Sishui County

Sishui County is located in the south-central part of Shandong Province, at the easternmost end of Jining City, covering a total area of 1,118 square kilometers with a permanent population of approximately 540,000 (2023). Sishui is named after the Si River, which originates here. It is the hometown of Fuxi and Emperor Shun, one of the important birthplaces of Confucian culture, and is known as the 'Hometown of Springs in China'. The Quanlin Spring Group, acclaimed as the 'Crown of Shandong Springs', is where Confucius sighed, 'The passage of time is just like this.' Sishui has a long history and profound cultural heritage, with historical sites such as the Bian State Ancient City and the Ancient Bian Bridge. It is also known as the 'Hometown of Walnuts in China' and the 'Hometown of High-Quality Watermelons in China', famous for ecological agriculture and rural tourism.

I. Core Scenic Spots 1. Quanlin Spring Group Scenic Area (National AAAA): Located 25 km east of Sishui County town, it is the source of the Si River, known for 'seventy-two famous springs, dozens of large springs, and countless small springs.' Main attractions include Hongshi Spring, Heihu Spring, and Baotu Spring, with dense spring outlets and a constant water temperature of 14-18°C. Ticket: 50 yuan, opening hours: 8:00-17:30. Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours. Scenic area electric car available (10 yuan/person). 2. Wanzi Qianhong Ecological Health Resort (National AAAA): Located in Sizhang Town, about 30 km from the county town, covering 3,000 mu, integrating lake and mountain scenery, hot spring health, and a parent-child paradise. Ticket: 60 yuan, hot spring ticket: 128 yuan, with skiing in winter. 3. Anshan Temple: Located at the foot of Anshan Mountain in Sizhang Town, built in the Tang Dynasty, with existing Ming and Qing architecture. The ancient ginkgo tree in the temple is over 1,200 years old. Free admission, suitable for spring outings.

II. Historical and Cultural Sites 1. Bian State Ancient City Ruins: Located in Quanlin Town, it was the capital of the Bian State during the Spring and Autumn Period, with existing rammed earth city walls. Free visit, requires hiking. 2. Ancient Bian Bridge: A single-arch stone bridge built in the Tang Dynasty, spanning the Si River, with stone dragons carved on the bridge body. Now a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. 3. Zhong Temple: Located in the county town, built in memory of Confucius' disciple Zhong You, with existing main hall and inscriptions.

III. Food and Specialties 1. Sishui Roasted Whole Lamb: Made from local young goats, slow-roasted over fruitwood charcoal, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Recommended: 'Quanxiang Roasted Lamb Restaurant' (Sizhang Town), about 80 yuan per person. 2. Sishui Vermicelli: Made from sweet potatoes, does not get mushy after long cooking, essential for local farm dishes. Can be tasted at 'Sishui Vermicelli Feast' (Wenhua Road, county town). 3. Quanlin Duck Eggs: Duck eggs raised with Quanlin spring water, pickled with rich yolk and moderate saltiness. Specialty shops sell for about 2 yuan each. 4. Seasonal Fruits: Cherries in May (Quanlin Town picking gardens), watermelons in July (along the Si River), walnuts in September (Shengshuiyu Town).

IV. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Sishui Station (regular train) on the Beijing-Shanghai line, about 1 hour by train from Jinan/Yanzhou; self-driving via Rilan Expressway (Sishui exit) or National Highway 327. 2. Internal Transportation: Bus routes from county town to Quanlin Town (2 yuan/person, every 30 minutes). Renting a car or self-driving is recommended due to scattered attractions. 3. Best Transportation: Taxi from Qufu East Station (high-speed rail station) to Sishui county town takes about 40 minutes (about 80 yuan).

V. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Wanzi Qianhong Resort Hotel (inside scenic area, standard room 300 yuan/night) 2. Sishui Hotel (county town center, standard room 150 yuan/night)