If you have a kite addiction, or if you have always been fascinated by colorful human constructions flying into the skies like birds, then Weifang and especially the notorious Kite Festival is the place to be. But Weifang is not a popular destination only because of kites. Here in this, central Shandong city, you will have the chance to discover not only gorgeous natural landcapes but also historical sites like the Shihu Garden (from the Late Ming and early Qing Dynasty) and the Fangong Pavilion (from the Song Dynasty). And if all those things were not fascinating enough, a fossil site, including dinosaur fossils, was recently discovered in Shanwang, Linqu, so you will have the option to play Ross from Friends and bond with dinosaurs! Read on and find out about the top 10 things to do in Weifang, China.
1. Learn everything about kites at the Weifang World Kite Museum
As Weifang is known as the World Capital of Kites, the Weifang Kite Museum is the best place to visit regarding kites, kite art, kite models and kite techniques. Here you can marvel at 2,000 kites from around the world, positioned in 12 gallery rooms. Passing through the exhibitions you will be able to find out everything you always needed to know about kite making, different styles and techniques, and also you will have the opportunity to figure out what makes Weifang style kites distinct from other types of Chinese kites. It’s open all year round 8am–6pm in spring and summer; 8am–5:30pm in autumn and winter.
Weifang World Kite Museum
Address: 66 Xingzheng Street, Weifang City, Shandong, P.R. China
Website: Weifang World Kite Museum
2. Discover the Shihu Gardens and the Qing Dynasty architecture
If you are always seeking for some ancient architecture, then you should definitely not miss the Shihu Gardens. This was the private garden of Ding Shanbao, a rich landlord of Weifang during Qing Dynasty (1616 AD to 1911 AD). Built in 1855 , those brilliant gardens, designed with rockeries, waterfalls, pools, bridges, pavilions and corridors, are a great example of the Jiangan gardens, just like the ones you can see in Shanghai, but without the crowds. Sneak in and get the perfect picture for your Instagram without all of the tourists.
Weifang Shihu Garden Museum
Address: 49 Hujia Paifang St, Weicheng Qu, Weifang Shi, Shandong Sheng, China
Website: Weifang Shihu Garden Museum
3. Catch the Kite Festival
Since Weifang is the kite capital of the world and the birthplace of kites, every spring people in the city fly kites for fun all around. The celebration reaches peak point in the middle of April, every year. Kites fill up the skies and representatives from all over the world come and join the festivities and performances during the festival. Birds and kites become a colorful blend, and here you can watch gorgeous Chinese kite designs that symbolize good luck and longevity.
Weifang International Kite Festival
Address: 99 Sheng Li Dong Jie, Kuiwen Qu, Weifang Shi, Shandong Sheng, China
Website: Weifang International Kite Festival
4. Visit the Fangong Pavilion
Seeking for some shade, relaxation and scenic architecture after all the fun with the kites? You can arrange a visit to the Fangong Pavilion. Fangong Pavilion is a hexagonal architecture with a hole opened on its ceiling opposite the spring, tucked away in a park that has become a popular resort due to its amazing micro-climate.
Fangong Pavilion Park
Address: Qingzhou City Fangong Pavilion, 65 West Road, China
Website: Fangong Pavilion Park
5. Try JiYa Hele noodles and the famous Longsheng Pastry
Like every Chinese city that respects itself, Weifang has its own notorious specialities. Therefore, before you leave the town you should make sure that you try the notorious JiYa Hele noodles (chicken and duck noodles) or Huoshao stuffed with meat. To make this dish, the noodles are boiled before having the chicken and duck soup added. Many also like to add sliced meatballs, salted vegetables, and spicy oil to the soup. Finish your meal with the famous Longsheng Pastry!
6. Take some photos and relax by the Old Dragon Spring
If you are seeking for a relaxing and gorgeous scenery, where you can enjoy nature, listen to the waters and discover amazing pavilions in nature, Old Dragon Lake is the place to be. With a budhist calming energy, this spot will be the scenery of your most popular travel snapshots. You can take the bus from Weifang Long Distance Bus Station to Linqu, where you can transfer to a direct bus to Old Dragon Lake. The bus from Weifang to Linqu operates from 7:00am to 5:00pm and a bus leaves for Linqu every 10 minutes.
Old Dragon Lake
Address: Yeyuanzhen, Linqu, Weifang, Shandong, China
Website: Old Dragon Lake
7. Meet paleontologists and discover cool dinosaur fossils in nearby Zhucheng Dinosaur Museum
A bit further away from Weifang, in Zhucheng, there is a museum with a wide array of dinosaur fossils. Zchcheng has been an important city for dinosaur discoveries since the 1960s, but in 2008 paleontologists discovered 7,800 dinosaur fossils in the area. This is a unique chance to take a glance of the rich dinosaur history of China. The museum is open everyday from 8.30am-6.30pm and as an English speaker you won’t have any difficulty getting around.
Zhucheng Dinosaur Museum
Address: Mizhou W Rd, Zhucheng Shi, Weifang Shi, Shandong Sheng, China
Website: Zhucheng Dinosaur Museum
8. Hike at Mount Yi and breathe in nature and culture
Only a two hour drive from the city, you can find Mount Yi National Forest Park. There you can hike and discover a marvelous scenery beyond the clouds. Don’t forget to pack your hiking outfit, snacks and water, because this is a place were man can stand alone in nature.
Mount Yi
Address: Weifang, Shandong Province, China
9. Ride a rollercoaster at Fuhua Amusement park
If nature has you all relaxed and you have decided you want to shake things up and watch the world from a different perspective, you can make the decision to ride the rollercoaster in Fuhua Amusement Park. It is way cheaper than amusement parks in American and you can finally get your dose of adrenaline and have your blood pumping with excitement.
Fuhua Amusement Park
Address: No.197 Dongfeng East Street, Kuiwen District, Weifang 261031, China
Website: Fuhua Amusement Park
10. Find out about local arts and crafts at Yangjiabu Folklore Garden
If arts and crafts are your medicine, then you should pay a visit to Yangjiabu Folk Culture Village. This is a historic craft village where you can see not only kites but also woodcut paintings and other local arts and crafts. Here not only can you look but you can really experience the art from up close through the hands of the specialists.
Yangjiabu Folklore Garden
Address: Yangjiabu Village, Hanting District, Weifang 261100, China
Website: Yangjiabu Folklore Garden
Weifang - the city of kites
Maybe kites first brought tourists to Weifang, but there are so many more amazing things to explore in this off-the-beaten track destination. Dinosaur fossils, traditional crafts, an adrenaline rush in the amusement park or fascinating architecture; whatever brings you to Weifang, you will not be disappointed. Just make sure you book early enough and have the option to witness with your own eyes the glorious kite festival.