Anlan Bay

Anlan Bay

Anlan Bay is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Yellow River Scenic Area at Anlan Bay is located 60 kilometers from Zhangdian District in Zibo City. Driving north along Beijing Road and intersecting with Gao (Gaoqing) Zhi (Zhangdian) Road, continue along Gao Zhi Road, then pass through the county town of Gaoqing (Tianzhen), and continue northeast for about 10 kilometers to reach the Yellow River embankment.

The Yellow River — I’ve been here countless times since 2013, either alone or with companions. Each time, I pitch a tent by the riverbank, listening to the gentle teachings of Mother Yellow River, experiencing her vast embrace and majestic power. At night, I sit quietly in her arms, listening to the chirping of autumn insects, the splashing sounds of fish leaping and returning to the water, gazing at the blue starry sky, imagining the thunderous roar of the Yellow River’s waters coming from the heavens, flowing ceaselessly into the sea.

What was once its childhood name — Liuchunyuan Yellow River Scenic Area — has now been officially renamed Anlan Bay, a harbor where you can sleep peacefully, stroll contentedly, and relax at ease. It is now directly managed by the tourism bureau, completely transformed from its former appearance: flat green lawns, winding railings, and the twinkling lights at night.

If you’re lucky enough to come, you may have visited the Yellow River many times to admire its myriad charms, but you might not have yet experienced the restless energy of the river just before it flows into the sea.

The scenic area mainly includes four leisure plazas: Taigong Square, Tianheng Square, the 37°N Music Plaza, and the Windmill Plaza, as well as projects such as a botanical maze, garden path renovations, happy graffiti, and a wedding photography park. In addition, it features functional attractions such as the “Sea of Flowers,” “Ginkgo Grove,” “Tic-Tac-Toe Graffiti,” “Fun Sandbox,” and “Wild Camping.” The scenic area welcomes millions of domestic and international visitors each year.

It’s worth mentioning that a statue of Jiang Taigong is located within the Anlan Bay scenic area. In addition to expressing reverence for this historical sage, it also promotes the study and practice of Jiang Ziya’s people-centered philosophy, governance ideals, political thinking, personnel philosophy, and personal principles. Moreover, the completion of the Jiang Ziya statue will positively impact enhancing Gaoqing’s image, building a harmonious Gaoqing, and enriching the area’s cultural connotation and heritage. Additionally, a statue of Tian Heng and His Five Hundred Warriors is also situated in Anlan Bay, depicting the scene of Tian Heng bidding farewell to his brave followers. This portrayal captures unyielding passion and highlights the clear theme that wealth cannot corrupt and might cannot bend, extolling the spirit of choosing death over submission.

A recommended highlight is the Happy Graffiti project. The scenic area repurposes existing flood-prevention stones along the Yellow River embankment, renovating them to nurture children’s natural desire to paint. After wandering through the beautiful Sea of Flowers, children arrive at the expansive “Stone Graffiti” area. Here, guided by teachers and staff, they form groups, receive painting tools, choose their walls, and let their imaginations run wild, freely expressing their dreams with brush and color.

The Anlan Ox is located at the heart of the Anlan Bay scenic area and serves as the symbolic sculpture of the entire site. The Yellow River, cradled in the arms of Gaoqing, makes its ninth turn here at Anlan Bay. From this point on, the tamed and serene waters flow steadily eastward into the sea. In traditional Chinese culture, the Yellow River holds an inseparable place in the hearts of the people — it is the mother river that nurtured Chinese civilization, the spiritual symbol of the ancient Chinese nation, and a resounding anthem of revolutionary spark. Today, at Liuchun Anlan Bay, the peaceful Yellow Ox lies quietly atop the embankment, watching over this beautiful curve of the Yellow River. Beneath its gaze, the river resembles a mighty dragon, sometimes calm as a maiden, other times fierce as thunder, narrating the changes of the times.

