01Guangrao County
Guangrao County, under the jurisdiction of Dongying City, Shandong Province, is located in the north-central part of Shandong and the southern part of Dongying, at the core of the Yellow River Delta High-Efficiency Ecological Economic Zone and the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone. The county covers an area of 1,138 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 520,000 as of the end of 2023. Guangrao has a long history, being part of the Qi State during the Spring and Autumn period, and is the hometown of the ancient military strategist Sun Tzu, earning the title 'Hometown of the Sage of War.' As a millennium-old county, Guangrao boasts profound cultural heritage, with cultural landmarks such as the birthplace of Lü Opera and the origin of Qi Brush. It is also a top 100 county in China and a strong industrial county, renowned for industries like rubber tires, papermaking, and chemicals. Guangrao County combines historical, cultural, and natural ecological resources, making it an important tourist destination in the Yellow River Delta region. It features numerous historical sites such as Sun Tzu Temple, Boqin Platform, and Fujia Site, as well as modern landscapes like Sun Tzu Lake Ecological Wetland Park, showcasing a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
I. Core Attractions
1. Sun Tzu Temple (Sun Tzu Hometown Scenic Area): Located in the county seat, built in memory of Sun Tzu, author of 'The Art of War.' The temple includes exhibitions on Sun Tzu's life and stone carvings of the Art of War. Ticket price: 20 yuan. Opening hours: 8:00-17:30. About 50 km from downtown Dongying, accessible by bus or self-driving.
2. Boqin Platform: Located about 5 km northwest of Guangrao county seat, it is an alliance platform built by Duke Huan of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period, and a provincial-level cultural relic protection site. The remaining platform is free to visit, recommended to combine with surrounding rural tours.
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3. Fujia Site: Located about 3 km south of Guangrao county seat, it is a large settlement site from the Neolithic to Han Dynasty, yielding numerous artifacts. Now a national key cultural relic protection site, open 9:00-16:00, free admission.
4. Sun Tzu Lake Ecological Wetland Park: Located in the eastern part of the county seat, built around Sun Tzu Lake, with vast lake and beautiful environment. Free admission, suitable for cycling and walking. Best visited in spring and autumn.
5. Dongying City History Museum (Guangrao): Located on Yuehe Road in Guangrao county seat, rich collections themed on Sun Tzu culture, Lü Opera culture, and Qi Brush culture. Free admission, open 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays).
II. Specialties and Shopping
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1. Guangrao Braised Donkey Meat: A local specialty with a long history, known as 'heavenly dragon meat, earthly donkey meat.' Recommended restaurants: 'Old Jinan' Donkey Meat Restaurant (county seat central street), Li Ji Donkey Meat Restaurant.
2. Guangrao Qi Brush: One of China's four famous brushes, produced in Dawang Town, Guangrao County. Can be purchased at the Dawang Town Qi Brush Culture Museum, prices ranging from tens to thousands of yuan, suitable as cultural gifts.
3. Guangrao Flour-based Snacks: Such as 'lubao' and 'huoshao,' available at the county seat snack street.
III. Transportation Guide
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1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: To Qingzhou Station (about 40 km from Guangrao) or Zibo North Station (about 60 km), then transfer by bus or taxi. - Long-distance bus: Direct buses from Dongying Bus Terminal to Guangrao, about 1 hour. - Self-driving: Via G18 Rongwu Expressway or S231 Provincial Road.
2. Internal Transportation: County bus routes cover main attractions. Taxi starting fare 6 yuan. Car rental also available.
IV. Recommended Tour Routes
One-day tour: Sun Tzu Temple - Sun Tzu Lake Wetland Park - Guangrao County Museum - Boqin Platform - Taste braised donkey meat in county seat. Two-day tour: Add Dawang Town Qi Brush cultural experience, Fujia Site exploration, and surrounding rural tours.
05Best travel season: Sp…
Best travel season: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), pleasant climate. Summer is hot, winter is dry and cold; take precautions against cold.