Dezhou

Dezhou is known for its braised chicken. Its position as a transport hub also earned it the name “a crossroads in all directions and gateway to the capital.” City attractions are fairly close together, making Dezhou easy to explore over a weekend or short holiday.

• Dezhou Museum: This national first-class museum offers free admission, but you need to scan your ID card to enter. Inside, you can see black pottery and Grand Canal artifacts. The cultural gift shop on the second floor offers free souvenir stamps.

• Dongzi Garden Scenic Area: Dedicated to Dong Zhongshu, a scholar of the Western Han dynasty, this garden has pavilions, a lake and weeping willows. For photos, consider wearing Hanfu or plain-colored clothes.

• Tomb of the King of Sulu: The Eastern King of Sulu, who lived during the Ming dynasty, is buried here. It is the only tomb of a foreign king in China. Walk along the path lined with old cypress trees to learn about this chapter of China’s ties with other countries.

• Ancient Canal Scenic Area: This is Dezhou’s stretch of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, where you can see the “Crossroads in All Directions” archway and an old wharf. The riverside is a good place for an evening walk and sunset views.

• Dezhou University Night Market: There are plenty of affordable snacks. It gets livelier after 6:00 p.m. and is a good place for dinner.
• Xinhu Scenic Area: The lakeside is a popular place for a stroll in the city. You can feed pigeons or watch the sunset in the evening.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Cultural sights and the night market
  • Morning: Visit Dezhou Museum to learn about the city’s canal history, then walk or cycle to Dongzi Garden Scenic Area to explore the gardens.

• Afternoon: Visit the “Crossroads in All Directions” archway at the Ancient Canal Scenic Area. Stroll along the old canal street and learn about the canal’s former role in transporting goods.

• Evening: Head to Dezhou University Night Market to browse the stalls and try local snacks.
• Day 2: Historic sites and time in the city
  • Morning: Visit the Tomb of the King of Sulu. Afterward, you can take photos at the nearby Degong Cultural and Creative Park or Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
  • Afternoon: Walk around Xinhu Scenic Area, or shop for souvenirs at Aodele Times Square and stop for afternoon tea.

• Evening: Try Dezhou braised chicken at Aodele or a long-established restaurant in the city to finish your trip.

Local foods to try

• Dezhou braised chicken: Known for its five-spice flavor and tender meat. You can buy freshly braised chicken at Cuiji Fresh Braised Chicken or Dezhou Braised Chicken Food City. Choose vacuum-packed chicken if you need to take it home.

• Yellow-broth pulled noodles: A Dezhou specialty with chewy pulled noodles in a curry-flavored broth. Nie Family Noodles and Chen Family Noodles are common local choices.

• Yangchangzi: A local breakfast dish of blood sausage, usually served with a rich soup and shaobing flatbread. It has a strong flavor. Try it at Xincheng Yangchangzi.

• Dezhou No. 1 Middle School ham: The original shop is by the school’s west gate. This firm-textured ham differs from ordinary ham sausages and is good to take home.

• Wucheng xuanbing: A crisp pastry filled with meat, commonly found at night markets. It costs 5 yuan each and is best eaten hot.

Where to stay and how to get around

• Where to stay: The Bell and Drum Tower or Dexing Road area is in the old city, with convenient access to the museum, night market and Ancient Canal. For shopping, consider staying near Aodele or Xinhu Scenic Area.
• By train: Dezhou East Station serves high-speed trains, while Dezhou Station serves conventional trains. The stations are about 15 kilometers apart, so check the station name when booking tickets or taking a taxi.
• Getting around: You can take taxis between city attractions or use shared electric scooters for a flexible itinerary.

Practical tips

• Museum opening days: Dezhou Museum is closed on Mondays. Check the date before you go.
• Night market hours: Stalls at Dezhou University Night Market usually start opening around 5:30–6:00 p.m.
• Buying braised chicken: For eating right away, choose a freshly cooked one. If buying vacuum-packed chicken as a gift, check the production date and seal.
• Nearby trips: If you have extra time and are traveling with children, you can spend a day at Quancheng Europark Fantasy World in Qihe, or see the old mulberry groves at the Yellow River Old Course Forest Park in Xiajin.