Binzhou
Overview
Binzhou
Binzhou (formerly known as Putai) sits on the north end of Shandong Province. It is the hometown of Sun- Tsu, author of The Art of War. Binzhou metropolitan area extends 9,600 sq. km or 3,700 sq. mi. The city’s population is 3.2 million including two districts, (Bincheng and Zhanhua Districts) and five surrounding counties, Huimin, Yangxin, Wudi, Boxing, and Zouping County. From Shandong’s capital city, Jinan, it is a two hour car ride. From Beijing, it is less than a two hour ride by high speed train. Zouping station of Binzhou is the first stop after Jinan by newly completed high speed train route, Jinan-Qingdao route. From Zouping of Binzhou to Qingdao, it is less than 90 minutes.
Binzhou City’s history dates back to the Shang Dynasty, when China’s recorded history started from 16th to 18th Century BC. We call that the Bronze Age. It is the period during which early settlement on farms replaced lifestyles of wandering nomads. Shandong’s history book provides insight on earlier development of land and people. Historical maps show that Binzhou was at the very center of the Shang Dynasty. It is no surprise that you will find brilliant collections at many of the local museums displaying astounding crafts made of bones, jade, ceramics, stone, wood shells and bronze excavated throughout Binzhou. History and culture lovers will not be let down. After discovery of oil, the city, once a small township of Putai, has lived up to be a major industry hub for oil, rubber, and textiles.
Binzhou’s cultural highlights are concentrated in Huimin County. The Sun Tzu Cultural Park Museum is the city’s most important attraction. The park is designated to the life of world renowned Binzhou native, Sun Tzu, (545BC-470BC). His book, the Art of War can be found in almost all bookstores in the world. It is a required reading not only for military academies but also for business schools. The park is designed to be informative, educational, and entertaining. The park construction started in in 2002. Is initial phase occupies over 732,600m2 in total size. 15 clustered buildings are symmetrically built in Qin and Han Dynasty (220 BC-8 AD) architectural styles. The entire museum is 1 km long and 88 m wide. Each of the thirteen chapters of the Art of War is thoroughly illustrated in one designated building cluster. An armory and a memorial park commemorate distinguished military strategists. There is an exhibit that displays how an extended ladder was used in a battle to climb the castle walls more than 2,500 years ago. These ladders are a 1:1 ratio replica of the actual ladders. Live demonstrations are conducted during the travel seasons between April and Nov.
In one of the strategies, Sun Tzu says “Now a soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is bent only on returning to camp.” “A clever general, therefore; avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.” The wise sayings of Sun Tzu strike a very true sense to our lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY1IQYyR0QA – The Art of War by Sun Tzu breakdown
Wuding Fu Official Residence used to be one of 10 prefectures in ancient Shandong. Its jurisdiction extended as far as what is known today as Jinan. “Fu” means residence. In the ancient days, it is a combined official administrative office, the court and the residence for county chancellors. Wuding in Chinese means, “Suppression with Arm”. It was named in celebration with 1462, the year in which one of the Ming Emperors executed his rebellious and greedy son to show off his deeds to safeguard social justice. The entire building complex served as the county’s town hall where local residents reported their issues there.
Wuding Fu is one of the best preserved county mansions in China with a documented history of 2,400 years. From displays inside, you will hear many stories about how social justice is practiced again and again by punishing criminals. This is a chance to peek into extremely well documented lives of Shandong people. Look out for a lady guide who has many inspiring stories of the mansion to share with you. Some of them are very personal first hand. One of the interesting facts is her father led a massive recovery and rescue mission to excavate the historical engraved stone tablet 45 years ago. Back then, he was the Museum Director. Thereafter, her brother was appointed Museum Director who will be retiring soon. Her family heritage is intertwined with Wuding Fu and her generation continues this heritage mission to preserve and to educate visitors. She has so many stories to be share.
Wei’s Manor is a family residence built in 1891. It ranks among the top three in historical family manors in China. It is open to public as a museum. It is also listed on China’s national historical registry.
Measured at 84m by 46m with its wall as high as 10m, this is the largest and the best preserved private family manor built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) that is open to public. It is a maze to fish through. Numerous hidden pathways and shooting positions throughout the top wall were built for defense. This was built when China was in turmoil, busy transitioning itself from imperial rules to republic. What is interesting about this mansion is that at the center of its main entrance stands a big tree 60 years of age. This tree has witnessed the rise and fall of the changes in the Wei family.
