Linyi

Revolutionary heritage and scenery in the Yimeng Mountains: Guimeng Peak on Mount Meng, a “natural oxygen bar,” the old village of Zhuquan, the Underground Grand Canyon and Firefly Water Cave, Wang Xizhi's former residence in the city — and Linyi stir-fried chicken is a must.

Linyi lies in southeastern Shandong Province and is the largest and most populous prefecture-level city in the province, with the Yimeng Mountains in the north, plains in the south and the Yi River running its full length. It is the hometown of Wang Xizhi, the “Sage of Calligraphy,” and Zhuge Liang, the “Sage of Wisdom,” and a renowned old revolutionary base area. A visit falls into three parts: in the city, Wang Xizhi's Former Residence, the Yinqueshan Han Tomb Bamboo Slips Museum, the East China Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery and the Linyi Museum, plus night cruises on the Yi River and Langya Ancient City; to the northwest, Mount Meng (Yimeng Mountain Tourist Area), with its Guimeng and Tianmeng scenic areas, a national AAAAA-rated mountain attraction and UNESCO Global Geopark; and in the north, in Yinan, Yishui and Mengyin, Zhuquan Village, the Red Sister-in-Law Memorial Hall, Menglianggu, the Underground Grand Canyon and the Firefly Water Cave. The best seasons are Apr–May and Sep–Nov; in summer, cool off in the karst caves or up on Mount Meng. Linyi North Station has high-speed trains toward Jinan, Qingdao and Shanghai, and Linyi Qiyang Airport has a good range of flights; the mountain sights are spread out, so self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. Allow 3–4 days: one in the city, one on Mount Meng, one for Zhuquan Village and the revolutionary sites in Yinan, and one for the Yishui caves. Don't miss Linyi stir-fried chicken, shen soup, Yimeng jianbing (thin crepes) and babao douchi (eight-treasure fermented soybeans).

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