[2025 Liaocheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Guangyuelou (Updated Jan)

Appreciate this northern water city with "a city in the lake, a lake in the city, and a river integrated with the city and lake". 1. The largest urban lake in northern China - Dongchang Lake. "In the south, there is the beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou, and in the north, there is the fragrance of rouge in Liaocheng. It refers to the largest urban lake in the north - Dongchang Lake. This lake was formed as a moat during the Song Dynasty, and later the water from the Grand Canal and the Yellow River was introduced, forming the current lake surface. It is the largest urban lake in the north." Dongchang Lake covers an area of 6.3 square kilometers, comparable to West Lake, and is five times larger than Daming Lake in the provincial capital of Jinan. I took a boat ride at night and enjoyed the view of the ancient city decorated with lights, as well as the reflection of bridge-shaped towers in the lake. It was really pleasant. In the center of Dongchang Lake lies the ancient city of Liaocheng, which has a history of thousands of years. It is square-shaped with each side measuring 1 kilometer, resembling a chessboard. With the Ming Dynasty's Guangyue Tower as the center, the streets and alleys around it are clearly defined. The ancient city is also known as the "microblogging capital," with miniature museums scattered throughout, becoming a concentrated display of Liaocheng's splendid culture. On both sides of the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, streets and alleys are arranged, and various shops and residences are built along the slopes and the river. Walking in the ancient city, you will see small and large stone-paved docks, towering ancient locust trees, as well as Song Dynasty iron towers, Ming Dynasty Guangyue Tower, Qing Dynasty Shanxi Guild Hall, and traditional folk art performances. All of these allow people to experience the prosperity and glory of the canal city in the past. 2. Guangyue Tower, which Emperor Qianlong climbed six times. The highest building in the ancient city is Guangyue Tower, which is also the center of the ancient city. It is surprising that this tower is as famous as the Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, and enjoys the reputation of "although the Yellow Crane and Yueyang should also pay homage". Many literati and scholars have climbed the tower to compose poems and essays, reflecting on the past and present. Among them, Emperor Kangxi climbed the tower four times, while Emperor Qianlong climbed it six times and wrote 13 poems about it. However, none of them became famous, and they did not add much to the glory of Guangyue Tower. 3. The Shanxi-Shaanxi Association Hall, which was built in 1966. Another national treasure in the ancient city is the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, located on the west bank of the canal in the east gate of the ancient city. It is a combination of a temple and a guild hall built by merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi. The entire clubhouse cost over 60,000 taels of silver and took 66 years to build. The stone used in the clubhouse was transported from Shanxi and Shaanxi. To this day, the building of the clubhouse remains well-preserved, with exquisite carvings and paintings inside. Listen to opera and drink tea here, spend a leisurely afternoon. I wonder if the wealthy merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi back then did the same, discussing big business deals while enjoying opera and tea, feeling so at ease. 4. Endless memories of Chatian cuisine. In addition, the food in Liaocheng is also particularly rich. It's worth coming here just for the food. There is a kind of food in Liaocheng called "Guada", which sounds very special. It is named after the sound "Guada" made during its production. Another interesting dish is Wu Dalang's pancake and Pan Jinlian's black-hearted pickles. When eating, use Wu Dalang's pancake to sandwich the pickles and enjoy the crispy and golden Wu Dalang's pancake with the fragrant and soft Pan Jinlian's pickles. It is nutritious and leaves a lingering aftertaste. Perhaps this is the best expression of love between Wu Dalang and Pan Jinlian. The delicious food in Liaocheng and the "Four Fruits Butterfly" of the Grand Canal: Misandao, Jujube Sand Pastry, Green Bean Cake, and Pepper Salt Pastry. The Grand Canal Banquet includes four dishes: Dongchang Iron Rooster, One-Dollar Smoked Fish, Fried Dongchang Lake Shrimp, and Nanlian Pond Ten-Hole Lotus Root. Other famous dishes include Fan Huaimeng's roasted pigeon, Guanxian crispy lamb, Qixing Juyi pot roasted chicken, Ejiao Baobao snow pear, steamed Yellow River carp, hollow glass ball meatballs, Linqing Shixiang noodles, Dongchang sweet foam, and so on. Each dish is unforgettable.

