Heze
Heze – a “peony” city – sits at the southwest corner of Shandong Province. It is also a region of eight counties that bears the same name. The total population is over 8.8 million.
Peony, the National Flower. Peony is China’s national flower, very much like turnips are the Dutch’s national flower. In the Chinese culture, peonies symbolize elegance, dignity, and prosperity. It certainly fits Heze.
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A true peony town. Peony passion is felt as soon as you arrive in town. There are peony gardens almost everywhere in Heze. Peony farms supply 9 colored types of flower to 100 cities in China and export to 20 countries including France, Japan and Canada. Peony by-products is the major local industry. They are available as cosmetic products, nutritional supplements, foods, industrial designs, textiles, etc. You name it, they have it. Step into any shopping mall and you will find peony-related products at every corner.
Top Attractions
Peony season
The best time to visit Heze is between April and May where the peonies are in full bloom. During that season, all of Heze is buried under a huge flower bed with fragrances so enchanting you will not want to leave. Be sure to check the Caozhou Peony Festival in April and May if you are in town.
The Water Margin Hero Town Park at Yuncheng
is Heze’s 2nd charm at the national level and a must-see place. Heze is proud to be the place where the Chinese Robin Hood saga, a novel, “the Outlaw of Water Margin” was written. The story describes how 108 local legendary heroes banded together to punish “corrupted” officials.
Songjiang Martial Art School
Songjiang is a leading character in the novel. He was the one who started the band of heroes and was able to convince the rest of the 107 wondering marshals to join his camp. The best martial art school in Heze is named after Songjiang.
Shan County Folk Cultural Museum
Shan County of Heze sits on the southwest of Shandong. The geography and climate creates ideal conditions to grow crops and pasture which in terms let to flourishment of husbandry, lamb in particular. Shan County had gained its national fame for mutton soup and roasted pancakes from the oven top.
Sun Bin Museum
Sun Bin (Sun Tzu’s descendent) is a well-known military strategist. Many Chinese people confuse Sun Bin with Sun Tzu since both of them had written books with the same name, the Art of War and are recognized in history as distinguished military strategist.
Transportation Information
Travelling to Heze is a breeze. The distance from Qufu, Confucius’ hometown, to Heze is 170 km. They are connected by the inter-state highways. Backpackers often take buses as well as local trains to reach Heze from anywhere in Shandong. If you are travelling by bullet train from Beijing, it takes approximately 4 hours to arrive. And if you are arriving from abroad, it is only 2 hours by car via the newly constructed highway from Jinan Airport.
Plan Your Trip
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Suggested trip ideas:
Plan to stay at least 2 nights in Heze.
1-Day Trip: Peony farm and museums. There are 6 peony gardens close-by to Heze City. Some are known for its history, science research, and garden landscape designs. If you have time, you can add Sun Bin Tourism City to the list.
Or another itinerary: The Water Margin Park at Yuncheng（水浒好汉城）and/or Sun Bin Museum (孙膑旅游城)
2-Day Trip: Water Margin Cultural Theme Park and Songjiang Martial Art School.
Or another itinerary:
Day 1: The Water Margin Park at Yuncheng (水浒好汉城)
Sun Bin Museum (孙膑旅游城)
Day 2: Peony garden – Fangshan Scenic Zone定陶仿山旅游区
3-Day Trip
Day 1: Sun Bin Museum (孙膑旅游城)
The Water Margin Park at Yuncheng (水浒好汉城)
Day 2: Caozhou Peony Garden (曹州百花园)
Heze Caozhou Painting and Calligraphy Institute (曹州书画院)
Day 3: Shan County (Best food to try)
Fill out this form and receive personalized suggestions on how to best plan your trip!
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
For help planning your visit, please contact us now:
E-Mail:
tours@travelshandong.