Day Trip Around Jinan: The Cherries at Wufeng Mountain in Changqing Are Ripe!

In early summer, the cherries at Wufeng Mountain blush red on the branches, while the ancient Lingyan Temple exudes serene tranquility. The newly opened campsite adds a wild charm to weekend getaways! Here’s a one-day itinerary blending nature, history, and local flavors—from the sweetness of cherries to the spiciness of stir-fried chicken, from the relaxation of camping to the peace of ancient temples, every step is full of surprises. 🍒 Thanks to its unique microclimate and mountain spring water, Wufeng Mountain’s cherries are plump, sweet, and ripen a week earlier than nearby areas. Mid-May is the peak picking season. With over 20 varieties like "Red Lantern" and "Early Big Fruit," you can pick and eat them fresh—juicy and sweet, truly a cherry paradise! 📍 Shengmei Family Farm: The owner is super friendly, and the orchard is packed with fruit trees. 🐓 Coinciding with the Wufeng Mountain Stir-Fried Chicken Chef Competition, over 30 chefs showcased their skills with fiery woks and creative sauces, highlighting the dish’s "rich aroma and tender meat." The competition had just begun when the tantalizing scents overwhelmed everyone! Stir-fried, braised, or pressure-cooked—with abalone, turtle, or eel—dozens of flavors of stir-fried chicken were sampled, leaving everyone in a delicious daze! 📍 Lunch at Hexiang Farmhouse Restaurant: The first-ever stir-fried chicken champion 🏆—taste-tested and confirmed delicious 😋. 🌳 Exploring Lingyan Temple: A Millennium-Old Sanctuary and "The Finest Sculptures in China" Lingyan Temple, hailed as the "foremost of the four great temples," houses 40 colorful Song Dynasty arhat statues in its Thousand Buddha Hall, praised by Liang Qichao as "the finest sculptures in China." After restoration, their artistic value shines even brighter. Must-see highlights: 1. Arhat Statues in the Thousand Buddha Hall: Lifelike with intricate drapery and expressive faces, as if they could speak. 2. Ancient Architecture: Tang-style halls and Ming-era glazed tile roofs, framed by ancient trees—every shot captures centuries of history. 🏨 Stay in a Mountain Retreat: Private Courtyard and Starlit Skies Floral Tea·Taishan Yunding Jiuyuan Homestay sits at the foot of Mount Tai in Jieshou Village. With standalone villas and courtyard designs, you’ll wake up to mountain views.