3 Days of Food and Fun in Linyi, My Spending Philosophy Collapsed! Summer Escape + Chicken Feast, Spending Money but Super Happy
Who understands! Stayed in Linyi for three days, originally thought summer in Shandong was just about eating and shopping, but was hit hard by the "mountains, waters + food" combo here. Although my wallet got "slimmer," my happiness overflowed! Come to Linyi in August, enjoy the cool bamboo forest caves, and savor the chicken feast so delicious you'll lick your plate. Here's a three-day guide to exploring the mountain-water ancient city, save it now~
【Three-Day Intense Itinerary · Summer Escape + Food Double Harvest】☀️→❄️
Day 1: Underground Secret Adventure + Ancient City Time Travel
- Morning: Underground Grand Canyon (Yishui County)
Step into the cave and instantly "cool down"! The constant 18°C temperature is amazing. Take a 3,000-meter dark river rafting by kayak, stalactites under blue light look like an alien secret realm, and you can touch the icy rock walls! Remember to wear non-slip shoes + a light jacket (15°C temperature difference inside and outside the cave, don’t catch a cold!), raincoat is a must-buy (you’ll get wet on the rafting, don’t ask how I know!).
- Afternoon: Langya Ancient City (Hedong District)
The free-entry ancient city is perfect for photos! Rent a Hanfu outfit (about 50 yuan/hour) and instantly become a Tang Dynasty beauty. When the light show starts at 7 PM, NPCs will invite you to play market games like touhu (pitch-pot) and riddles, very immersive~ The immersive drama "Guoxiu·Langya" is a must-watch (ticket 150 yuan), the special effects of clashing armor and horses are amazing, totally worth the ticket!
- Evening: Xiangmin Old Chicken Stir-fry Night Snack
Green pepper stir-fried free-range chicken served hot, the aroma fills the street! The chicken is firm and flavorful, paired with potstickers soaked in soup, delicious enough to lick your fingers~ Only 30 yuan per person to eat until full, finishing this means unlocking Linyi’s nightlife!
Day 2: Bamboo Spring Coolness + Calligraphy Charm
- Morning: Zhuquan Village (Yinan County)
Step into spring water flowing over your ankles, instantly dispelling the heat! Surrounded by green bamboo and red lanterns, every photo looks like a Jiangnan-style masterpiece~ You can also try ancient papermaking and DIY bamboo fans (free experience). The 98 yuan ticket includes a homestay voucher, night tickets are cheaper, staying overnight is super cost-effective.
- Afternoon: Wang Xizhi’s Former Residence (Lanshan District)
The 30 yuan ticket is totally worth it! You can visit the ink-washing pool, calligraphy stone inscriptions, and get a free rubbing experience of the "Lantingji Xu." Wearing Hanfu and taking "scholar photos" by the pool creates a full atmosphere~ The cultural creative ice cream (15 yuan each) is exquisitely shaped, perfect for cute photos by the ink pool!
- Evening: Chaoyang Sanhe Restaurant for Thick Soup
A legendary breakfast with lines forming at 3 AM, also available as a late-night snack! Beef bone broth simmered for 6 hours, sprinkled with pepper for a spicy, warming taste, paired with crispy fried dough sticks, one bite is super satisfying, only 10 yuan per person~
Day 3: Mengshan Sea of Clouds + Night Market Carnival
- Early Morning: Yimeng Mountain Yunmeng Scenic Area Sunrise (Mengyin County)
Climb at 5 AM, take the cable car through the sea of clouds (ticket 70 yuan), the 22°C mountaintop feels like natural air conditioning! Hike to the "China Waterfall," sunlight shining on the mist creates perfect "glowing hair" photos~ The temperature difference at the top is big, remember to bring a jacket.
- Evening: Yi River + People’s Square Leisure
First go to People’s Square to feed pigeons (free!), take a healing photo with your partner; then take a Yi River cruise (50 yuan/person), watch ancient buildings reflected on the river, the evening breeze is super pleasant.
- Late Night: BBQ Stall for Braised Rabbit Head
Braised rabbit head in Mengyin is a must-order! The spicy and numbing marinade soaks into the brain, one bite is full of flavor, paired with a cold beer, it’s exhilarating~ 50 yuan per person, eat until full!
【Practical Tips · Avoid Pitfalls + Save Money】📝
- Accommodation Recommendations:
- Zhuquan Village Homestay: Surrounded by spring water, bamboo visible from the window, 600 yuan/night including breakfast, perfect for couples wanting an immersive mountain-water experience;
- City Atour Hotel: Near Wanxianghui Night Market, 400 yuan/night, super convenient for night snack lovers to eat and shop right outside.
- Transportation Tips:
- Take K25 bus in the city to reach Wang Xizhi’s Former Residence and People’s Square; for Zhuquan Village and Mengshan, self-driving or chartering a car is recommended (1.5-hour drive), saves time and effort;
- Mengshan cable car often undergoes maintenance, check the official website before departure to avoid wasted trips!
- Spending Reference:
Tickets about 500 yuan (including shows + rafting), meals 500 yuan (meat every meal for three days), accommodation 1000 yuan, about 1500 yuan per person, super fun~
【Linyi Highlights · Reasons to Come & Reasons to Avoid】💡
- Reasons to Come: The cave is cooler than a fridge in August, bamboo forest springs are super refreshing; few people, beautiful scenery, low prices, chicken and rabbit head to eat to your heart’s content, bring your partner without worry!
- Reasons to Avoid: 35°C daytime surface temperature, heat-sensitive people should be cautious; Mengshan requires hiking, if you hate walking, don’t force it~
Linyi’s summer is the 18°C coolness inside the caves, the spicy and fresh aroma in the chicken pot, three days is never enough! Bring your partner here to escape the heat, enjoy the mountain-water ancient city, and taste all the local specialties. Your wallet may get "slimmer," but your happiness will double~