The Weishan Lake Tourism Area is located in Weishan County, Jining City, Shandong Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, covering the main lake area of Weishan Lake and the surrounding islands, with a total area of 769.55 square kilometers, of which the water area is about 664 square kilometers. It is the largest freshwater lake tourism area in northern China. The scenic area is characterized by "vast lake, peculiar islands, beautiful lotus, abundant fish, and outstanding people," integrating natural ecology, red culture, and fisherman customs. Its core areas include Weishan Island, Nanyang Ancient Town, and Dushan Island, and it features iconic landscapes such as the Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh and the Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park. The scenic area has well-developed supporting facilities. The tourist service center has a building area of about 5,000 square meters and is equipped with a science exhibition hall, guide service stations, and other facilities, providing comprehensive services for tourists.
Historical Culture
The formation of Weishan Lake is closely related to the diversion of the Yellow River. After thousands of years of evolution, it became an important freshwater wetland in the north and gave birth to a unique lake culture. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, this area was the border zone between the states of Qi and Lu, leaving historical relics such as "the hometown of Weizi." Weishan Island is also named because Weizi, a virtuous minister of the Shang Dynasty, was buried here.
In modern times, Weishan Lake was a famous anti-Japanese base area. From 1938 to 1945, the Railway Guerrillas used Weishan Lake as a base to carry out guerrilla warfare. Stories such as "Quiet on Weishan Lake" are widely circulated, and red culture has become an important spiritual core of the scenic area. The lake area's fisherman culture has a long history. Folk customs such as the fishermen's "Duangu Qiang" and "fisherman weddings" have been listed as intangible cultural heritage, demonstrating the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Main Attractions
Weishan Island
Weishan Island is the largest island in Weishan Lake, with an area of about 9 square kilometers and about 2.5 kilometers from the shore. Visitors need to take a ferry to the island (the ferry journey takes about 20 minutes). The island is rich in cultural relics. The "Tombs of the Three Sages" (the tomb of Weizi, the tomb of Zhang Liang, and the tomb of Muyi) bear witness to historical changes from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Qin and Han dynasties. The Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park covers an area of about 100,000 square meters. In the park stands the Railway Guerrilla Monument (37.7 meters high). The memorial hall displays a large number of revolutionary relics and recreates the struggle scenes during the War of Resistance.
Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh
The Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh is located in the western part of Weishan Lake, with a total area of about 100,000 mu. It is the largest natural lotus viewing area in northern China. From June to September each year, lotuses bloom competitively, forming a landscape of "endless green lotus leaves reaching the sky," interspersed with reeds, water lilies, and other aquatic plants. The scenic area has a 3,000-meter-long lotus-viewing boardwalk and multiple viewing platforms. Tourists can walk or take a painted boat (the route is about 5 kilometers long, with a sailing time of 1 hour) through the lotus ponds to view the lotuses up close. In summer, visitors can also experience picking lotus seed pods (about 10 yuan per jin).
Nanyang Ancient Town
Nanyang Ancient Town is the only water-based ancient town in Weishan Lake, with an area of about 3.5 square kilometers and a history of more than 2,000 years. It prospered because it became a canal commercial port during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ancient town retains the layout of "small bridges, flowing water, and households," and more than 30 existing buildings such as ancient streets, ancient residences, and a mosque. Among them, sites such as "Zhuangyuan Tower" and "Hu's Money House" show the prosperity of canal culture. Tourists can take a black-awning boat (about 1 kilometer) to tour the ancient town's waterways and experience the artistic conception of "the boat travels in the water, and people travel in a painting."
Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park
The Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park is located in the eastern part of Weishan Island, covering an area of 100,000 square meters. It is a national patriotism education demonstration base. The core buildings in the park include the monument, the memorial hall, and the group sculpture square. The monument is 37.7 meters high, symbolizing the full outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japan in July 1937. The memorial hall has a building area of about 1,800 square meters. Through physical objects, pictures, scene restoration, and other methods, it displays in detail the combat course of the Railway Guerrillas. Among them, the simulated scenes of "climbing trains and blowing up bridges" are highly immersive.
