Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Dezhou

Dezhou, an ancient Grand Canal city known as the "Nine-Way Junction," holds many underrated treasures! From the Sultan of Sulu's Tomb symbolizing international friendship to the vast forests along the old Yellow River course, from thrilling roller coasters at Eurasia Park to the zen-like Haidao Jinshan Temple, this guide reveals 10 must-visit spots cherished by locals. Plus, bonus "Grand Canal Food Map" and "Free Photo Spots" to help you spend three days savoring donkey meat burgers, exploring world-class theme parks, and capturing social media-worthy shots—unlock a hardcore Dezhou that 90% of tourists don't know about! Stop 1: Time Travel Journey—Sultan of Sulu's Tomb & Dongzi Garden Recommended time: 8:30-11:30 As China's only tomb of a foreign king, the Sultan of Sulu's Tomb represents 600 years of China-Philippines friendship. Walk past stone statues along the sacred way, read Emperor Yongle's inscription at the Imperial Stele Pavilion, and visit the village of tomb guardians' descendants who maintain Southeast Asian customs. Admission: ¥30, recommended with AR guide (¥20) to unlock hidden stories. A 15-minute drive north leads to Dongzi Garden, the teaching site of Western Han Dynasty scholar Dong Zhongshu. The spring scenery of willows brushing water at the reading platform creates perfect photo opportunities in traditional Hanfu costume with bamboo scrolls. The Dongzi Cultural Street hosts weekly heritage markets on Saturdays, featuring live demonstrations of Dezhou black pottery—customize your own tea set for ¥50. Stop 2: Thrills and Fun—Quancheng Eurasia Fantasy World & Ocean Polar World Recommended time: 13:00-18:00 Quancheng Eurasia Fantasy World is a roller coaster paradise in northern China! Head straight for Blue Fire Battle (100km/h launch) and Tornado (suspended feet-dangling coaster)—queues exceed 2 hours in the afternoon. Admission: ¥220, 40% off with student ID, free for children under 1.4m. Families should visit Quancheng Ocean Polar World. Don't miss the beluga tunnel, jellyfish palace, penguin snow house, and especially the "Mermaid Fairy Tale" show at 11:30, where divers dance with golden trevally schools like a real-life Aquaman. Family package (2 adults, 1 child): ¥560, seal feeding: ¥30/time. Stop 3: Green Wonderland—Yellow River Old Course Forest Park & Jian River Wetland Recommended time: 8:00-10:30 (morning run) / 16:00-18:30 (sunset) Yellow River Old Course Forest Park features ancient mulberry groves with berry picking in May (¥20/basket). Recommended cycling route: Entrance → Mulberry Culture Zone → Sand Sculpture Garden → Old Oil Press. Electric car rental: ¥80/hour, ancient tree shadows interweave with desert vegetation creating frontier scenery. Jian River Wetland Park serves as the city's green lung. April brings tulip fields around Dutch windmills—use zigzag composition for aerial shots. In autumn and winter, reed marshes turn golden—capture grey herons fishing with telephoto lenses. Rainbow Bridge on the east bank offers the best sunset views. Use Pro mode: ISO100, 1/800s shutter speed to capture sparkling waves. Stop 4: Buddhist Healing Time—Qingyun Haidao Jinshan Temple & Leling Date Forest Recommended time: Full day (recommended split over two days) Haidao Jinshan Temple, northern China's first Pure Land Buddhist temple, features 33 hand-carved camphor wood Buddha statues in its main hall. Vegetarian feasts (¥10/person) are held on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, with special blessing ceremonies during the temple fair on the 18th day of the fourth lunar month. Feed koi in the liberation pond behind the mountain for a zen experience. Visit Leling's vast date forest in September, where over 30 varieties of dates bend branches. Recommended self-driving "Date Village" route: Zhuji Town → Hundred Date Garden → Mother-Child Tree Scenic Area. Experience date picking (¥15/500g) and date syrup making (¥50/jar). Climb the observation tower at dusk to see the sunset turn endless date groves amber. Stop 5: High-Tech Meets Local Life—China Solar Valley & Grand Canal Ancient Street Recommended time: Morning for tech tour, evening for food exploration China Solar Valley is a pilgrimage site for new energy enthusiasts. The world's first solar "Seven-Star Hotel" generates power through photovoltaic glass walls, while the Micro-emission Building maintains constant temperature year-round with geothermal heat pumps. ¥60 admission includes guide; solar-powered car assembly (¥98) perfect for family education. Head to Grand Canal Ancient Street in the evening, where dock ruins and warehouse complexes hide authentic Dezhou flavors. Must-try trio: Cui's Donkey Meat (¥35/500g, perfect with fire-baked buns), Lamb Intestine Soup (Old Yang's opens at 4 PM), Wucheng Xuan Pancake (¥8 with egg). At the canal dock bars, pair craft "Nine-Way Junction" IPA with fried cicadas while listening to boatmen's songs. Exclusive Tips: Local Secrets 1. Free Photo Spots New Lake Scenic Area: Dezhou Grand Theater reflected in mirror lake, perfect for cyberpunk symmetry shots Jiulong Bay Park: Abandoned railway tracks with February orchids, instant Japanese film filter worthy 2. Late Night Food Guide College West Road "Dark Cuisine": Fried noodle strips + pan-fried mashed potato balls (¥10 fills you up) 38th Road chicken wings: Sweet and spicy with iced beer, ¥20 per person 3. Extreme Sports Bonus Outlet Climbing Gym: 15m speed climbing wall, professional coach and gear included (¥68/session) Majia River Rafting: 6km rapids section, perfect for summer team building (30% off group tickets) Dezhou is far more than a train stop. In three days, you can scream on Eurasia Park roller coasters, find peace in Jinshan Temple's morning bells, learn date picking with grandparents in autumn groves, and warm your soul with steaming lamb intestine soup. Follow this guide and discover how this old canal city tells China's story of tradition meeting innovation through cool new energy and warm old craftsmanship. Save and share—next time you pass through Dezhou, remember to stay awhile!