东阿县

Dong'e County is located in the eastern part of Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, on the west bank of the Yellow River and in the hinterland of the Luxi Plain. The county covers an area of approximately 729 square kilometers with a permanent population of about 400,000. Dong'e has a long history, established as a county in the Qin Dynasty, and named after the eastward flow of the Ji River (anciently called A River). It is renowned as the 'Hometown of Chinese Ejiao' and 'Hometown of Chinese Magpies'. With profound cultural heritage, Dong'e is a convergence point of Dongyi culture, Yellow River culture, and Grand Canal culture, boasting numerous national cultural heritage sites such as Cao Zhi's Tomb, Yushan Buddhist Chanting, and Ejiao making techniques. As the birthplace of Ejiao, Dong'e County is globally famous for its Ejiao industry. Leveraging the Yellow River ecological corridor and its millennium-old county features, it is building a distinctive tourism destination integrating health, culture, and ecology.

Dong'e County Travel Guide

I. Core Attractions 1. Dong'e Ejiao City (Dong'e Film Studio): Located in the western suburbs of the county, it is a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering about 200 mu. The scenic area features Ejiao culture as its theme, with restored Ming and Qing-style architecture. It served as a filming location for TV dramas such as 'The Grand Mansion Gate' and 'The Eloquent Ji Xiaolan'. Admission: 60 yuan, opening hours: 8:00-17:30. Visitors can tour the Ejiao Museum, Ejiao Workshop, Bai's Mansion, etc., and experience Ejiao brewing techniques. 2. Yushan Cao Zhi's Tomb: Located on the top of Yushan Mountain in Yushan Town, about 20 km south of the county seat, it is the burial site of Cao Zhi, a talented scholar of the Three Kingdoms period, and a national key cultural relic protection unit. The tomb mound is about 8 meters high, covering an area of about 1,200 square meters, with surrounding relics such as Sui Dynasty steles and Fanyin Cave. Admission: 30 yuan, opening hours: 8:00-17:00. The 'Yushan Buddhist Chanting Cultural Festival' is held annually in spring, where visitors can listen to the national intangible cultural heritage 'Yushan Buddhist Chanting' music. 3. Yellow River National Forest Park: Distributed along the Yellow River embankment, the Dong'e section stretches about 57 km. It is a free open scenic area integrating ecological sightseeing, cycling, and camping. Recommended for spring when peach and plum blossoms are in full bloom. Climb Aishan Checkpoint (the narrowest point of the Yellow River) to view the magnificent scene of the Yellow River flowing into the sea. 4. Luoshen Lake Wetland Park: Located in the northern part of the county, covering about 3,000 mu, inspired by Cao Zhi's 'Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River'. The lake is wide, suitable for boating and bird watching, especially beautiful in summer when lotus flowers bloom. Free admission, boat ride: 30 yuan/person.

II. Food Specialties 1. Dong'e Ejiao: Core specialty, made from black donkey skin and Dong'e groundwater, available in blocks, cakes, powder, etc. Recommended purchase places: 'Gongjiao Hall' in Dong'e Ejiao City, 'Ejiao Specialty Street' in the county commercial area. Prices range from 100 yuan to thousands of yuan. 2. Yellow River Carp: The clear water of the Dong'e section of the Yellow River produces delicious carp. Recommended dining: 'Old Fisherman Fish Restaurant' on Yellow River Road in the county, 'Yellow River Family' farmhouse at Aishan Scenic Area. Steamed or braised, about 60 yuan per person. 3. Dong'e Roast Chicken: Century-old brand 'Yihexing' roast chicken, crispy skin and tender meat, marinated with over thirty spices. Available at 'Yihexing Old Shop' in the county center, limited daily supply, about 40 yuan per chicken.

III. Transportation 1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Liaocheng West Station (about 40 km from Dong'e), then take Liaocheng-Dong'e intercity bus (K601) to the county, fare 10 yuan, about 1 hour. - Self-driving: From Jinan, take Ji-Liao Expressway (G20) to Dong'e exit, about 80 km, 1.5 hours. - Long-distance bus: Liaocheng Bus Terminal departs every 30 minutes to Dong'e, fare 15 yuan; Jinan Long-distance Bus Terminal has 6 daily departures, fare 35 yuan. 2. Local Transportation: Rent electric bikes (multiple sharing points in the county, deposit 200 yuan, 1 yuan/hour) or take county buses (Routes 1 and 2 cover main attractions, fare 2 yuan).

IV. Recommended Itineraries One-day tour: Morning: Dong'e Ejiao City (2 hours) → Luoshen Lake Wetland Park (1.5 hours) → Lunch with Yellow River carp → Afternoon: Yushan Cao Zhi's Tomb (2 hours) → Cycling on Yellow River embankment to watch sunset. Two-day tour: Day 1 same as above; Day 2: Aishan Yellow River Forest Park (hiking + farmhouse lunch) → In-depth experience at Dong'e Ejiao Museum (DIY Ejiao brewing, reservation required, fee 200 yuan).