Yicheng District Tourism

Yicheng District, Zaozhuang, Shandong — the hometown of Chinese pomegranates, featuring Guan Shi Liu Yuan, Qingtan Temple and other characteristic attractions, blending vast ecological gardens with thousand-year-old temple culture. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour decodes the essence of nature and humanity, experiencing the unique charm of 'Number One Pomegranate Garden under Heaven'.

2000+
Years of Pomegranate Planting History
1
5A Scenic Area (Preparatory)
7+
Core Attractions
10+
Pomegranate Specialty Foods
Guan Shi Liu Yuan, Yicheng District, Zaozhuang City
Guan Shi Liu Yuan - Number One Pomegranate Garden under Heaven
Yicheng District's landmark attraction, first built in the Western Han dynasty, covering a total area of 120,000 mu, currently the world's largest, most diverse and longest-established pomegranate garden, known as 'Guan Shi Liu Yuan' and listed in the Guinness World Records.

Yicheng District Two-Day One-Night Pomegranate Culture Tour

Enjoy the scenery of Guan Shi Liu Yuan, visit Qingtan Temple for Zen charm, taste pomegranate feast, unlocking the unique experience where natural ecology blends with historical culture

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Guan Shi Liu Yuan, Qingtan Temple, Kuang Heng Tomb, Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring Town, Gushao Canal Ancient Town
Suitable For
Eco-enthusiasts, history and culture fans, food seekers, families, wellness tourists
Budget per person
¥500 - ¥1200
01
Pomegranate Garden Quest
Guan Shi Liu Yuan · Qingtan Temple · Pomegranate Expo Garden · Pomegranate Food Street
Highlights

In the morning, tour Guan Shi Liu Yuan to enjoy the vast pomegranate forest scenery. In the afternoon, visit Qingtan Temple to feel the Zen charm of the thousand-year-old temple. In the late afternoon, tour the Pomegranate Expo Garden to learn about pomegranate culture. In the evening, head to Food Street to taste pomegranate specialty foods.

Attractions
Guan Shi Liu Yuan
National 4A scenic area, first built in the Western Han dynasty, stretching over 20 kilometers. Features 'Sanjin Academy', 'Garden Within Garden' and other attractions. In spring, flowers bloom like a sea; in autumn, fruits hang heavy. The world's largest pomegranate garden.
Qingtan Temple
Located within Guan Shi Liu Yuan, first built in the Tang dynasty, named after hundreds of millennium-old wingceltis trees within the temple. Features the Mahavira Hall, Yue Fei Eye-Nurturing Tower, Baoguo Pagoda and other attractions. 'Qingtan Autumn Scenery' is one of Zaozhuang's eight ancient scenes.
Pomegranate Expo Garden
A theme park integrating pomegranate variety display, scientific research and cultural experience, collecting over 300 pomegranate varieties from home and abroad. Features a Pomegranate Culture Museum and tissue culture center, serving as a window to understand pomegranate culture.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Homestays around Guan Shi Liu Yuan
  • Qingtan Temple Zen Inn
  • Downtown business hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Pomegranate Stir-Fried Chicken
  • Pomegranate Juice
  • Pomegranate Cake
  • Lamb Soup
Travel Tips
  • Guan Shi Liu Yuan is vast; taking the scenic sightseeing bus (20 yuan/person) is recommended
  • Best visiting seasons: May-Jun (flowering) and Sep-Oct (fruit season)
  • Incense can be offered at Qingtan Temple; follow temple regulations
02
Cultural Tracing
Kuang Heng Tomb · Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring Town · Gushao Canal Ancient Town · Return
Highlights

In the morning, visit Kuang Heng Tomb to learn the historical allusion of 'chipping a hole in the wall for light'. In the afternoon, go to Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring Town to relax. In the late afternoon, stroll Gushao Canal Ancient Town to experience canal culture. In the evening, purchase pomegranate specialties before ending the trip.

