Jining Beihu Provincial Tourist Resort

　　The Jining Beihu Scenic Area is located at the junction of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui provinces. It derives its name from being situated to the north of the Nansi Lakes and covers a total area of 22 square kilometers. The Beihu Scenic Area boasts beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural landscapes, a long history, and profound cultural heritage. It is hailed as a shining pearl on the land of southwestern Shandong. In October 1996, it was approved as a provincial tourist resort by the People’s Government of Shandong Province. The Beihu Scenic Area has been awarded several honors by the Provincial Tourism Bureau and Fisheries Department, including “Top Ten Water Scenic Tourism Units in the Province,” “Provincial Model Site for Recreational Fisheries,” and “Advanced Unit for Fine Services in Tourist Attractions.”

　　The waters of Beihu have undergone four to five hundred years of transformation to form their current state. The area was originally an alluvial plain on the western edge of the Shandong Hills. In the 33rd year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1605 AD), a breach in the Yellow River caused the low-lying land, spanning three to four thousand acres north of Xiaokoumen to Sunyangtian Village in what is now Rencheng District (historically Jining Prefecture), to become a lake. Over time, it evolved into today’s Beihu. The scenic lake is vast and picturesque, currently covering an area of 8.9 square kilometers — four times the size of Hangzhou’s West Lake and more than ten times that of Jinan’s Daming Lake. Beihu is embraced by two rivers: to the east lies the ancient canal, and to the west is the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, creating a unique “dual-river encirclement” landscape. Thirty-six rivers of varying sizes flow into the lake, with major ones including the Si River, Baima River, ?哺?印? (text garbled), Jiaoli Fourth Small River, Xianhe River, Yuyue River, Ernong River, Zhangzi River, Nihe River, and others. These rivers have a long history, bringing abundant nutrients, shallow and flat lakebeds, ample sunlight, and a mild climate. They also provide high transparency and abundant light and heat resources, fostering an exceptional natural ecological environment. This setting is highly conducive to the growth of aquatic economic plants such as reeds, lotuses, water chestnuts, and gorgon fruits, as well as the reproduction of aquatic species like fish, shrimp, and crabs. According to surveys, Beihu is home to 115 genera of phytoplankton, 74 species of aquatic vascular plants, 68 species of zooplankton and benthic animals, and 78 species of fish and shrimp. The lake also provides habitat for rare animals such as minks, leeches, wild ducks, and wild birds. It produces over 50 types of premium aquatic products, including water chestnuts, lotus roots, wild rice stems, and reeds. Notably, the Four-Hole Carp, soft-shell turtle, blackfish, snail, crucian carp, freshwater shrimp, eel, river crab, white shrimp, muscovy duck, hundred-egg goose, lotus seeds, gorgon fruits, water chestnuts, and bitter river grass are renowned for their superior quality.

　　Beihu is a naturally formed freshwater lake with a pleasant climate, abundant water sources, ample sunlight, fertile water quality, lush vegetation, and rich fish stocks. The average water depth ranges from 1.5 to 2 meters. The lake hosts a diverse array of aquatic life, including fish and shellfish. Currently, there are over 80 species of fish, including valuable commercial species such as carp and silverfish, making it an important base for freshwater fish and aquaculture products in Shandong Province. With its vast surface area, rich nutrient supply, shallow and flat lakebed, abundant sunlight, and warm climate, Beihu enjoys high transparency and abundant light and heat resources, creating an optimal natural ecological environment. This environment is particularly suitable for the growth of aquatic economic plants like reeds, lotuses, water chestnuts, and gorgon fruits, as well as the reproduction of aquatic species such as fish, shrimp, and crabs. Surveys indicate the presence of 115 genera of phytoplankton, 74 species of aquatic vascular plants, 68 species of zooplankton and benthic animals, and 78 species of fish and shrimp. The lake also shelters many rare animals such as minks, leeches, wild ducks, and wild birds. Additionally, it produces over 50 types of premium aquatic products, including water chestnuts, lotus roots, wild rice stems, and reeds. Species such as the Four-Hole Carp, soft-shell turtle, blackfish, snail, crucian carp, freshwater shrimp, eel, river crab, white shrimp, muscovy duck, hundred-egg goose, lotus seeds, gorgon fruits, water chestnuts, and bitter river grass are especially famous for their high quality.

　　Beihu’s superior ecological environment makes it an ideal habitat for birds. Surveys indicate the presence of over 130 bird species in the area, including 27 resident species, 27 summer migratory species, 9 winter migratory species, and 68 transient species. Among the protected species under national conservation are the whooper swan, great bustard, long-eared owl, and white-tailed sea eagle, totaling 11 species. The bird population in the area is dominated by waterfowl, such as the green-winged teal, bean goose, bar-headed goose, whooper swan, tundra swan, and great bustard. This rich avian diversity provides an excellent foundation for eco-tourism activities such as birdwatching.

