Your Shandong travel bucket list just got longer

Two places in Shandong have been listed among the first batch of the Top 100 Beautiful China Check-in Attractions, announced at a recent ecological and cultural forum held in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. They are Wudi Ancient City in Binzhou and the Mashan Geological Park in Qingdao, both boasting pristine environments and offering visitors immersive natural experiences.

Wudi Ancient City in Binzhou boasts a harmonious balance between humans and nature. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wudi Ancient City Scenic Area

Located in Binzhou, East China's Shandong province, Wudi Ancient City is a national 4A scenic area focusing on environmental restoration and cultural preservation.

Visitors can wander through historic streets, enjoy traditional performances, and explore romantic sites inspired by Song Dynasty (960–1279) poetry. With night tours and boating on an ancient canal, the scenic area offers a journey through a thousand years of history in a revitalized, eco-friendly setting.

Opening Time: 24 hours for the whole scenic area; Usually 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday for exhibition halls

Location: Dixin No 1 Road, Wudi county, Binzhou, Shandong province

Wudi Ancient City at night. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mashan Geological Park

The Mashan National Nature Reserve, or Mashan Geological Park, was established in 1994. Covering 11,610 mu (774 hectares), it protects rare geological relics such as Cretaceous columnar jointed stones and petrified wood. Its compact area holds an impressive density of geological wonders. The reserve houses both conservation and experimental zones. It also conducts biodiversity surveys and is home to over 500 plant and animal specimens.

The Mashan Geological Park in Qingdao boasts strong biodiversity. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The park is a great destination for nature enthusiasts.

Opening Time: 24 hours

Location: Tongji subdistrict, Jimo district, Qingdao, Shandong province

（chinadaily.com.cn）