Weishan Lake Wetland Red Lotus Scenic Area
The Weishan Lake Wetland Red Lotus Scenic Area is located in Binhu Town, Tengzhou City, with a total area of 90 square kilometers. It is characterized by red lotus wetlands and is connected to the main scenic area of Weishan Lake. The red lotus planting area in the scenic area is about 50,000 mu. In autumn (September-October), when the red lotuses bloom, the scenery is most spectacular. The wetland has a bird-watching platform (20 meters high), where more than 200 kinds of birds such as egrets and gray cranes can be observed. Attractions such as Panlong Island and Xiaoli Village are famous for being filming locations of "Railway Guerrillas" and retain the village appearance of that time.
Food
Weishan Lake Hairy Crab
Weishan Lake hairy crab is a national geographical indication product. Because of the excellent water quality of the lake area, the crab meat is tender and the crab roe is full. The best eating period is from September to November each year. The local traditional method is steaming to preserve the original flavor. The market price is 50-80 yuan each (about 200 grams). Fisherman restaurants around the scenic area mostly provide a "whole crab banquet," paired with crab porridge, drunken crab, and other dishes, with an average consumption of about 150 yuan per person.
Piaotang Fish Balls
Piaotang fish balls are a specialty dish of Weishan Lake fishermen. Fresh crucian carp (or carp) is selected, skinned and boned, chopped into fish paste, and seasoned with egg white, starch, and other ingredients. Balls with a diameter of about 2 centimeters are made, blanched in boiling water, and then float on the surface of the soup, hence the name "Piaotang." The fish balls have a delicate texture and the soup is fresh and delicious. They are a must-have dish at lake-area banquets and cost about 40 yuan per portion. Authentic flavors can be tasted at fisherman restaurants in Nanyang Ancient Town.
Weishan Lake Shelduck
Weishan Lake shelduck is a local excellent duck breed. It is raised in the lake area and feeds on water plants, fish, and shrimp, so its meat is firm. Traditional methods include braised shelduck and beer duck. Among them, "shelduck lying on snow" (duck meat steamed with egg white) is a classic dish with an auspicious meaning. Each portion of shelduck dishes costs about 60-80 yuan and is suitable for 3-4 people to share.
Stir-Fried Water Chestnut with Pork
Water chestnut is a characteristic aquatic plant of Weishan Lake. After being picked in autumn, it is shelled and the flesh is stir-fried with diced pork. It has a crisp and tender texture and a light fragrance. This dish reflects the dietary wisdom of the lake area: "those who live near the mountains live off the mountains; those who live near the water live off the water." It costs about 30 yuan per portion and is a home-style but distinctive lake-area flavor.
Tickets：
Package ticket: 160 yuan/person (including round-trip boat ticket to Weishan Island, ticket to attractions on Weishan Island, and round-trip sightseeing bus on the island).
You can search for the official public account "Shandong Weishan Lake Tourism Area" on WeChat to obtain the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours：
The overall opening hours of the scenic area are 8:00-18:00 (April 1-October 31); from November 1 to March 31 of the following year, the opening hours are 8:30-17:00. Among them:
The last ferry to Weishan Island is at 17:30 (peak season) and 16:30 (off season);
The last painted boat in the Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh is at 17:00;
The Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park closes 30 minutes later than the scenic area, making it convenient for tourists to visit in the evening.
Suggested Itinerary：
A 2-day itinerary is recommended:
Day 1: In the morning, take a boat from Nanyang Pier on Weishan Lake to Nanyang Ancient Town (about 1 hour). Tour the ancient town's water streets and ancient residences, and experience the black-awning boat. At noon, taste fisherman dishes such as Piaotang fish balls in the ancient town. In the afternoon, go to the Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh, walk to enjoy the lotuses or take a painted boat, and return to Weishan County in the evening for accommodation.