Coming to Liaocheng, I found that this is a seriously underestimated treasure town🏯 The ancient canal flows quietly, Dongchang Lake is sparkling, the waterborne ancient Chinese city exudes a simple charm, and Guangyue Tower stands quietly on this land, witnessing the changes in history. It seems that time has stopped here, quiet and wonderful, making people forget the hustle and bustle of the world 📍Location: You can locate Guangyue Tower and go directly to the core area of the tour ⏰Time: The ancient city is open all day, and half a day of tour time is just right 🎫Ticket: Guangyue Tower ticket 30, others are free Coming to Liaocheng, we directly located Guangyue Tower, which is the core area of the ancient Chinese city on the water. The car drove towards the ancient city, and from a distance, the ancient city was surrounded by a pool of clear water, as if floating on the water. It happened to rain a little, and it had a bit of the charm of the Jiangnan water town. Stepping into the ancient city, the bluestone slab road and the antique buildings reveal the historical charm everywhere Guangyue Tower should be the only paid attraction here, and it is also the most unmissable attraction. This Ming Dynasty building is one of the largest existing Ming Dynasty towers in China. It is as famous as Yueyang Tower and Yellow Crane Tower. Qianlong has climbed this tower three times. Climbing to the top of the tower, the beautiful scenery of the entire Liaocheng is in sight, the green waves of Dongchang Lake are rippling, and the style of the ancient city is unobstructed, making people feel vast Walking along the ancient city wall to the shore of Dongchang Lake, standing on the misty lakeside, occasionally a few water birds fly by, the wonderful mood of the northern water city is full at this moment

Liaocheng in Shandong has a long history and stunning scenery. Among them, Guangyue Tower is an ancient building listed as a World Heritage Site, with a history of 600 years. Guangyue Tower is as famous as Yueyang Tower and Yellow Crane Tower, and is known as one of the "Three Great Towers of China." It has a history of 600 years. Guangyue Tower is also known as the "First Tower of the Grand Canal." On the first floor of Guangyue Tower, you will see a stone tablet inscribed with five poems by Emperor Qianlong. One of the poems was written during his last visit to the south of the Yangtze River, showing his fondness for Guangyue Tower. Climbing up Guangyue Tower, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the ancient city of Liaocheng. The city is surrounded by water, and the water reflects the city, making it a refreshing sight. After visiting Guangyue Tower, you might want to walk to the Iron Pagoda Night Market to experience the bustling atmosphere and delicious food. The Iron Pagoda Night Market is crowded with people, offering a variety of snacks that will satisfy your taste buds.

Dongchang Lake is located in the center of Liaocheng, Shandong Province. It is a beautiful body of water that combines natural scenery and cultural landscapes. Here, you can not only see the rippling lake but also historical and cultural relics, making it a dazzling pearl of Liaocheng. Walking along the lake, you can see ancient city walls, exquisite gardens, and the perfect integration of modern urban landscapes. 🏞️【Itinerary】🏞️ **Day One:** - Morning: Depart from Liaocheng city center, take a bus or taxi directly to Dongchang Lake Scenic Area. It is recommended to arrive around nine in the morning to avoid the peak crowd. - Noon: Enjoy an authentic Shandong cuisine lunch by the lake. - Afternoon: Visit historical and cultural sites such as Guangyue Tower and Iron Pagoda Temple to learn about the history of Liaocheng. - Evening: Stay in a characteristic lakeside homestay and enjoy a quiet night. **Day Two:** - Morning: Tour Dongchang Lake Park, experience the fun of boating or cycling around the lake. - Noon: Try local snacks such as Liaocheng pancakes and fried noodles with soybean paste. - Afternoon: Head to the ancient city on the west bank of the lake, explore the quaint alleys and shops. - Evening: Participate in a night tour on the lake and enjoy a splendid light show. 🍽️【Food Recommendations】🍽️ - **Liaocheng Pancakes**: Crispy on the outside, delicious filling, one of the traditional delicacies of Liaocheng. - **Shandong Cuisine**: Known for its exquisite cooking techniques, must-try dishes include Sweet and Sour Carp and Stir-fried Kidney. - **Local Snacks**: Stroll along the lakeside snack street and taste various local snacks such as grilled skewers and Jianbing Guozi. 🚗【Transportation Guide】🚗 - **Self-driving**: Liaocheng is about a two-hour drive from Jinan, with well-connected highways, suitable for self-driving tours. - **Public Transportation**: There are multiple bus routes in Liaocheng city that go directly to Dongchang Lake Scenic Area, very convenient. - **Train**: You can take a train to Liaocheng Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the destination.