Pay attention to the daughter’s maiden chamber. In Shandong, girls before 17 years old were not allowed to see their partner until the wedding day. To reserve her privacy, food and water were lifted up into window of the restricted living quarters circled by thick walls. Peek through the tiny holes to see if you can capture a glimpse of their shadows.
Binzhou is a yet to be fully exposed treasure. Hotels are very competitively priced. Hot springs are abound. Locals are eager to receive visitors. Please put this into your next trip.
PLANNING
1-day Trip:
Morning Sun Tzu Town武定府——孙子兵法城
Evening Hot Spring
2-day Trip:
Day one：
Museum Park of Sun Tzu （孙子兵法城）
Sun Tzu Park孙子故园
Sun Museum孙子博物馆
Day two:
Morning: Wei’s Manor (魏氏庄园)
Afternoon: Heban Mountain (鹤伴山)
3-day Trip
Day One:
Museum Park of Sun Tzu (孙子兵法城)
Wei’s Manor (魏氏庄园)
Day two:
Morning: Heban Mountain (鹤伴山)
Afternoon: FanGongCi (范公祠)
Day Three:
Yellow River Ancient Village (西纸坊黄河古村落)
Or 惠民古城 Huimin Ancient Town
Day One:
Morning: Museum of Sun Tzu
Afternoon: Wuding Official Residence
Evening: Hot Spring
Day Two:
Morning: Wei Family Manor
Afternoon: The Song Wall and Du’s Residence
Evening: Local Shows
Day Three:
Morning: Mt. Heban
Afternoon: Sanhe Lake
Binzhou
Binzhou (formerly known as Putai) sits on the north end of Shandong Province. It is the hometown of Sun- Tsu, author of The Art of War. Binzhou metropolitan area extends 9,600 sq. km or 3,700 sq. mi. The city’s population is 3.2 million including two districts, (Bincheng and Zhanhua Districts) and five surrounding counties, Huimin, Yangxin, Wudi, Boxing, and Zouping County. From Shandong’s capital city, Jinan, it is a two hour car ride. From Beijing, it is less than a two hour ride by high speed train. Zouping station of Binzhou is the first stop after Jinan by newly completed high speed train route, Jinan-Qingdao route. From Zouping of Binzhou to Qingdao, it is less than 90 minutes.
Binzhou City’s history dates back to the Shang Dynasty, when China’s recorded history started from 16th to 18th Century BC. We call that the Bronze Age. It is the period during which early settlement on farms replaced lifestyles of wandering nomads. Shandong’s history book provides insight on earlier development of land and people. Historical maps show that Binzhou was at the very center of the Shang Dynasty. It is no surprise that you will find brilliant collections at many of the local museums displaying astounding crafts made of bones, jade, ceramics, stone, wood shells and bronze excavated throughout Binzhou. History and culture lovers will not be let down. After discovery of oil, the city, once a small township of Putai, has lived up to be a major industry hub for oil, rubber, and textiles.
Binzhou’s cultural highlights are concentrated in Huimin County. The Sun Tzu Cultural Park Museum is the city’s most important attraction. The park is designated to the life of world renowned Binzhou native, Sun Tzu, (545BC-470BC). His book, the Art of War can be found in almost all bookstores in the world. It is a required reading not only for military academies but also for business schools. The park is designed to be informative, educational, and entertaining. The park construction started in in 2002. Is initial phase occupies over 732,600m2 in total size. 15 clustered buildings are symmetrically built in Qin and Han Dynasty (220 BC-8 AD) architectural styles. The entire museum is 1 km long and 88 m wide. Each of the thirteen chapters of the Art of War is thoroughly illustrated in one designated building cluster. An armory and a memorial park commemorate distinguished military strategists. There is an exhibit that displays how an extended ladder was used in a battle to climb the castle walls more than 2,500 years ago. These ladders are a 1:1 ratio replica of the actual ladders. Live demonstrations are conducted during the travel seasons between April and Nov.