Day 2: In the morning, take a ferry to Weishan Island and visit the Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park and the Tomb of Weizi. At noon, eat special dishes such as shelduck and stir-fried water chestnut with pork on the island. In the afternoon, go to the Weishan Lake Wetland Red Lotus Scenic Area to view red lotuses and climb the bird-watching platform. End the trip in the evening.
The total itinerary is about 80 kilometers, with transportation mainly by boat and scenic area shuttle buses.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From Jining City, drive south along Jiwei Expressway to the Weishan exit, then drive about 15 kilometers along Provincial Road 104 to the Weishan Lake Scenic Area Visitor Center. The total distance is about 100 kilometers, and the drive takes 1.5 hours. From Xuzhou City, drive north along the Beijing-Taipei Expressway to the Xuecheng exit, then transfer to Provincial Road 245 to Weishan County. The total distance is about 80 kilometers, and the drive takes 1.2 hours.
Bus: Jining City Bus Station has 6 buses per day to Weishan County, with departure times from 7:00 to 17:00, one bus per hour. The journey takes 1.5 hours, and the ticket price is 25 yuan/person. Weishan County Bus Station has direct buses to Weishan Island Pier, one every 30 minutes. The journey takes 20 minutes, and the ticket price is 5 yuan/person.
High-speed rail taxi: The nearest high-speed rail station to the scenic area is Zaozhuang Station (about 50 kilometers). After leaving the station, take a taxi to Weishan Island Pier. The cost is about 100 yuan, and the drive takes 1 hour. Alternatively, transfer to a bus from Zaozhuang to Weishan County (8 buses per day, ticket price 15 yuan/person).
Must-Visit Attractions：
Weishan Island: With an area of 9 square kilometers, visitors can visit the "Tombs of the Three Sages" and the Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park after landing on the island, experiencing the blend of history and red culture.
Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh: A 100,000-mu lotus landscape. The best viewing period is from June to September. Taking a painted boat through the lotus ponds is a unique experience.
Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park: Learn about the history of the War of Resistance. The monument and memorial hall are important places for patriotism education.
Nanyang Ancient Town: A water-based ancient town. Take a black-awning boat to tour the waterways and experience the charm of the "Jiangbei water town."
Travel Suggestions：
The best season to visit is from June to September, when lotuses are in full bloom and the climate is suitable. In autumn (September-October), visitors can enjoy both red lotuses and hairy crabs, making the experience richer.
There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the lake area. Even in summer, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. When taking a boat, pay attention to sun protection and bring a straw hat and sunglasses.
If accommodation on the island is needed, Weishan Island has fisherman guesthouses (80-120 yuan/person/night), where visitors can experience fisherman life. Advance booking through platforms is recommended.
When tasting lake seafood, it is recommended to choose fisherman restaurants with clearly marked prices to avoid high-priced consumption inside the scenic area. Restaurants in Weishan County offer better value for money.
Families with children can prioritize the Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh (flat terrain) and the Railway Guerrilla Memorial Park (educational significance). Nanyang Ancient Town has many stone-paved roads, so attention should be paid to children's safety.
Notes：
When taking ferries, painted boats, and other water transportation, wear life jackets properly, do not chase or play on the deck, and follow the crew's instructions.
There are many mosquitoes in the Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Marsh. It is recommended to apply mosquito repellent in advance. Picking lotus seed pods must be done in designated areas. It is prohibited to enter undeveloped lotus ponds without authorization.
Protect the ecological environment of the lake area. Do not throw garbage into the water and do not randomly break lotus, reeds, or other aquatic plants.
Some ancient streets in Nanyang Ancient Town are narrow. When there are many tourists, pay attention to keeping personal belongings safe and avoid crowding and stampedes.
During the rainy season (July-August), water levels in the lake area may rise. Pay attention to official notices from the scenic area and avoid traveling in bad weather.