This Hidden Gem Ancient Town in Northern China Deserves 10,000 More Recommendations

Let me introduce Mingshui Ancient City - a Jiangnan-style water town in the north. Here, "every home has a spring, and every household has a willow tree." Even Li Qingzhao would "lose her way home in intoxication" here. Basic Information: 🚗Transportation: 10 min taxi ride from Zhangqiu Station (CNY 10)/public bus (CNY 2) 🏨Accommodation: Many inns and hotels within the scenic area 🥙Food: Various restaurants in the scenic area offering different cuisines at reasonable prices ✅Strongly recommend buying the "morning wine" package for a two-day-one-night stay - great value! It's a water town by day and a sleepless city by night. Special Events: ✅New Year's Eve Special: Dazzling Iron Flower Show - intangible cultural heritage iron flower performance at Dongma Bay New Year's Eve Bonfire Concert - rock bands + electronic suona + non-stop performances Midnight Countdown - drone countdown + special fountain show Dragon Lantern Parade + Fish Lantern Heritage - grand fish and dragon lantern festival full of New Year atmosphere ✅Winter Specials: ▫️Morning Market: Various Jinan specialties, with NPCs bringing the market scene to life, creating a vibrant atmosphere ▫️Fireside Dining: Enjoying tea by the springs in winter is incredibly cozy! Performances: ▫️Yi'an Poetry Meeting: Interactive poetry recital at the square with prizes🎁 ▫️Song Dynasty Banquet: Performances in the ancient opera house ▫️Ancient City Variety Show: Street acrobatic performances🤹🏻 ▫️Fountain Show and Drone Formation: A must-see evening performance combining fountains, fire effects, light shows, dance, music, and drones - an unforgettable spectacular DIY Experiences: Lacquer fans, pottery, handmade lanterns, woodcraft weaving, and more. Scenic Spots: ▫️Hundred Springs: Including Mo Spring, Plum Blossom Spring, Shuyu Spring, Golden Mirror Spring, etc. The ancient city was built around springs, with numerous spring eyes throughout. Large springs gush forth while smaller ones bubble like pearls. Mo Spring is one of the 72 famous springs. ▫️Li Qingzhao's Former Residence: Features a spring in the courtyard flowing onto stone paths, allowing close interaction ▫️Mingshui Street: One of the busiest streets, lined with post office, newspaper office, umbrella and fan shops, snack bars, restaurants, and inns ▫️Cloth Workshop: Decorated with colorful cloth strips, perfect for photos ▫️Rowing Boat: Take a boat tour around the city to experience the charm of a water town up close Travel Tips: 1. Get off at Zhangqiu Station. Fare from Jinan Station to Zhangqiu Station is about CNY 17 2. Mini program provides electronic maps and performance schedules 3. Accommodation includes unlimited shuttle bus rides, luggage storage, and special seating for fountain shows