Zibo

Mornings and evenings in Zibo can be cool in autumn, so bring a jacket.

Beyond barbecue, Zibo offers ceramics and glass art, the history of the ancient state of Qi, and autumn mountain scenery. This relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary combines city sightseeing with trips to the surrounding area.

• China Ceramics and Glass Museum: This national first-class museum offers free admission, but advance reservations are required. Start on the fourth floor and work your way down, paying particular attention to the lampworked glass gallery. The spiral staircase is also a good photo spot, while the exhibits introduce the area's thousand-year history of kiln production.

• Haidai Tower Zhongshuge Bookstore: Located in Qisheng Lake Park, this bookstore is often mentioned in discussions of China's most beautiful bookstores. Visit around dusk and wait for the tower to light up, then head upstairs for views of the lake and surrounding night scenery. You can also photograph the building's reflection from the lakeside.

• Badaju Market: This is a good place to explore everyday local food. Snacks to try include purple rice cakes, stir-fried flatbread pieces, pork intestine buns, and milk sticks. Visit in the morning or during quieter hours for a more relaxed experience. At night, the lights at the north entrance make a useful photo backdrop.

• Zhoucun Ancient Commercial Town: This historic inland trading hub has a history stretching back over a century and was a filming location for the TV drama *The Great Dye House*. Walk along the stone-paved streets to see the old merchant buildings and try Zhoucun sesame crisps fresh from the oven.

• Hongye Shiyan Scenic Area: The best time for autumn foliage is usually from mid-to-late October through early November. Sightseeing shuttles are available from the east entrance, and the One Thousand and One Nights themed village is a good place for photos. The area is an option for leisurely sightseeing for visitors of different ages.

• Yanshen Ancient Town: This arts and culture park, converted from old factory buildings, preserves 13 ancient kilns from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its tunnel kiln houses China's largest lampworked glass art installation. The original itinerary notes that staff leave after 6 p.m., when the gates remain open and admission is free. If you plan an evening visit on this basis, first confirm that day's opening hours and ticket arrangements.

Itinerary

• Day 1: City Food and Culture: Arrive at Zibo Railway Station in the morning, then head to Badaju Market for snacks. Spend the afternoon at the China Ceramics and Glass Museum, starting on the fourth floor and working down. Around dusk, take a walk in Qisheng Lake Park and photograph Haidai Tower after its lights come on. For dinner, try Zibo barbecue at a long-established neighborhood restaurant in the city.
• Day 2: Autumn Scenery and an Old Village in Boshan: Set off early for Boshan District to enjoy the autumn colors and explore the themed village at Hongye Shiyan. Have Boshan cuisine for lunch, then visit Yanshen Ancient Town in the afternoon to see the old kilns and take photos. If you plan to enter after 6 p.m. during the reported free-admission period, confirm the opening arrangements first. Return to Zhangdian District for the night.
• Day 3: Old Streets and Departure: Spend the morning exploring the Ming- and Qing-era streets of Zhoucun Ancient Commercial Town, and try Zhoucun hot pot and freshly baked sesame crisps. If time allows in the afternoon, shop for glass souvenirs in Phase 2 of Yiwu Small Commodities Market before your return journey.

Zibo Specialties

• Zibo Barbecue: Small flatbreads, spring onions, and tabletop grills for cooking your own food give the local barbecue its distinctive character. Pork belly, pork with garlic cloves, and pineapple chicken skewers are all options to order. Grill a flatbread for 8 seconds, fold it in half, and fill it with meat and spring onions, then enjoy it with the special dipping sauce.

• Boshan Cuisine: Boshan is one of the birthplaces of Shandong cuisine, and local dishes tend to come in generous portions. Try the sweet-and-sour eggplant, crisp outside and tender inside, or Boshan stuffed tofu boxes in a thick sauce. Fried spring rolls and tea-flavored ribs are other options. For two people, start with two dishes and a soup, then adjust according to portion sizes.

• Zhoucun Sesame Crisps: These thin, crisp crackers are generously coated with sesame seeds. Buy them freshly baked in Zhoucun Ancient Commercial Town. For gifts to take home, shops also sell packaged versions at affordable prices.

• Badaju Snacks: Purple rice cakes have a thin outer layer and a soft, sticky filling with moderate sweetness. Stir-fried flatbread pieces are crisp and make a good snack, while milk sticks have a stretchy texture when eaten hot. You can also try the local Deyi yogurt.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to Stay: The area around MixC in Zhangdian District or near Badaju Market offers convenient transport and plenty of dining options. If you prefer quieter surroundings, consider a chain hotel slightly outside the central area with easy access for ride-hailing pickups, such as Hanting or Intercity. Room rates are usually more affordable.
• Arriving by High-Speed Rail: Consider booking a train to Zibo Railway Station, which offers relatively convenient access to the old town and major attractions. Zibo North Railway Station is farther from the city center, so taxi journeys into town take longer.
• Getting Around: Attractions in Zhangdian District are relatively close together and can be reached by bus or shared electric bike. Wear a helmet when riding; you may encounter traffic police checks. For trips to other districts, such as Boshan and Zhoucun, take a taxi or an intercity bus.

Practical Travel Tips

• Museum Reservations: The China Ceramics and Glass Museum requires advance online reservations using your real name and is closed on Mondays. The original source notes that failing to reserve a special exhibition ticket may affect entry. Before setting out, check your booking confirmation and what it allows you to visit.
• Choosing a Barbecue Restaurant: Some popular restaurants around Badaju have long waits. Ask local residents about long-established restaurants in nearby residential neighborhoods. These typically cost around RMB 40–50 per person, serve fresh ingredients, and have shorter waits.
• Market Hours: Badaju's morning market runs from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m., when crowds are lighter and it is easier to observe local daily life. More visitors arrive during the day and evening, and many stalls sell similar products. Choose according to the snacks you want to try, without making a shop's popularity your main guide.
• Autumn Foliage: Peak foliage at Hongye Shiyan usually falls between mid-to-late October and early November; check the scenic area's announcements for current conditions. Earlier visits offer gradually changing leaf colors. Later in the season, the mountaintops may already be bare while autumn colors remain in the valleys.
• Portion Sizes: Many restaurants in Zibo and Boshan serve large portions, and even two dishes and a soup may leave leftovers for two people. Ask about portion sizes before ordering and order according to your appetite to reduce waste.