Explore Shandong's culinary capital through peony-themed delicacies, ancient city food markets, and authentic local specialties like braised donkey meat and Yellow River carp.

Start your day with authentic Heze breakfast featuring savory porridge, steamed buns, and local pickles. Watch as locals begin their day at bustling street food stalls.

🚗 Transportation: Walking distance from most central hotels

💡 Tips: Bring small change (RMB) as street vendors may not accept digital payments

Discover China's peony capital while learning about peony-themed cuisine. See over 800 varieties of peonies and discover how petals are used in local cooking and tea.

🚗 Transportation: Taxi (15 minutes from city center, approx. 20 RMB)

💡 Tips: April-May is peak bloom season; taste peony petal cakes available at garden stalls

Participate in a hands-on session making peony flower cakes and learn about traditional preservation methods for culinary use.

🚗 Transportation: Within walking distance in the garden

💡 Tips: Reservations recommended for workshops during peak season

Explore a traditional market where locals shop for ingredients. Discover fresh produce, spices, and sample street food snacks while learning about regional ingredients.

🚗 Transportation: Taxi from Peony Garden (10 minutes, approx. 15 RMB)

💡 Tips: Come hungry and try seasonal fruits and freshly made snacks

🥐 Breakfast: Street food breakfast: Savory porridge and steamed buns at local stalls

🍜 Lunch: Peony-themed lunch at Garden Restaurant: Peony shrimp, flower rice, and peony tea

🍽️ Dinner: Traditional Heze cuisine at Lao Heze Restaurant: Braised dishes and local pancakes

Explore the ancient city's morning food scene featuring century-old recipes. Taste various versions of Heze Pancake from different vendors.

🚗 Transportation: Taxi from city center (20 minutes, approx. 25 RMB)

💡 Tips: Arrive before 9:00 AM for the freshest offerings and avoid crowds

Walk through well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture while visiting traditional food workshops making local specialties like sesame oil and vinegar.

🚗 Transportation: Walking within the ancient city

💡 Tips: Look for small family-run workshops behind main streets for authentic experiences

Learn to prepare Braised Donkey Meat and Heze Pancake from local chefs. Understand the spice blends and techniques that make these dishes unique to the region.

🚗 Transportation: 5-minute walk from ancient city center

💡 Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and inform about dietary restrictions in advance

Sample local tea varieties including peony flower tea while enjoying views of the ancient city as the sun sets.

🚗 Transportation: 10-minute walk from cooking class location

💡 Tips: Try the peony blossom tea - a local specialty with subtle floral notes

🥐 Breakfast: Food crawl at Caozhou morning market: Various Heze pancake versions

🍜 Lunch: Ancient City Restaurant: Traditional braised dishes and local noodles

🍽️ Dinner: Donkey meat feast at Lvrou Huang: Multiple preparations of braised donkey meat

Enjoy breakfast with views of the Yellow River featuring freshwater fish congee and river vegetable dishes unique to the region.

🚗 Transportation: Taxi from city center (25 minutes, approx. 30 RMB)

💡 Tips: Dress in layers as it can be breezy by the river in the morning

Explore the beautiful lake area while learning about Yellow River cuisine. Visit fishing communities and see traditional fishing methods still in use.

🚗 Transportation: Walking along the lake pathways

💡 Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring camera for scenic shots

Visit the lively fish market where daily catches from the Yellow River are sold. See various freshwater species and learn about local fishing traditions.

🚗 Transportation: 10-minute walk from Daming Lake entrance

💡 Tips: Market is most active in early afternoon; perfect for photography

Purchase local food souvenirs including peony flower cakes, sesame oil, vinegar, and spice blends to bring home tastes of Heze.

🚗 Transportation: Taxi from Daming Lake (20 minutes, approx. 25 RMB)

💡 Tips: Ask vendors for preparation instructions and check customs regulations for food items

🥐 Breakfast: Riverside stalls: Fish congee and river vegetable dishes

🍜 Lunch: Lakeside restaurant: Stewed Yellow River Carp with local vegetables

🍽️ Dinner: Farewell banquet at Heze Grand Hotel: Comprehensive tasting of local specialties