茌平区

Chiping District is located in the eastern part of Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, on the Luxi Plain and the north bank of the lower Yellow River. It covers an area of approximately 1,120 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 520,000 (2023 data). Chiping was historically known as "Chi," named after Mount Chi (now extinct), and belonged to the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period. Chiping County was established in the Qin Dynasty, making it one of the oldest counties in Shandong. Chiping is renowned as the "Hometown of Chinese Yuanling Jujubes" and boasts the Shangzhuang Site, a national key cultural relic protection unit, as well as unique intangible cultural heritage such as "Chiping Paper-cutting." As an important industrial base of Liaocheng, Chiping has developed aluminum and chemical industries while retaining a strong farming culture. In recent years, Chiping has leveraged resources such as Jinniu Lake Scenic Area and the ancient town to build the "Ecological Chiping, Cultural Chiping" tourism brand, emerging as a new tourist destination in western Shandong.

I. Core Attractions 1. Jinniu Lake Scenic Area: Located in the southern part of the urban area, about 40 km from downtown Liaocheng (40-minute drive). Covers about 6 sq km, with a water area of about 2 sq km. It is the largest ecological wetland park in Chiping. Free entry, open all year round. Recommended: cycling around the lake (rental about 20 yuan/hour), cherry blossom viewing in spring, reed viewing in autumn. 2. Shangzhuang Site: Located in Shangzhuang Village, Hantun Town, 15 km from the urban area. A Longshan Culture to Shang-Zhou period site, yielding many pottery, stone, and bone artifacts. National key cultural relic protection unit. Ticket: 30 yuan. Open 8:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays). Guided tour recommended (50 yuan per session). 3. Chiping Ancient Town (Chiping Old Street): Located in the city center, built in the Ming Dynasty, retaining some blue-brick gray-tile houses and old alleys. Free, walkable in 1-2 hours. Features a "Chiping Paper-cutting" experience hall (paper-cutting class 50 yuan/person) and "Yuanling Jujube" specialty shops. 4. China Yuanling Jujube Ecological Park: Located in Xiaojiazhuang Town, 10 km from the urban area. Hosts the "Yuanling Jujube Picking Festival" every September-October. Ticket: 30 yuan (includes picking 2 jin). Has a jujube culture museum. 5. Chiping Martyrs Cemetery: Located in the western suburbs, commemorates martyrs from Chiping who died in the Anti-Japanese War and the Liberation War. Free, suitable for patriotic education.

II. Local Cuisine 1. Chiping Yuanling Jujube: National geographical indication product, thin-skinned, thick-fleshed, sweet and crispy. Recommended to buy at the jujube market in Xiaojiazhuang Town (about 10 yuan/jin), or try derivative products like "jujube paste cake" and "jujube honey." 2. Chiping Donkey Meat: Most famous is "Laowangzhai Donkey Meat" (branch on Zhenxing Road in the urban area), braised using traditional techniques, tender. Recommended: donkey meat sandwich (15 yuan each), donkey meat hotpot (about 80 yuan per person). 3. Chiping Pancake: Made from millet, soybeans, sorghum, etc., thin as paper, crispy. Can be eaten with scallions and sweet bean sauce. Available at local breakfast shops (about 5 yuan per serving). 4. Chiping Tofu Pudding: Smooth and delicate, topped with gravy and chili oil. Common breakfast. Recommended: "Lao Zhao Tofu Pudding" (Commercial Street branch), open 6:00-10:00.

III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transport: Chiping has no train station. Take high-speed rail to Liaocheng West Station (about 50 km away), then transfer to bus K710 (about 1 hour) or taxi (about 100 yuan). Alternatively, take the "Liaocheng-Chiping" intercity bus from Liaocheng Bus Terminal (15 yuan, every 15 minutes, 50-minute ride). 2. Internal Transport: Taxi starting fare 6 yuan, bus fare 1 yuan (Alipay accepted). Main attractions can be reached via the "Chiping Tourism Shuttle" (loop line, 5 yuan), passing Jinniu Lake, ancient town, ecological park, etc.

IV. Itinerary Suggestions One-day tour: Morning: Jinniu Lake Scenic Area (2 hours) → Shangzhuang Site (1.5 hours) → Lunch: donkey meat sandwich → Afternoon: Chiping Ancient Town (1 hour) → Yuanling Jujube Ecological Park (1.5 hours) → Return. Two-day tour: Day 1 same as above. Day 2: Visit surrounding towns for rural picking (e.g., grape garden in Xiaojiazhuang Town, watermelon base in Caitun Town) or visit a "Chiping Paper-cutting" workshop.