[2025 Binzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Du Shoutian's Former Residence (Updated May)

**🌿Binzhou Travel Guide | 1-Minute Guide to Exploring the "Yellow River Ancient Charm · Ecological Small City"! 🌊** 📍 **Location**: Northern Shandong Province (High-speed rail to Binzhou Station, 1.5h drive from Jinan/Zibo) 🔥 **Must-Visit Recommendations**: 1️⃣ **Heban Mountain National Forest Park**: A natural oxygen bar! Hike through "Nine Waterfall Valley", enjoy autumn red leaves covering the mountains, overlook the forest sea from glass walkways, and enjoy starry skies at mountain homestays 🌌. 2️⃣ **Wei Family Manor**: The only castle-style residence in northern China! Qing Dynasty military fortress + secret passages and mechanisms, wear traditional costumes to film your own "Courtyard Drama" spy movie 📸. 3️⃣ **Shell Barrier Island**: One of the world's three largest shell beaches! Collect colorful shells at low tide, watch flocks of migratory birds dance, and experience breathtaking sunsets along the coastline 🌅. 4️⃣ **Du Shoutian's Former Residence**: Home of the imperial tutor! Qing Dynasty quadrangle courtyard + imperial examination culture exhibition, touch century-old cultural heritage among gray tiles and blue bricks 📚. 💡 **Travel Tips**: ✅ **Best Seasons**: April-May (fragrant locust blossoms), October-November (red leaves + bird watching season). ✅ **Transportation**: Attractions are scattered, recommend self-driving or hiring a car (about 300 yuan/day). ✅ **Must-Try Food**: Guozi Bing (pan cake), sesame brittle, Binzhou pot stickers - old street night markets fill you up for just 20 yuan per person! ✅ **Hidden Experience**: Huimin Hot Springs Resort - super healing when snowflakes fall in winter ♨️. 📸 **Instagram-Worthy Spots**: 🌉 **Changsheng Temple at Heban Mountain**: Cliff-side Taoist temple + rolling sea of clouds, looks like "Castle in the Sky" from drone shots. 🏮 **Shell Barrier Island Boardwalk**: Shell beach + windmill clusters, perfect for Japanese-style filter photos! ✨ **Wei Family Manor City Wall**: Climb high for panoramic views of the manor, maximum ancient martial arts vibes. 🌿 **Xizhifang Ancient Village**: Elevated residences by the Yellow River, experience ancient pottery + tie-dye crafts. 🎫 **Ticket Information**: - Heban Mountain: 40 yuan - Wei Family Manor: 30 yuan - Shell Barrier Island: Free 💬 **Discussion Topic**: Would you rather explore Binzhou's natural secrets or travel back in time to the century-old fortress? Share your travel wishes in the comments! 👇

📖📖Itinerary Day 1: Beijing→Cangzhou Museum→Magnolia Hotel (Cangzhou Qingfenglou Nanchuan Old Street Branch)→Cangzhou Confucian Temple→The Grand Canal Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall of China→Qingfenglou→Langyinlou→Nanchuanlou Day 2: Qingzhen North Great Mosque of Cangzhou→Cangzhou Iron Lion and Old City Ruins Park→Former Residence of Du Shoutian→GreenTree Inn Express (Binzhou Fenghuang 3rd Road) Day 3: Ancient Chariot Museum of China→Qingzhou Museum→Fange Pavilion Park→Qingzhou Ancient City Day 4: Tuoshan Grottoes→Longxing Temple→Yunmen Mountain Scenic Area Day 5: Guan Zhong Memorial Hall→Qi Culture Museum→Beijing

The first stop on my Shandong trip was Binzhou, Shandong's northern gateway and northeast neighbor of Jinan. Although Binzhou is not very famous, it has a long history. I visited a real ancient architectural complex early in the morning, the little-known former residence of Du Shoutian, the teacher of Emperor Xianfeng during the Qing Dynasty. 🐱The former residence of Du Shoutian was also the former residence of the Du clan (the Du family had been a prominent family since the Ming Dynasty, and by the late Qing Dynasty, they had produced 12 Jinshi degree holders). The architectural style is typical of northern Shandong during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The original Du residence was a courtyard house, containing 28 small courtyards and more than 300 rooms. Now only the embroidery building, the living room, and some of the main halls and side rooms remain. The biggest feature of the overall architecture is its openness. Although relatively independent, there are no enclosed courtyards, and there are many back doors and side doors, making it easily accessible. The most interesting attraction in the courtyard is the "nail house" in the southwest corner. When the Du family expanded their residence, there was one family who refused to move no matter how much money they were offered. Because the residents' surname was Gang, they were called the "steel pillars" of the Du family compound. 🐱I met a very clingy calico cat🐱 tour guide in the courtyard. It accompanied us almost the entire way, and even stopped to wait for us when we were too slow. I guess it will get certified to work as a tour guide once it learns to talk. 🐱Former Residence of Du Shoutian Address: South Street, Binbei Subdistrict Office, Binzhou District, Binzhou City, Shandong Province Opening hours: 8:00–17:00, last entry 16:30 (winter) / 8:00–18:00, last entry 17:30 (summer) Tickets: 50 CNY/adult, 43 CNY if booked one day in advance

I've made a three-day plan Day 1: Explore History and Culture • Morning: Visit the Binzhou Museum to learn about the history and culture of Binzhou. There are many ancient relics and exhibits here. Then go to Binzhou Ancient City and stroll through the streets of the ancient city, experiencing the ancient atmosphere. • Noon: Taste local specialties, such as Binzhou Braised Chicken. • Afternoon: You can go to the Binzhou Underground Great Wall, a military project built in the Ming Dynasty, which is very spectacular. • Evening: You can go for a walk in Zhonghai Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. Day 2: Experience Natural Beauty • Morning: Go to Weiji Ancient Village, where there are many handicraft workshops and folk custom sightseeing and water activities. You can also taste authentic farmhouse dishes. • Noon: Have a farmhouse meal in Weiji Ancient Village. • Afternoon: Visit the Former Residence of Du Shoutian to learn about the story of Du Shoutian, a famous minister of the Qing Dynasty. • Evening: You can go to the Binzhou Grand Theater to enjoy a wonderful performance. Day 3: Experience Binzhou's Unique Features • Morning: Go to the Binzhou Shell Dike Island and Wetland National Nature Reserve to admire the spectacular shell dikes and wetland scenery. • Noon: Enjoy a seafood feast nearby. • Afternoon: Go to Wudi Ancient City, where there are many antique buildings and handicraft shops. You can also visit the Wudi Ancient City Museum and County Government Office. • Evening: Taste local snacks in Wudi Ancient City, and then return. Tips: • Check the route in advance, as some sections of the road may be under construction. • Prepare appropriate clothing according to the weather conditions. • Try to participate in local folk activities to experience Binzhou culture in depth.