01Ju County
Ju County, under the jurisdiction of Rizhao City, Shandong Province, is located in the southeastern part of Shandong, bordering Rizhao urban area to the east, Yishui County of Linyi City to the west, Junan County of Linyi City to the south, and Zhucheng City of Weifang City to the north. It covers a total area of approximately 1,952 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 996,000 (2023). Ju County has a long history and is a famous historical and cultural city in Shandong Province. It was known as 'Ju State' in ancient times and served as the capital of Ju State during the Spring and Autumn Period, earning the title 'Millennium-old County'. The area is rich in cultural relics, represented by the Ju State Ancient City Site, Fulaishan Dinglin Temple, and the Great Wall of Qi site. It is the birthplace of Ju culture. Ju County is renowned for its 'three-thousand-year-old ancient tree, four-thousand-year-old ancient county, and five-thousand-year culture'. Its unique Ju culture, along with Lu culture and Qi culture, is considered one of the three major cultures of Shandong. The ginkgo tree on Fulaishan, known as the 'Number One Ginkgo Tree under Heaven', is over 4,000 years old and is the most iconic natural and cultural landscape of Ju County. Ju County is also a famous hometown of painting and calligraphy, a hometown of folk art, and the hometown of Liu Xie. Its profound historical heritage and ecological resources make it an important destination on the southern tourism route of Shandong.
I. Core Attractions 1. Fulaishan Scenic Area (National 4A): About 6 km from the county seat, ticket 50 yuan. Centered on the 'Number One Ginkgo Tree under Heaven', the tree is 26.7 meters tall with a girth of 15.7 meters, requiring eight people to embrace. Inside the scenic area, Dinglin Temple is where Liu Xie proofread scriptures, and the temple houses a Qing Dynasty 'Tripitaka'. The best viewing period is early November when the ginkgo leaves turn golden. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00, recommended visit time 3-4 hours.
2. Ju State Ancient City Site: Located in the county center, a provincial cultural relic protection unit. The existing city wall is about 3 km in circumference and 8-10 meters high. It is the site of the capital of Ju State during the Spring and Autumn Period, where many bronze and pottery artifacts have been unearthed. Free admission. It is recommended to visit together with the Ju County Museum (in the county seat, free), which houses over 12,000 artifacts, with highlights including the 'Ju Tripod' and 'Ju State Gold Cake'.
3. Great Wall of Qi Site (Ju County Section): Located in the northern part of the county, a World Cultural Heritage site. The existing site is about 15 km long, with the best-preserved section in Dongguan Town. Free admission, requires self-driving. It is recommended to combine with Jiuxian Mountain Scenic Area (Wulian County) for a day trip.
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4. Lizheng Garden (National 3A): Southern suburbs of the county seat, ticket 30 yuan. A modern imitation ancient garden, featuring rosewood collections and a peony garden. The most beautiful time is spring (April-May) when peonies are in full bloom.
II. Special Cuisine 1. Ju County Mutton Soup: Whole mutton soup with baked flatbread, the most famous is 'Ju County Whole Mutton'. Recommended 'Old Brand Mutton Restaurant' (Fulai Road, county seat), per capita 30-50 yuan. 2. Ju County Pancake: Handmade, can be served with green onions and dried shrimp, common for breakfast. 3. Ju County Big Flatbread: Diameter over 30 cm, crispy outside and soft inside, available at county markets. 4. Ginkgo Nuts: Specialty of Fulaishan, can be used in dishes or stir-fried, available in autumn.
III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Ju County has no train station. The nearest high-speed rail stations are Rizhao West Station (about 80 km) and Linyi North Station (about 90 km). Long-distance buses from Rizhao Bus Station (every 30 minutes, about 1.5 hours, fare 25 yuan) or Linyi Bus Station (every hour, about 2 hours, fare 30 yuan) arrive at Ju County Bus Station. 2. Internal Transportation: There are 5 bus routes within the county (1 yuan/person), taxi starting fare 6 yuan. Self-driving or car rental is recommended as attractions are far apart (e.g., Fulaishan is 6 km from the county seat, Great Wall of Qi site is 40 km). Shared e-bikes (Hello, Meituan) are widely available in the county seat, suitable for short trips.
IV. Itinerary Suggestions One-day tour: Morning Fulaishan (3 hours) → Lunch mutton soup in county seat → Afternoon Ju County Museum + Ju State Ancient City Site (2 hours) → Return. Two-day tour: Day 1 Fulaishan + Lizheng Garden; Day 2 Great Wall of Qi Site + Dongguan Town ancient villages.