In one of the strategies, Sun Tzu says “Now a soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is bent only on returning to camp.” “A clever general, therefore; avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.” The wise sayings of Sun Tzu strike a very true sense to our lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY1IQYyR0QA – The Art of War by Sun Tzu breakdown
Wuding Fu Official Residence used to be one of 10 prefectures in ancient Shandong. Its jurisdiction extended as far as what is known today as Jinan. “Fu” means residence. In the ancient days, it is a combined official administrative office, the court and the residence for county chancellors. Wuding in Chinese means, “Suppression with Arm”. It was named in celebration with 1462, the year in which one of the Ming Emperors executed his rebellious and greedy son to show off his deeds to safeguard social justice. The entire building complex served as the county’s town hall where local residents reported their issues there.
Wuding Fu is one of the best preserved county mansions in China with a documented history of 2,400 years. From displays inside, you will hear many stories about how social justice is practiced again and again by punishing criminals. This is a chance to peek into extremely well documented lives of Shandong people. Look out for a lady guide who has many inspiring stories of the mansion to share with you. Some of them are very personal first hand. One of the interesting facts is her father led a massive recovery and rescue mission to excavate the historical engraved stone tablet 45 years ago. Back then, he was the Museum Director. Thereafter, her brother was appointed Museum Director who will be retiring soon. Her family heritage is intertwined with Wuding Fu and her generation continues this heritage mission to preserve and to educate visitors. She has so many stories to be share.
Wei’s Manor is a family residence built in 1891. It ranks among the top three in historical family manors in China. It is open to public as a museum. It is also listed on China’s national historical registry.
Measured at 84m by 46m with its wall as high as 10m, this is the largest and the best preserved private family manor built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) that is open to public. It is a maze to fish through. Numerous hidden pathways and shooting positions throughout the top wall were built for defense. This was built when China was in turmoil, busy transitioning itself from imperial rules to republic. What is interesting about this mansion is that at the center of its main entrance stands a big tree 60 years of age. This tree has witnessed the rise and fall of the changes in the Wei family.
Pay attention to the daughter’s maiden chamber. In Shandong, girls before 17 years old were not allowed to see their partner until the wedding day. To reserve her privacy, food and water were lifted up into window of the restricted living quarters circled by thick walls. Peek through the tiny holes to see if you can capture a glimpse of their shadows.
Binzhou is a yet to be fully exposed treasure. Hotels are very competitively priced. Hot springs are abound. Locals are eager to receive visitors. Please put this into your next trip.
PLANNING
1-day Trip:
Morning Sun Tzu Town武定府——孙子兵法城
Evening Hot Spring
2-day Trip:
Day one：
Museum Park of Sun Tzu （孙子兵法城）
Sun Tzu Park孙子故园
Sun Museum孙子博物馆
Day two:
Morning: Wei’s Manor (魏氏庄园)
Afternoon: Heban Mountain (鹤伴山)
3-day Trip
Day One:
Museum Park of Sun Tzu (孙子兵法城)
Wei’s Manor (魏氏庄园)
Day two:
Morning: Heban Mountain (鹤伴山)
Afternoon: FanGongCi (范公祠)
Day Three:
Yellow River Ancient Village (西纸坊黄河古村落)
Or 惠民古城 Huimin Ancient Town
Day One:
Morning: Museum of Sun Tzu
Afternoon: Wuding Official Residence
Evening: Hot Spring
Day Two:
Morning: Wei Family Manor
Afternoon: The Song Wall and Du’s Residence
Evening: Local Shows
Day Three:
Morning: Mt. Heban
Afternoon: Sanhe Lake
Food & Drink
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Qingyang Fried Chicken
Qingyang Fried Chicken was known by its unique taste and affordable price. The chicken is tender and spicy. A general dish to welcome guest form far away, which is a honor when host offer it.
Xing Pancake
The cake made to top 100 must eat in Shandong. This is a Xing family heritage. Crispy skin and vegetable inside.
Experience
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7 Miles Lotus Pond
There is a 7 mile lotus pond sightseeing belt that was recently built in Bincheng District, Binzhou. It has introduced more than 260,000 plants of 80 different lotus species.
Binzhou Blacksmith Master Li
Blacksmithing, a traditional art in Binzhou, is different from many of the other traditional Chinese arts. Unlike calligraphy and pottery, blacksmithing involves a large amount of physical strength and precision.
Yellow River Memorial Tower
Spring creeps into Binzhou quietly. A new landmark, the Yellow River Memorial Tower is scheduled to open by the end of April 2021.
Mada Lake Scenic Area
Mada Lake Scenic Area is located 3 kilometers south of Boxing County – overlapping the alluvial plain area of Mount Taiyi in central Shandong and the lower parts of the plains almost reaching the Yellow River. The Mada Lake Scenic Area is an inland freshwater lake converged by 7 rivers including Youwu River, Zhulong River, and Xiaofu River.