Guangyue Tower was built in the seventh year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1374 AD). It is one of the top ten famous towers in China. It is said that Emperor Qianlong went to the south of the Yangtze River seven times, toured the east six times, passed through Dongchang Prefecture nine times, and ascended Guangyue Tower five times. Passing by Guangyue Tower several times during the two days in the ancient city, one can truly feel its ancient and majestic presence, worthy of the reputation of 'even the Yellow Crane and Yueyang Towers must bow in respect'. Ticket price: The ticket price for Guangyue Tower is 30 yuan for adults and 15 yuan for students. In addition, there is a guided tour ticket, priced at 60 yuan. Business hours: Summer hours are 8:00~18:00, and winter hours are 8:00~17:30. Precautions: In the early morning, when the sun is just rising, Guangyue Tower appears particularly solemn and mysterious against the backdrop of the morning glow. Taking photos at this time can capture its tranquility and beauty. At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkles on Guangyue Tower, and the golden light makes the entire building shine brightly. Taking photos at this time can capture its splendor and magnificence. If you like the tranquility and mystery of the night, then Guangyue Tower at night, illuminated by lights, also has a unique charm.

In Liaocheng, Shandong, there stands a famous ancient structure—the Guangyue Building. It is like a dazzling pearl inlaid in this ancient and charming land. Guangyue Building, built in the seventh year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, has withstood the test of time and still stands tall. Its magnificent and spectacular appearance will first give you a strong visual impact. The hundred-foot-tall building towers majestically, exuding grandeur. The vermilion doors and windows set against the simple walls highlight a unique historical charm. Climbing up the Guangyue Building, you can take in the panoramic view of the city. The ancient streets and well-arranged houses seem to narrate the city's long history. The distant mountains undulate against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds, creating a breathtakingly beautiful picture. Here, you can feel the flow and sediment of time, as if traveling back through the years. The architectural structure inside the building is exquisitely unique, and every detail is worth savoring. The fine wood and stone carvings showcase the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Wandering through it is like being in a palace of art, making one linger and forget to return. Guangyue Building is not only an architectural treasure but also an important symbol of Liaocheng's historical and cultural heritage. It has witnessed the city's changes and development, carrying the memories and emotions of countless people. Here, you can gain a deep understanding of Liaocheng's history and culture and feel the unique charm of the city. When night falls, Guangyue Building is illuminated by lights, presenting a different kind of scenery. It is like a sleeping beauty, exuding a charming aura in the night. Whether it is day or night, Guangyue Building has its unique charm.

Without a single nail, it has stood for six hundred years👏 No matter how many times you take a picture, you'll never find it boring - The Guangyue Tower in Liaocheng One of China's top ten ancient towers, it's a completely mortise and tenon structure The soul of Dongchang Aquatic City, a witness to Liaocheng's history Today, delve into the Guangyue Tower, ascend to its heights, overlook the water city, just as Emperor Qianlong did when he visited here. As time slips by, the ancient city remains as majestic as ever... 🌟Highlights: The Guangyue Tower is a symbol of the ancient civilization of Liaocheng. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was the main artery for north-south traffic. Emperors, generals, scholars, and literati who passed by the river often climbed the tower to recite poems and compose verses by the railing. The 'Dongchang Prefecture Annals' and 'Liaocheng County Annals', as well as existing stele inscriptions, record 120 poems praising the Guangyue Tower. Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty climbed the tower four times and inscribed the plaque 'Shen Guang Zhong Ying'. Emperor Qianlong passed through Dongchang nine times, climbed the Guangyue Tower six times, and listed it as one of the thirty-six imperial lodges during his southern tours. To this day, there are legends about Lu Ban helping to build the tower. ❤Recommended Reason: The Guangyue Tower is a four-eaved, cross-ridge, over-street style pavilion, standing 33 meters tall, consisting of a base platform and a four-story main building. Although the Guangyue Tower has been repaired several times, most of its architectural components are still the originals from when it was first built, maintaining its original appearance. It is an important relic of early Ming architecture, with many areas retaining the Song and Yuan styles. In terms of form, the brick platform, heavy eaves, cross-ridge, and internal empty wells continue the legacy of the Song and Yuan dynasties' pavilion system; in terms of details, the column bases use the ancient mirror style that began with the construction of the Nanjing palace during the early Ming dynasty, while this tower still uses the inverted bowl style from the Song and Yuan dynasties; structurally, the columns rise at the corners, the tower has a hidden layer, the interior and exterior have equally high double-groove column rows, the dougong brackets are spaciously arranged, and the column heads do not have widened capitals, all of which continue the traditional practices since the Tang and Song dynasties, and also share similarities with other early Ming buildings, marking the beginning of 'official-style' architecture. 🎫Ticket Price: Please refer to the on-site notice for specific charges 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 📍Detailed Address: Central Ancient City, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province 🚉Transportation Strategy: Nearby public transport stops K332, K431, K25, K27, K433 Liaocheng Station Take the train, board to , and walk 1.6 kilometers to reach