Taigong Square

The ruins of the Western Zhou Dynasty city of Chenzhuang were listed among China’s Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries in 2009 and are academically recognized as the site of Yingqiu, the first fief bestowed upon Jiang Taigong. The statue of Jiang Taigong in Anlan Bay not only expresses reverence for this historical figure but also encourages the study and practice of his people-oriented philosophy, governance ideals, political thinking, personnel philosophy, and personal principles.

Jiang Ziya — the founder of Qi culture and an eminent strategist, military tactician, and statesman in ancient China with enduring influence. Historical texts across dynasties acknowledge his significant status. The various schools of thought, including Confucianism, Legalism, Military Strategy, and Diplomacy, all regard him as one of their own, honoring him as the “Sage of All Schools.”

Tianheng Square

The statue of Tian Heng and His Five Hundred Warriors is located in Anlan Bay. The scene of Tian Heng parting with his brave followers depicts unyielding passion and embodies the clear theme that wealth cannot corrupt and might cannot bend, singing praises of the spirit of choosing death over submission.

Gaoqing is the hometown of Tian Heng. The Ming dynasty’s Zheng Chenggong wrote in his poem “Reclaiming Taiwan”: “Tian Heng still had three thousand guests, who endured hardship and reluctance to part”; Gong Zizhen wrote in “Ode to History”: “Where are Tian Heng’s five hundred men? Did they all return as nobles?”; Xu Beihong spent two years creating the grand painting “Tian Heng and His Five Hundred Warriors.”

37°N Music Plaza

The 37th parallel north is regarded by historians and geographers as a “magical latitude.” On Earth, approximately 90% of ancient civilizations, 70% of historic architectural sites, world-class wine-producing regions, and most extraordinary natural phenomena are concentrated near this remarkable line of latitude. Perhaps you didn’t know that Shandong’s Gaoqing (between 37°04′ and 37°19′ north latitude) lies right on this magical line. In 2016, it was also named one of China’s happiest cities.

Tic-Tac-Toe Kids’ Graffiti

Drawing is a natural impulse for children, and making marks everywhere is almost inevitable. Nearly every child is born with certain talents and preferences. “Giving a child a wall to graffiti on” isn’t about encouraging them to draw all over the house — rather, it emphasizes not stifling their creativity and curiosity, giving them chances to “make a mess,” which is invaluable. The scenic area repurposes existing flood-prevention stones along the Yellow River embankment, upgrading them to support children’s natural urge to create.

Windmill Plaza

Encounter a touch of romantic Dutch charm here, with colorful windmills gently spinning, seeking that lost bit of childhood wonder. Meet the dreamlike ocean of windmills and make the purest, most heartfelt vows.

Wedding Garden

A wedding gives you more than just momentary joy — it offers happiness to be savored. Hold your wedding in the fairytale-like Anlan Bay Wedding Garden, weaving a romantic memory for your beloved and yourself. A romantic wedding that kisses the sunshine, embraces nature, and is witnessed by the Mother River is truly unforgettable.

Fun Sandbox

The scenic area features a Fun Sandbox, offering children the chance to connect intimately with nature. While letting their imaginations and creativity run free, it also helps us rediscover more of our own childhood memories.

Sea of Flowers

The scenic area is covered with vast blooms, accented by colorful flowers forming a romantic windmill-shaped sea of blossoms. The fragrance of flowers mingles with childlike delight, romance with innocence, and the dreamlike designs are sure to enchant you.

Pine Forest Maze

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy the thrill of getting lost, the Pine Forest Maze is perfect for you. Inspired by the style of the British Royal Pine Forest Maze, it lets you immerse yourself in this mysterious pine forest while having fun exploring.

Jungle Crossing

Jungle Crossing is a healthy, fashionable, and eco-friendly outdoor activity. Originating in Europe, it has been developing for over a decade and has gradually become a new trend in outdoor leisure. This activity has just begun to gain popularity in China. By setting up various challenging, uniquely styled, and highly stimulating obstacle courses among the trees, it allows you to experience the thrill of high-altitude drops and free gliding, as well as the excitement of climbing trees and navigating through the forest.