Yiyuan County, Zibo, Shandong — an ecological highland in central Shandong, the hometown of Chinese Niulang Zhinu culture, home to the largest karst cave cluster in northern China and vast orchards. This 2-day 1-night itinerary takes you through billion-year-old caves, listening to love legends, picking ecological fresh fruits, tasting mountain delicacies, and experiencing the simplicity and wonder of the Yimeng mountainous region.
Explore karst cave wonders, seek love legends, visit human remains sites, pick ecological fresh fruits, unlocking the natural gifts of the Yimeng hidden paradise
In the morning, explore the Lushan Karst Cave Group marveling at geological wonders. In the afternoon, tour Jiutian Cave admiring the diverse stalactite formations. In the evening, trace the love legend at Niulang Zhinu Scenic Area.
In the morning, visit the Yiyuan Ape-Man Site Museum to trace human origins. In the afternoon, enjoy picking fun at Apple Town. In the evening, ascend Shuangma Mountain to admire the mountain sunset.
Yiyuan's iconic specialty food. Locally raised free-range goats are whole-roasted in a large pot and slow-cooked with Yimeng mountain-specific spices. The meat is tender, the soup rich, served in a large basin, reflecting the generous hospitality of the Yimeng people. As the saying goes, "One bowl of lamb soup warms the whole body."
National geographical indication product. Thanks to Yiyuan's unique mountain climate and soil conditions, the apples are brightly colored, crispy and juicy, rich in vitamins. Known as the "Finest Fruit North of the Yangtze," with a cultivation history of over 3,000 years, an excellent gift for friends and family.
Yiyuan specialty food, made from the unique ten-legged scorpion of the Yimeng Mountains, deep-fried or soaked in liquor. Crispy texture, rich nutrition, a traditional local tonic, praised as "Yimeng Whole Scorpion Unrivaled Under Heaven" (some individuals should consume with caution).
Yiyuan folk traditional snack, made from fermented mung bean starch slurry cooked with cabbage, radish, peanuts and more. Sour and aromatic, appetizing and refreshing, a crystallization of the wisdom of the Yimeng mountain people, reflecting a frugal and thrifty culinary culture.