Shouguang, China
Region: Shandong
Geographic Coordinates: 36.883300, 118.733000
Temperature Range: -20.0°C to 40.0°C (-4°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 1039205
Language: Mandarin
Shouguang is a small city located in the Shandong province of China. It is situated on the banks of the Wei River and has a population of approximately 1 million people. The city is known for its agricultural prowess, Particularly in growing vegetables and fruits, Earning it the nickname China’s Vegetable Town. The fertile land around Shouguang has been used for agriculture for thousands of years, With evidence dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Today, Modern farming techniques have made Shouguang one of China’s leading vegetable producers.
The city boasts an impressive array of crops that include tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, Eggplants and many others. In addition to its agricultural heritage, Shouguang also has a rich cultural history. The city was once home to several influential figures in Chinese history including Confucius’ disciple Yan Hui who lived there during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). There are several historical sites in Shouguang that pay homage to this past including Yan Hui’s tomb and Confucian Temple. One such site is Mount Tai which lies just outside of Shouguang and is considered one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains.
Mount Tai attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to hike its trails or visit its many temples and shrines. Shouguang also plays host to several festivals throughout the year that celebrate both its agricultural heritage as well as traditional Chinese culture. One such festival is held annually during late May or early June called The International Vegetable Expo. It showcases local produce while providing opportunities for farmers from all over China to network with buyers from around the world. Another popular event held in Shouguang every September is called The Weifeng Grape Festival.
This festival celebrates grapes grown on nearby Weifeng Mountain which are said to be some of the best-tasting grapes in China. Overall, Shouguang is a fascinating city that offers visitors a unique glimpse into China’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Its stunning natural beauty, Rich history and vibrant festivals make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Shandong province.
- Shouguang Vegetable Park – a large park showcasing various vegetables and fruits grown in the region.
- Weifang World Kite Museum – a museum dedicated to kites from around the world.
- Heze Mudan Peak Scenic Area – a scenic area with beautiful mountains and waterfalls.
- Rainbow Valley Scenic Area – a colorful valley with unique rock formations and natural scenery.
- Liqun Tower – an ancient tower built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
- Caozhou Ancient City Wall – an ancient city wall dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD).
- Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area – a mountainous area known for its stunning natural beauty and hiking trails.
- Qingyun Mountain National Forest Park – another scenic mountainous area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and temples.
- Shouguang Water Culture Museum – A museum showcasing local culture of water management.
- Shandong Guanlan Lake Tourist Resort – A popular resort that offers boating facilities on Guanlan lake along with other recreational activities.
- Shouguang, located in China, is known as the Vegetable Town due to its major industries and businesses that are related to agriculture.
- The city is a leading producer of vegetables, fruits, and flowers in China.
- Shouguang has several significant industries and businesses such as:
- Vegetable farming which produces tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants among other crops.
- A large flower industry that cultivates roses, lilies, chrysanthemums among other flowers.
- Seed production for vegetables and flowers.
- Greenhouses that produce crops year-round.
- Manufacturing of agricultural machinery like tractors and harvesters.
- Food processing companies that process vegetables into canned or frozen products for export or domestic consumption.
- Due to its location near ports such as Qingdao Port and Rizhao Port logistics services have developed rapidly supporting the export of agricultural products from Shouguang to other parts of China or overseas markets.
- The Battle of Anfeng occurred in 1947 during the Chinese Civil War, with Shouguang serving as a key battleground between Nationalist and Communist forces.
- Sun Tzu, the renowned military strategist and author of The Art of War, is believed to have lived in Shouguang during the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BC).
- Cao Xueqin, writer of Dream of the Red Chamber – one of China’s most famous novels – was reportedly born in Shouguang in 1715.
- Wang Xizhi, a celebrated calligrapher from the Eastern Jin dynasty (317-420 AD), visited Shouguang and created some of his most renowned works there.
- Confucius traveled extensively throughout ancient China but is not directly associated with Shouguang; however, it is possible that he passed through or visited this area at some point.
