Huantai County, Zibo, Shandong — known as the "Jiangbei Water Town," it is the hometown of Qing dynasty literary leader Wang Yuyang, home to Mata Lake ecological wetland and numerous historical sites. This 2-day 1-night itinerary lets you boat on the lake amidst reeds, stroll through ancient villages tracing literati footsteps, and taste water town specialty cuisine, experiencing the unique charm where nature and culture intertwine.
Tour wetland lakes, visit literati hometowns, admire ancient architectural wonders, taste lake delicacies, unlocking the unique charm of Jiangbei water town
In the morning, explore Mata Lake by boat through the reeds. In the afternoon, visit Huantai Museum to learn local history. In the evening, taste authentic lake delicacies in Qifeng Town.
In the morning, explore Wang Yuyang Hometown to immerse in literary culture. In the afternoon, admire the Sigongbao Archway and marvel at ancient architecture. In the evening, stroll through Honglian Lake Park to enjoy urban ecological beauty.
Huantai's iconic specialty food. Because ducks in Mata Lake feed on fish, shrimp and reed shoots, the duck egg yolks are orange-red, oily and shiny like golden silk. The egg whites are tender, the yolks sandy and rich in nutrition, a tribute item throughout history.
Mata Lake specialty dish, using local cattail (tender stems of cattail plant) stir-fried with pork. The cattail is white, crisp and tender, resembling bamboo shoots in texture, blending perfectly with the meat flavor for a refreshing taste, praised as "the finest cattail dish under heaven."
Huantai traditional folk dish, using local free-range pork sliced thinly and stir-fried with chili, scallions and ginger. Tender meat with rich spicy flavor, a home-style dish beloved for its intense taste.
Mata Lake traditional soup, made with fresh lake fish (preferably crucian carp), pan-fried then boiled in water until the soup turns milky white, with tofu, cilantro and other additions. Delicious and rich, earning the saying "one bowl of lake fish soup surpasses being an immortal."