, vermicelli, etc.), grilled on an iron plate. Crispy exterior, rich filling, affordable and delicious.

Lamb Soup

Shizhong's autumn/winter specialty, made from local goat meat, simmered for a long time. Milky white broth, tender meat, served with flatbread. Warms the body and dispels cold, a must-have dish for local festivals.

Sa Soup

A breakfast originally from Linyi but widely popular in Shizhong. High broth made from beef or chicken is used to scramble eggs, adding pepper and other seasonings. Thick, spicy and flavorful, paired with fried dough sticks to start an energetic day.

Shizhong District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): Cool climate, ideal for outdoor exploration of industrial heritage
  • Spring (Apr-May): Peonies in bloom at Ganquan Temple, perfect for spring outings
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Experience Zaozhuang Spicy Chicken hotpot, warming and comforting
Must-Try Foods
  • Zaozhuang Spicy Chicken (recommended 'Eight Big Bowls' restaurant)
  • Vegetable Pancake (made fresh at street stalls)
  • Lamb Soup (best in autumn/winter)
  • Sa Soup with Fried Dough Sticks
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 50 yuan
  • Accommodation: 150-300 yuan/night
  • Dining: 60-120 yuan/day
  • Transport: about 30 yuan
  • Total: 450-900 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is there parking at Zhongxing Coal Mine Park? → Yes, fee 5 yuan/visit
  • Can I pitch a tent at East Lake Park? → In designated areas, application required in advance
  • Which Zaozhuang Spicy Chicken is the most authentic? → 'Old Zaozhuang Restaurant' in Shizhong District (30-year establishment)
  • How far is Shizhong District from Taierzhuang Ancient City? → About 25km, 40 minutes by taxi

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