Liaocheng

Dongchang Lake surrounds Liaocheng’s one-square-kilometre old town; the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal runs alongside it. In the Water City Scenic Area, the lake and canal form a connected waterscape. Dongchang Lake is described as the largest urban lake in North China. Liaocheng is thus characterised by two closely connected themes: its historic city and its waterscape.

Old Town and History

At the centre of the old city of Dongchang stands Guangyue Tower. It was built in the seventh year of the Ming Hongwu era. South of the tower, on the Yang family estate, is Haiyuan Pavilion. The book collector Yang Yizeng founded it in the 20th year of the Daoguang era. During the Qing dynasty, the pavilion was the largest private library in North China. Along with three libraries south of the Yangtze, it is counted among the four great libraries of the Qing dynasty. The tower and pavilion therefore represent different historical points of reference: the old city and the history of book collecting.

The old town includes historic cultural streets such as Daoshu East Street, Zhuangyuan Street and Chenghuangmiao Street. Another point of interest in the old town is the Mao Zedong Badge Museum: it has four exhibition halls and displays more than 10,000 badges. Those interested in collections will find a cultural focus here that differs from the streets and historic buildings.

Canal Culture and Garden

The permanent exhibition “Grand Beauty of the Grand Canal – Exhibition on Canal Culture” at the China Canal Culture Museum is divided into six sections: historical development, water engineering and technology, administration and governance, urban and economic development, life and customs along the canal, and the canal in the present and recent past. The topics thus range from the canal’s development and technical design to its significance for administration, cities and everyday life. Those who want to discover Liaocheng through its canal will find a range of perspectives on its cultural history here.

The Qiyuan Garden is also located in the Water City Scenic Area. Ren Kepu, a minister in the Qing Ministry of Justice, created it as a residence and ornamental garden after returning to his hometown. The garden covers 1.35 hectares and contains 12 classical buildings as well as one historic building. Its history links the garden to Ren Kepu’s return home; its size and number of buildings give it a distinct profile alongside the exhibitions and the old town’s history.

Which focus suits your trip?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Liaocheng, you can first consider whether you would like to focus on the old town’s history, the exhibitions, the garden or the waterscape. This helps you set a personal focus for your trip and take it into account when choosing a specific location.

More destinations: Binzhou, Linyi, Zaozhuang, Yantai, Dongying, Heze, Weifang, Laiwu.

For the overview of the wider region: Shandong.