Weiji Ancient Village
A local famous food that even everyone living in Mengying town know how to make it. The reason why it is called Bachelor’s Chicken is that all of employees in the fried chicken restaurant are male. Thus, the locals jokingly coined the name “Bachelor’s Chicken”.
Ancient Village
Sunwu Lake
Come visit the Sun Tzu Cultural Park Museum and have a better view of Sunwu Lake at the top of the Binshen Mountain.
Sanhe Lake
“San” in Chinese is the number three. This is where Lake Sanhe gets its name from. Also because it has three rivers intersecting one another. When three rivers combine together, it creates a “K” shape. Beautiful view with a historic background.
Historical Wuding Wall of Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD)
A thousand year old wall that protected the Wuding official residents.
Mt. Heban
Located on the border of Zouping County and Zhangqiu City with varied topography, steep slopes, crooked narrow valleys and several cliffs.
Residence of Du Shoutian
A famous home of Du Shoutian, who is the teacher of Emperor Xianfeng. He is a good representative from the Du family. The Du family is a famous that being extremely careful about education. More than 39 officers are from this family during the ancient time.
The Sun Tzu Cultural Park Museum
Sun Tzu’s hometown, understand the solder’s wisdom and how they use best strategy to win the war. “Peace”, “War” and “Wisdom” are three main topics. They have great impact to Chinese military power.
Qin Huangtai (Qin Terrace) “the soul of Binzhou”
In pursuit of immortality, Emperor Qin is said to have sent 5,000 men in search for elixir of eternity beyond the sea. However, the emperor did not hear back from them. He was anxious and asked a soldier to check when they are back. Soldiers made it to the terrace and check further. On April 6, 2018, the 19-meter high bronze statue of Emperor Qin was blown down by the wind. But it was has since been rebuilt. To understand the Chinese ancient emperor, this is a must-go place.
Xizhifang Village
Beds and breakfast are offered by farmers. Even though facilities are new inside, the window dressing are complete done in traditional style.
Dajue Temple (大觉寺)
The temple name in China suggests “grand consciousness”. It is known for 29 copper statues of buddas. This is a live temple. There are still monks residing in to take care of drum and clock routines. At the era of early Republic, it was a school.
Shopping
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Hand-made Lantern
Lantern is an integral part of the Chinese New year celebration. Families from Zhang Village, Huimin County make lanterns every major festival. Around New Year, hundreds of lantern were tied together like a wheel and ready to sell.
Clay Zhang (河 南 张 泥 塑)
Clay Zhang’s art studio, it is very active in Chinese New Year. Classes are available.
Events
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Binzhou Midi Festival 2021
Midi is China’s top tier rock music festival drawing crowds by millions.
Happy Binzhou Spring Cultural Festival 2021
Binzhou Cultural Center is holding the “Happy Binzhou Spring Cultural Festival” on February 4 – 26, 2021.
Light and Shadow Secret Realm and Folk Culture and Art Festival
The first “Light and Shadow Secret Realm and Folk Culture and Art” Festival was held in Sun Tzu Cultural Park Museum in Binzhou. Inside the museum, there are 13 courtyards, each representing the different chapters and stages of Sun Tzu’s life.
Huji Book Festival
A carnival of folk art performances. The largest in Shandong and a competition of traditional instruments, cork fight, dog shows, drum shows, cross talk shows, local operas, etc. It takes place in February, March, June, August, and September.
Zhanhua Winter Dates Festival
Known to be the best dates (“jujubes”) in the nation; and also a perfect time to pick dates. Winter Dates is an important day for Shandong people and a perfect time for dumpling eating.
Zou Ping Xingzi Parade (邹平芯子)
A local parade that only takes place on the last day of the Chinese New Year celebration. Like the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia and Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. Participants often compete for the 1st prize in the parade.
Suntzu Cultural Tourism Festival (孙子文化旅游节)
This is an annual art event with performance and art shows.
E-Mail: tours@travelshandong.
山东省文化和旅游厅 Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism
美国友康科技有限公司 U-Combination Technology (USA) Inc.
Authorized agency for Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism in the U.S.
(山东省文化和旅游厅在美授权机构)
150 E Swedesford Rd, Suite 101,
Wayne, PA 19087