- Zhang Zeduan was a Song dynasty painter who created Along the River During Qingming Festival – one of China’s most iconic artworks depicting life along a riverbank in medieval times; some scholars believe that parts of this painting were inspired by scenes from Shouguang.
- Liu Yongfu was born in nearby Qiongzhou (now part of Hainan province) and served as a prominent military commander during both the Taiping Rebellion and Boxer Rebellion – two significant conflicts that took place in late 19th century China.
- Shouguang Vegetable Science and Technology Museum
- Shouguang Cultural Center
- Shouguang Library
- Shouguang Museum
- Liu Yongfu Memorial Hall
- The Great Wall of Qi State
- Weifang World Kite Museum
- Yangjiabu Folk Culture Village
- Mount Tai Scenic Area
- Shouguang International Vegetable Fair: This is one of the most popular festivals in Shouguang, held annually in April. The fair showcases the region’s rich agricultural heritage and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
- Lantern Festival: This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month and marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. It is a time for families to reunite, eat rice dumplings, and enjoy colorful lantern displays.
- Qingming Festival: Also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, this festival honors ancestors by cleaning their gravesites and offering food and incense.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival is a time for families to gather together to admire the full moon, eat mooncakes, and celebrate harvest season.
- Dragon Boat Festival: Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this festival commemorates an ancient Chinese poet named Qu Yuan who drowned himself in protest against government corruption.
- Spring Festival: Also known as Chinese New Year, this festival is celebrated with fireworks displays, dragon dances, family reunions and traditional foods like dumplings and fish.
- Double Ninth Festival: This festival falls on the ninth day of September according to lunar calendar system which usually falls in October or November according to solar calendar system; it is also known as Chongyang or Senior Citizens’ Day because it honors elderly people by climbing mountains or hills together with them as a sign of respect for their wisdom and experience.
- Winter Solstice Festival: Celebrated on December 21st or 22nd each year (depending on when winter solstice occurs), this festival marks another important seasonal change in China’s agricultural cycle; it typically involves eating tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) with family members while enjoying hot tea or mulled wine.
- Shouguang Roast Duck: This is a specialty dish of the city, with crispy skin and tender meat.
- Yangcheng Lake Crab: This freshwater crab is known for its sweet and succulent meat.
- Seafood Hotpot: With the city’s proximity to the sea, seafood hotpot is a popular dish here.
- Jiaodong-style Braised Pork: This dish features slow-cooked pork belly in a rich soy sauce-based broth.
- Haidilao Hot Pot: A popular chain restaurant that serves customizable hot pot dishes with high-quality ingredients.
- Xiao Long Baozi (Soup Dumplings): These steamed dumplings are filled with flavorful broth and meat or vegetable fillings.
- Shandong-style Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder is a favorite snack in Shouguang.
- Dongbei-style Dumplings: These hearty dumplings are filled with savory meat fillings like pork or beef, often served with vinegar dipping sauce.
- Laobian Dumpling Restaurant: A famous local restaurant that specializes in handmade dumplings of all varieties.
- Qingdao Beer Street: Located nearby in Qingdao city, this bustling street offers plenty of beer halls and seafood restaurants serving up fresh catches from the nearby sea.
- Shouguang Forest Park is a vast park located in the eastern part of Shouguang, covering an area of 5,000 acres. It boasts breathtaking scenery, fresh air and a multitude of recreational facilities.
- Jiulongshan National Forest Park is situated in the south of Shouguang city and covers an area of 30 square kilometers. The park is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Shuicheng Park is a small park located in the center of Shouguang city that features a lake, walking paths and gardens.
- Binzhou Bay Wetland Park can be found on the coast near Shouguang and covers an area of 80 hectares. It’s home to many species of birds and other wildlife.
- The Sports Center in Shouguang has facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming and other sports activities.
- Qingzhou Ancient City is just a short drive from Shouguang which features historic architecture as well as parks and gardens for visitors to enjoy.
- Dagu Mountain Scenic Area offers mountains with hiking trails as well as hot springs for relaxation after a day’s hike.
- Tianxiadiyi Ecological Garden offers various recreational activities including fishing, boating, camping, horse-riding, etc.