Liaocheng, an underestimated ancient city in the north of the Yangtze River, steers clear of the popular tourist cities and unlocks the charm of a lesser-known, tranquil city. A water-bound ancient city with a long cultural charm. From dawn to dusk, every casual snapshot captures the beauty of this place. An ancient city built on water, by the canal, where the land is as outstanding as its people. The Water Ancient City Shan-Shaan Guild Hall Guangyue Tower Canal Culture Museum Qi Garden The Great and Small Mosques Huguo Longxing Temple/Iron Pagoda Ferris Wheel Joy City Liaocheng University

|Check-in at China's Top Ten Famous Towers.✨ Guangyue Tower, also known as Yumu Tower, Dongchang Tower, is located in the center of the ancient city of Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng, Shandong. 🕰 It was built in the seventh year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (AD 1374), and it is a historic Ming Dynasty four-eave tower. 📚 It is a representative work of the transition from Song and Yuan architecture to Ming and Qing architecture, and it has an important position in the history of ancient Chinese architecture! 👍 In 1988, it was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit, enjoying the reputation of 'Although Huanghe, Yueyang should also look up and worship'. 🎫 It is also one of China's Top Ten Famous Towers in the commemorative album of 'China's Famous Towers' platform ticket! 📅 Opening hours: Summer 8:00-18:00, Winter 8:00-17:00.

Liaocheng has existed in the Tang Dynasty for three generations, that is, the legendary ancient times, experienced the Spring and Autumn Warring States to the Qin and Han Dynasties, and then to the Tang and Song Dynasties, until the Chinese Liaocheng, from the opening of the Pangu period to the modern society of the 21st century, It has been thousands of years old. A historic city with a thousand years of change, like a hero in armor, has experienced the transformation of the times and has stood still. Yes, it is such an ancient city with mythology that caught my eye. came to Liaocheng, the first thing is to see the landmark of Liaocheng - Guangyue Building, also known as "Yu Mulou", "Drum Tower", "Dongchang Building", just like to go to Xi'an Be sure to visit the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower. The Guangyue Building has a history of more than 600 years, and together with the Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, it constitutes China's top ten famous buildings. Guangyue Building is located in the center of Dongchang Ancient City. The ancient city is in the shape of "Tian". The Guangyue Building is located at the intersection. It is located in the center of the ancient city. It has witnessed the change of the ancient city with six hundred years of vicissitudes. ps: Now the motor vehicles in the ancient city are not accessible. They can only reach the ancient city wall. You can see the Guangyue Building through the Weixuanmen. The Guangyue Building is in the center of the ancient city, so no matter which gate enters , you can directly see the Guangyue Building.

Speaking of ancient buildings and pavilions in China, many people are familiar with the Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower and Tengwang Pavilion. The ancient pavilions have various architectural forms and uses. The watchtower appeared in the Warring States period. The Han Dynasty tower has reached three floors. The towers, the city buildings, the Wanglou buildings, etc. are all forms of pavilions used in the Han Dynasty. Talking about the Guangyue Building in Liaocheng, Shandong Province, although it is the building of Ming Hongwu years, it is one of the oldest pavilions in China. It is also the landmark building of Liaocheng, a water city in Jiangbei, and a historical and cultural symbol of Liaocheng.