Dashah River Tourism Scenic Belt

Dashah River Tourism Scenic Belt

Shanghe County is located in the northwest of Shandong Province, 70 kilometers from the provincial capital Jinan across the Yellow River, serving as the northern gateway to Jinan. The Dashah River is situated 10 kilometers north of the county seat, stretching from east to west in a belt-like shape, traversing the northern part of the county from east to west. It passes through Huairen Town, Yinxiang Town, Shahe Township, and Longsangsisi Town, with a total length of 32.88 kilometers. Both Provincial Highway 248 and Highway 316 cross the river, while the Longhuai Road runs east-west through the area. The river is nearly 100 meters wide with an average depth of about 3 meters. The water is clear, and a variety of aquatic animals and bird species inhabit and breed in the river. Currently, the 100-meter-wide areas on both banks have been fully planted with high-standard greenery, achieving a forest coverage rate of 65%. The sand dunes on both sides rise and fall, dotted with groves of apricot, pear, peach, poplar, willow, and locust trees. Some ancient trees are over 200 years old. Thanks to the unpolluted sandy soil, the fruits are sweet and brightly colored. The Dashah River area also features ancient ruins such as the Ancient City Site, Dongxin Site, and Xiaoguanzhuang Han Tombs, adding cultural richness. In 2010, it was designated as a provincial wetland park.

The Dashah River has a long history. Research shows it was an ancient diversion channel, the Shanghe River, excavated by Xu Shang, the River Dike Commandant of the Western Han Dynasty, to guide floodwaters to the sea. Originally called the "Duma River," it was also known as the "Xu Shang River" or "Shang River." Since the implementation of the Shahe Old Course Reservoir Project in 2001, 1.5 million trees have been planted, and over 6,000 acres of premium fruit trees such as walnuts, grapes, and golden pears have been developed. Docks have been built, cruise boats purchased, and recreational facilities such as pavilions and fishing platforms installed, forming the initial framework of an integrated leisure, sightseeing, and entertainment tourism destination.

The Dashah River Wetland is located in the warm temperate zone with relatively stable water sources, providing a foundation for biodiversity. The natural landscape of this riverside wetland near the city, combined with historical, cultural, and folk culture attractions, forms a distinctive tourism resource. The area also boasts abundant wild bird resources, which are highly attractive to visitors. The wetland’s rivers, forests, and greenways offer various eco-leisure activities such as water sports, forest recreation, cycling, hiking, picnicking, and camping, meeting people’s desire to reconnect with nature.

1. High Ecological Value of Wetland Resources

The Dashah River Wetland is an important wetland ecosystem in northern Jinan. Its ecological functions, such as improving water quality and preventing wind erosion, along with its role as the main water resource regulation area in northern Shanghe County, provide significant ecological support and assurance for the stability of local living environments and comprehensive social progress.

2. Distinctive Greenway Leisure Tourism Resources

The ecological landscape of the Dashah River Wetland, combined with unique local customs and cultural heritage, forms distinctive greenway leisure tourism resources that are highly attractive to surrounding and even broader provincial and national tourism markets.

3. Excellent Ecological Environment

The Dashah River Wetland environment is less affected by human activities, maintaining good environmental quality. The area features wide river channels and crystal-clear waters. Boating offers views of towering willows and poplars along the banks, while driving provides scenic routes through apricot groves and secluded paths. The pristine environment is highly appealing to those from bustling cities.

4. Well-Combined Landscape

The Dashah River Wetland landscape and local folk customs are rare tourism resources in northern Jinan. These high-quality and well-integrated scenic resources hold great potential for tourism development.

Currently, west of Provincial Highway 248 along the Dashah River, leisure pavilions such as the Golden Ox Pavilion and Melon King Pavilion, as well as docks, fishing platforms, and parking lots, have been constructed. Cruise boats and yachts have been introduced. The four towns along the river have planned distinctive, livable, and tourist-friendly ecological parks based on their local characteristics. Modern eco-agriculture—including thin-skinned walnuts, golden-thread jujubes, golden pears, and shallow-water lotus roots—is distributed along both banks, attracting numerous visitors for fishing, swimming, fruit picking, and farming experiences. It is a typical rural tourism destination.

The Shanghe Dashah River Wetland Park is located 10 kilometers north of Shanghe County, stretching from east to west across the county with a total length of about 30 kilometers. The scenic area features a one-axis layout, five functional zones, and nine themed clusters.

One Axis: Centered around the Dashah River, extending to both banks and incorporating Qilu cultural themes, it develops water-based entertainment, agricultural leisure, wellness retreats, and culinary experiences.

Five Functional Zones: Cultural Leisure Zone, Water-based Entertainment Zone, Wellness Retreat Zone, Amusement Experience Zone, and Eco-Recreation Zone.

Nine Themed Clusters: Joyful Forest Marshes, Ancient Town Yangge Dance, Prosperous Water Village, Floral Harbor Attire, Wellness Retreat, Aquatic Farmstead, Lush Lotus Golden Sand, Dreamy Fishing Village, and Reed Sea Lotus Beach.

The Dashah River features clear water, green banks, and beautiful scenery, with year-round flowing clean water. Fishing platforms are built along the water, making it an ideal holiday destination for weekends and holidays.

Address: 12 kilometers north of Shanghe County, Jinan City

Operating Hours: 9:00–18:00

Visiting Time: Approximately 3 hours

Self-Driving Guide:

1. From Jinan Yellow River Bridge, head north onto National Highway 104, drive about 2.7 kilometers — turn right at the intersection with National Highway 220, drive about 30 kilometers — turn left at the intersection with Provincial Highway 248, drive about 50 kilometers to reach the destination.

2. From Jiguang Expressway G35 — G2, drive 15 kilometers — turn right toward Shanghe direction — G2 — drive 48 kilometers, exit the highway. Head in the direction of Shanghe, turn right onto Provincial Highway 316 (Yinhe Road), drive about 7 kilometers, turn left at the intersection with Shangzhong Road, drive about 18 kilometers to reach the destination.

Parking Information:

Roadside parking.