I just got back from Linyi, and I'm here to tell you that you HAVE to go.

🌄 Everyone, the breeze in May is gentle and warm, making it the perfect time to get out and have some fun! Do you want to go to a place with a rich history and stunning natural scenery? Then Linyi is the place for you! In May, Linyi is full of flowers and lush greenery, brimming with life and vitality. Follow this guide and embark on a spontaneous trip to Linyi! 👇 📍 Location: Linyi City is located in the southeast of Shandong Province, close to the Yellow Sea, bordering Rizhao to the east, Zaozhuang, Jining, and Tai'an to the west, Zibo and Weifang to the north, and Jiangsu to the south. Its superior geographical location gives it both the boldness of the north and the grace of the south. 🚗 Transportation Guide: ✈️ Airplane: Linyi Qiyang Airport has many routes. Taking a taxi from the airport to the city center takes about 30 minutes. You can also take the airport bus, which is affordable, convenient, and fast. 🚄 High-speed train: Linyi North Station is an important transportation hub. It only takes about 2 hours to reach cities such as Jinan and Qingdao. After exiting the station, you can take a taxi or a bus to your destination. 🚌 Long-distance bus: Linyi Bus Passenger Transport Station has extensive routes, leading to provinces and surrounding cities. Remember to check the schedules and purchase tickets in advance before traveling. 🚌 City transportation: Buses basically cover the urban area. You can download relevant apps to check bus information in real time. Shared bicycles are everywhere. Riding through the city and feeling the local atmosphere of Linyi is also a good choice. Taking a taxi is also very convenient and reasonably priced. 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration Day Morning: After arriving in Linyi, head to 📍 Wang Xizhi's Former Residence, the birthplace of the Sage of Calligraphy, Wang Xizhi. The winding stream and the authentic inscriptions on the Lantingji Xu Stele are not to be missed. You can also participate in calligraphy experience classes (10:00/15:00 daily, reservations required) and immerse yourself in the charm of calligraphy. Noon: Taste authentic Linyi fried chicken at a nearby restaurant. The tender chicken is paired with a rich broth and local pancakes. It's so delicious! Afternoon: Go to 📍 Linyi Museum. The museum has a rich collection, from historical relics to folk culture, providing a comprehensive understanding of Linyi's past and present. Evening: Come to 📍 Langya Ancient City to watch the "Guo Xiu: Langya" performance (11:00/14:00/16:30, 40 minutes, VIP seats require an additional CNY 30), participate in the Twelve Flower Goddess Parade (15:00/19:30, you can interact and take photos with the actors), and then enjoy the light show "Langya Night Banquet" (starts at 20:00, it is best to find a spot 1 hour in advance). The night view of the ancient city is magnificent. Don't forget to rent a Hanfu (CNY 80/set, including makeup, limited to 3 hours) to take photos. Day 2: Natural Scenery Day Morning: Go to 📍 Yimeng Mountain Tianmeng Scenic Area, climb the majestic peaks, and challenge the glass plank road (CNY 5/person). Standing in the clouds and overlooking the rolling mountains, the scenery is picturesque. The section from Nantianmen to Yuhuangding is the best, taking about 3 hours. Remember to wear comfortable sneakers. Noon: Taste the special Yimeng whole lamb soup in the scenic area. The soup is rich, and the lamb is tender. A bowl will make you feel comfortable all over. Afternoon: Experience the "No. 1 karst cave in Jiangbei," 📍 Underground Grand Canyon, and take a boat ride on the underground dark river (about 30 minutes), feeling the excitement and coolness, and exploring the wonders of nature. Evening: Check into a nearby homestay and fall asleep to the breeze and chirping insects in the mountains, and have a sweet dream. Day 3: Folk Customs Experience Day Morning: Come to 📍 Zhuquan Village, where clear springs flow and green bamboos surround the village, like a paradise. Experience intangible cultural heritage projects such as willow weaving (CNY 50/person, including materials) and pancake making (CNY 30/family) to feel the charm of traditional folk customs. Noon: Taste the special delicacies of Zhuquan Village, such as spring tofu, which is rich in bean flavor and has a tender and smooth taste. Afternoon: Go to 📍 Yayougou, stroll through the ancient streets, and enjoy the intangible cultural heritage light show "Yimeng Memory" (20:30–22:00), with a projection area of 10,000 square meters. Taking photos here is amazing. You can also taste special snacks such as handmade sesame candy (CNY 15/0.5 kg). Evening: Return with wonderful memories! 🏨 Accommodation Guide: • High-end luxury: Recommended 📍 Pullman and other Wyndham hotels (about CNY 800/night), with attentive service and complete facilities. Some room types offer beautiful city views and include a shuttle bus service to the scenic area, making it easy to travel. • Comfortable and cost-effective: 📍 Hotels or homestays around University Town are good choices. The prices are moderate, the environment is comfortable, and there are many surrounding delicacies. It is also convenient to travel, about half an hour by taxi from popular scenic spots, averaging CNY 200–300/night. • Featured experience: If you want to experience rural life, you can choose 📍 Zhuquan Village homestay clusters, such as Qing Shiban Inn (CNY 400/night), including breakfast + bamboo forest afternoon tea. Wake up in the morning to the sound of birds and feel the tranquility and beauty of the countryside, but you need to book 7 days in advance. 🍱 Food Recommendations: 🥣 Shantang: Linyi's special breakfast, Yujia Shantang (Linxi 5th Road Branch) CNY 3/bowl, CNY 5 with egg, the soup is thick and fragrant, locals often pack it for breakfast; Xiangmin Fried Chicken Restaurant (Hongqi Road Main Store) fried chicken with shantang set is CNY 68, super cost-effective, averaging CNY 30 per person to eat until you are full. 🐔 Linyi Fried Chicken: A must-eat when you come to Linyi. It's spicy and addictive. Xiangmin Fried Chicken, Wang Xiaoer Fried Chicken, and others are all well-known restaurants. The chicken is firm, the taste is rich, and every bite is super satisfying. 🍖 Yimeng Whole Lamb Soup: The lamb is tender, and the soup is fresh and delicious. A small bowl is CNY 25. Adding lamb blood sausage is more authentic. Drinking a bowl will warm your body and heart. 🍘 Pancake with Scallions: A Shandong specialty. Linyi's pancakes are thin and strong. Rolling them with scallions, sauce, and various side dishes has a unique flavor. 🌟 Must-try Experiences in Linyi: 🎭 Watch a live-action performance, such as "Follow the Head of the Regiment to Fight the County Town," which restores the scene of supporting the Menglianggu Campaign. The audience can participate in the plot and immerse themselves in the red culture. 🧵 Experience an intangible cultural heritage handicraft, such as Feixian hand embroidery, Yimeng clay whistle, etc., to feel the charm of traditional skills. 🚢 Take the Yishui River water bus (search Langya Shuiyun to buy tickets, CNY 2) to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Yishui River and feel the charm of the water city. 💡 May in Linyi is a blend of history and modernity, a collision of nature and culture. There are endless beautiful sceneries, countless delicacies to taste, and endless exciting experiences. Pack your bags and come to Linyi for a spring date. I believe you will fall in love with this charming city! Remember to like and save this guide. If you have any questions, you can ask me in the comments section. I wish you all a pleasant journey 🎉