5 unique experiences that you can enjoy in China’s Shandong Province

Shandong Province, also known as “the jewel between Beijing and Shanghai” is placed strategically between these two cities. It is easily accessible by a bullet train and you can reach its capital Jinan within 1.5 hours (from Beijing) and four hours (from Shanghai). There is a direct flight from Delhi to Jinan that takes approximately five hours.

Shandong, with a history of more than 5,000 years, has been home to many historical figures and it enjoys the honour of being the birthplace of Confucius. Steeped in natural beauty, this northeastern coast of China has an abundance of mountains, rivers and lakes, which provides tourists unique sightseeing routes.

It boasts of centuries-old historical and cultural relics. It is a destination that can be explored with family and friends as well.

* Cherry blossom trees in Zhongshan park

This park in Qingdao distinguishes itself from others due to the corridor of 20,000 cherry trees imported from Japan. The park features a 500-meter Oriental Cherry Road. As the road is lined on both sides by cherry trees, it is referred to as the Cherry Blossom Corridor. April and May is the ideal time to experience these cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

* Bird watching and photography

Visit the estuary in the Yellow River Delta State Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest wetlands located in eastern China’s Shandong Province. It covers an area of about 1,53,000 hectares. Catch a glimpse of around 1,626 types of wild animals, 368 species of birds, like red-crowned crane and the white-headed crane, which are under national protection.

* Martial art performances

Meet with more than 20 national champions at the Songjiang Martial Art School and watch the performance that was showcased at the opening ceremony of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the city of Heze. The martial arts performance is performed by students of Doggie Boy Performance Art Group, which tours around the world from time to time. It is the best martial art troupe in China and this performance should definitely be added to your itinerary.

* Tsingtao Beer Museum

The Tsingtao Museum and Beer Factory is an attraction that should not be missed in Qingdao. The tour involves three parts: history of Tsingtao Beer over the past 100 years, walkthrough tour of how Tsingtao Beer is made and the current brew factory production with a final stop at the bar for samples.

* The UNESCO water town Tai’erzhuang

Considered to be China’s most beautiful water town, Tai’erzhuang has 15 km of water throughout the entire town. Visualise a version of an Oriental watergate opening in front of your eyes while strolling down historical streets of Tai’erzhuang. Apart from this, Tai’erzhuang has multiple temples, theatres, museums, talent shows, folklore performances, lion dances on poles and light shows at night.

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