The Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism released the first batch of scenic villages in Shandong province this April. A total of 19 villages in Jinan, Shandong province are on the list. Here are some scenic villages in Jinan that are worth visiting in early summer.
1. Mengzhuangpu village
Location: Mengzhuangpu village, Jiazhuang town, Shanghe county, Jinan
Mengzhuangpu village [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]
Mengzhuangpu village in Shanghe county, Jinan has won the honorary titles of national model village for rural governance, provincial level tourism characteristic village, municipal level civilized village, and provincial level scenic village.
The village has built a Mencius academy to promote Mencius culture. The academy is mainly used for Confucian rites and educational activities.
The village also has a Long March Spirit Exhibition Hall featuring documents, videos and valuable war artifacts that tell the history of the Long March made by the Chinese Red Army from October 1934 to October 1935.
It is also a good place for picking up grapes in summer.
2. Lingyan village
Location: Lingyan village, Wande subdistrict, Changqing district, Jinan
Lingyan Temple, a 4A scenic area, is located in the village. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]
Lingyan village in Changqing district, Jinan has a forest area of more than 8,000 mu (533.33 hectares) with forest coverage rate of 98 percent. It is an original ecological natural landscape village.
Lingyan Temple, a 4A scenic area, is located in the village. The temple has a history of more than 1,600 years and is one of the four most famous temples in China. The temple is known for its painted Luohan (arhat) clay sculptures and Tomb Towers.
3. Dongchexiang village
Location: Dongchexiang village, Duozhuang town, Zhangqiu district, Jinan
Homestays here reflect the characteristics of Shandong traditional dwellings. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]
Dongchexiang village in Zhangqiu district has made full use of its rural resources to develop homestays and folk culture industries. Visitors have the chance to experience the original mountain landscape in the village.
Homestays here reflect the characteristics of Shandong traditional dwellings with antique tea tables, square tables, and chairs.
4. Qishanguan village
Location: Qishanguan village, Gangcheng district, Jinan
A picturesque view of Qishanguan village [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]
Qishanguan village in Gangcheng district, Jinan not only has a pleasant environment and beautiful scenery, but also has rich historical and cultural resources. The village was once a key area in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
At Qishanguan village, visitors can enjoy fresh air and admire the natural landscape at the Qishan National Forest Park, and pick fresh local produce such as dragon fruit.
