Dongying: Nature and Leisure Activities

Nature in the wider surrounding region

In the wider surrounding region of Dongying, the Huanghekou Ecotourism Area (黄河口生态旅游区) is located at the current mouth of the Yellow River. A 2024 operator website describes it as a national 5A-rated tourist attraction established on the basis of the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve in Shandong. Its location at the river mouth and within the delta, along with its connection to the nature reserve, give the nature theme a clear regional context.

Gardens and leisure areas in the associated municipality

In the associated municipality, Dongying Garden Expo (园博园) covers 98 hectares and features more than 30 exhibition gardens. These include 17 city gardens, five county and district gardens, ten corporate gardens, and one design garden. The site also has two visitor service centers.

In the same municipality, Huaxiangu Scenic Area (花仙谷景区) covers 460 mu. It includes a petting zoo, a playground without motorized rides, “孔雀东南飞,” a bird park, a medicinal herb garden, a sea of flowers, a vegetable-growing area, and a practical education center. The mix ranges from animal and play areas to gardens and growing areas, as well as a place for learning. Unlike the Garden Expo, which focuses on its division into different types of gardens, Huaxiangu brings together several leisure and nature themes within one scenic area. The Garden Expo covers considerably more land. The area figures can also be compared: 460 mu is equivalent to around 31 hectares, while Dongying Garden Expo covers 98 hectares. This makes the difference in size between the two sites clear.

Le Shi Bao Youth Sports and Health Base

Le Shi Bao Youth Sports and Health Base (乐仕堡青少年儿童运动健康基地) is located in the associated municipality. A 2026 article gives the base’s area as 40,000 square meters, places it in the northeastern part of the park, and reports that it opened on May 1. Listed activities include forest exploration nets, a floating trampoline, off-road karts, high ropes courses, an archaeological treasure hunt, and a sand play area. One specific difference from Huaxiangu lies in the activities described: Huaxiangu lists a playground without motorized rides, while Le Shi Bao Base offers off-road karts and high ropes courses.

Boat rides and trip planning

Sightseeing trips by excursion boats and electric boats are available along the Guangli River in the associated municipality. Unlike the garden and activity areas, the river journey itself is the main experience here.

Travel interests and hotel search

For your planning, it is worth distinguishing between two geographic levels: Huanghekou Ecotourism Area is in the wider surrounding region, while the other attractions described here are in the associated municipality. This distinction can help you plan your trip around a specific theme.

Discover more destinations: Zaozhuang, Heze, Zibo, Dezhou, Linyi, Jining, Binzhou, Tai'an

For the regional travel overview: Shandong.