　　Beihu offers breathtakingly leisurely and pleasant scenery. Upon entering through the scenic area’s Twin Dragons Bridge, visitors are greeted by four vivid and majestic stone statues of Pixiu (mythical beasts) at either end of the bridge. Along the walkway, floral arches shaped like lucky deer and auspicious elephants, crafted from flowers and green leaves, showcase exquisite craftsmanship and charm. Rolling green hills are lined with lush ginkgo and ligustrum trees, while peculiar Taihu and Lingbi rocks stand tall. Fountains and pavilions complement each other beautifully. Strolling along the newly built lakeside dock, visitors can enjoy swaying willows along the long embankment, rippling waves along the shore, and undulating reefs, all set against the backdrop of endless blue waters blending seamlessly with the sky. Numerous boats of various sizes glide across the lake, riding the waves. The flat lakeside road is bustling with sightseeing vehicles and pedestrians. Outside the lake embankment, wetlands are scattered along Beihu’s edges. Both inside and outside the embankment, dense foliage provides ample shade. Cool breezes from the lake and the rich fragrance of lotus flowers drifting from afar create a surreal experience — as if “the lake is within a painting, and one is in a fairyland.”

　　Through historical development, the land and waters of Beihu have nurtured its people and given rise to local culinary culture and delicacies. Beihu’s Fish Banquet is famed throughout China. Popular dishes such as Braised Goose, Auspicious Longevity, Fresh Fish with Water Chestnuts, Floating Soup Fish Balls, Eight-Treasure Turtle Soup, Duck Asleep in Snow, Loach in Tofu, Tube Fish, Lotus Leaf Meat, and Turtle by the Riverbank are beloved across the nation. Local specialties like Stewed Pork in Earthen Pot, Yutang Pickles, Satchel Fire Buns, Sha Soup, and Spicy Soup are renowned both within and beyond the province. This rich and distinctive food culture forms a solid foundation for tourism in Beihu.

　　Beihu boasts a profound historical and cultural legacy. Princess Wencheng, the Han-Tibetan peace envoy, grew up along the shores of Beihu. The legendary poet Li Bai once boarded a boat from outside the eastern gate of Rencheng and sailed down the ?埠幽舷拢? (text garbled), composing poetry here. Historical figures such as Wang Wei, Du Fu, and Bai Juyi have left behind poetry and legends about their time in Beihu. The area is also associated with significant historical events, such as the construction of the Grand Canal and military campaigns, leaving behind numerous cultural relics and historic sites. These elements reflect the deep cultural heritage and simple, honest character of the people of Beihu. As a place where emperors once visited, Beihu was once a favored leisure destination. The natural beauty and tranquil surroundings of Beihu have witnessed many heroic tales and romantic stories. The area is dotted with historical sites and cultural landmarks, each telling a unique story and embodying the rich cultural spirit of Beihu.

　　Address: Office of the Jining Beihu Provincial Tourist Resort Management Committee

　　Visiting Duration: Approximately 6 hours

　　Price Description: The scenic area is currently under construction and does not charge an admission fee.

　　Featured Sceneries: (1) Rainy Scene: During rainfall, schools of fish leap out of the water in a dancing spectacle. After the rain, rainbows appear, and the interplay of light and shadow creates a vivid ink-wash landscape effect, often referred to as “viewing a painting after the rain.” (2) Snow Scene: In the early stages of snowmelt, houses wear white “hats” and trees don white “robes,” offering stunning views. (3) Morning Glow and Evening Sunset: Due to the vast water surface, the reflections of morning and evening light on the lake stir the imagination and evoke deep emotions.

　　Recommended Tour Route: Happy Valley Amusement Park – Beihu Landmark Stone – Unique Rock “Endless Love” – Beihu Pavilion – Crocodile Park – Snake Island – Deer Calling Island.

　　Supporting Service Facilities:

　　The scenic area features electronic touchscreens for visitor information and navigation.

　　Visitor Service Center: The scenic area has a well-located and clearly marked visitor center that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Covering 320 square meters, the center is fully equipped to provide promotional materials on dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping within the resort. It also offers maps of visiting routes and updates on visitor flow. Guided tour (explanation) services are available, with a list of guides and their languages provided. The center includes a film and video introduction system to brief visitors on the scenic area. There are ample benches and chairs for rest, as well as facilities for the disabled such as walking sticks and wheelchairs. Jining Beihu Scenic Area has signed a medical service agreement with Xuzhuang Subdistrict Health Center, which has established a clinic within the visitor center and stations professional medical personnel there year-round. During peak tourist seasons, two tertiary hospitals in Jining City set up temporary medical stations in the scenic area to meet healthcare demands.