Attractions
Kuang Heng Tomb
The tomb of Kuang Heng, a famous Confucian scholar of the Western Han dynasty. The existing mound is about 4m high and 15m in diameter. A stone tablet rebuilt in the Qing dynasty records Kuang Heng's life story. A provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit.
Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring Town
A hot spring wellness-themed resort with over 30 indoor and outdoor hot spring pools, combining traditional Chinese medicine wellness concepts. Equipped with guest rooms, dining and entertainment facilities, an ideal choice for relaxation and leisure.
Gushao Canal Ancient Town
A historical and cultural block built along the ruins of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, preserving ancient docks, shops and other relics, showcasing canal shipping history. Visitors can take cruise boats to experience canal scenery and feel the 'Jiangbei Water Town' charm.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Kuang Heng Tomb is about 8km from city center; take bus toward Liuyuan Town (about 20 min)
  • Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring Town: take bus route 21 directly
  • Gushao Canal Ancient Town is about 20km from city center; self-driving or chartered car recommended (about 30 min)
Ticket Info
  • Guan Shi Liu Yuan (incl. Qingtan Temple): 60 yuan
  • Pomegranate Expo Garden: 30 yuan
  • Kuang Heng Tomb: 10 yuan
  • Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring Town: 128 yuan (incl. hot spring)
Travel Tips
  • Bring your own swimsuit for Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring; some pool areas require additional fees
  • Cruise boats at Gushao Canal Ancient Town operate 9:00-17:00, departing on the hour
  • When buying pomegranate specialties, choose ripe fruits; on-site express delivery is available

Must-Try Foods in Yicheng District

Pomegranate Stir-Fried Chicken

Yicheng specialty dish, made with locally free-range rooster stir-fried with fresh pomegranate seeds. The chicken is tender and juicy, the pomegranate sweet and sour. An innovative dish at local banquets, embodying the integration of pomegranate culture and cuisine.

Pomegranate Juice

Freshly squeezed from high-quality pomegranates grown in Guan Shi Liu Yuan, bright red in color, sweet and sour in taste, rich in vitamin C. The most representative beverage of Yicheng, known as a 'natural drink'.

Pomegranate Cake

Traditional pomegranate product, steamed from pomegranate juice and glutinous rice flour. Soft and sticky texture, sweet but not greasy, with a faint pomegranate fragrance. A traditional festive pastry.

Yicheng Lamb Soup

Local specialty, made from goat meat simmered for a long time. Milky white broth, tender meat, served with local flatbread. Best consumed in autumn and winter, with nourishing health benefits.

Yicheng District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-Jun: Vast pomegranate flowers in full bloom at Guan Shi Liu Yuan, spectacular scenery
  • Sep-Oct: Pomegranate ripening season, enjoy picking experience and attend Pomegranate Culture Festival
  • Dec-Feb: Best season for Xiantan Mountain Hot Spring, avoiding peak season
Must-Try Foods
  • Pomegranate Stir-Fried Chicken (recommended 'Liuyuan Renjia' restaurant)
  • Freshly Squeezed Pomegranate Juice (best freshly squeezed inside Guan Shi Liu Yuan)
  • Pomegranate Cake (time-honored 'Liuxiangzhai')
  • Yicheng Lamb Soup ('Old Wang Lamb House' in city center)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 228 yuan
  • Accommodation: 180-400 yuan/night
  • Dining: 80-150 yuan/day
  • Transport: about 50 yuan
  • Total: 500-1200 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I pick pomegranates at Guan Shi Liu Yuan? → Yes, in designated areas, charged by weight
  • Are Qingtan Temple and Guan Shi Liu Yuan a joint ticket? → Yes, one ticket covers both
  • Can pomegranates be taken on a plane? → Yes, but choosing unripe fruits is recommended
  • How far is Yicheng District from Taierzhuang Ancient City? → About 35km, 50 minutes by car

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