Recently, the Shandong Provincial People's Government approved the overall planning of five provincial-level scenic areas to strengthen protection of the province's scenic resources.

The Wulian Mountain Scenic Area is located in Rizhao city. It is a historic mountain-type provincial scenic area featuring granite peak landforms, forests, azaleas, canyons and other natural landscapes. Home to a number of scenic spots, historic sites and birthplaces of myths and legends, the scenic area integrates sightseeing, leisure, and scientific research.

Wulian Mountain Scenic Area is located in Rizhao, Shandong province. [Photo/IC]

The Zaozhuang Baodugu Mountain Scenic Area is a provincial-level historic scenic area with rich natural landscapes and abundance of forest vegetation, various landforms, earthquake fault zones, geological relics and caves.

Jiuxian Mountain Scenic Area in Qufu is a provincial scenic spot for ecological agriculture sightseeing, patriotism and folk culture.

Zaozhuang Baodugu Mountain Scenic Area [Photo/IC]

The Shuibo Liangshan and Dongping Lake Scenic Area in Tai'an highlights the Water Margin culture.

Water Margin, written by Shi Nai'an, is considered as one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature. It tells the story of a group of 108 heros during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Dongping Lake is the only remaining lake mentioned in the classic novel.

The Linzi Qi Kingdom Ancient City Scenic Area in Zibo is based on Qi culture, and features historical sites, relics and ancient tombs. It offers sightseeing, historical exploration and cultural experiences to visitors.

As the capital of the Qi state for more than 800 years during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100BC-770BC) and Warring States Period (475BC-221BC), Zibo is home to several national-class intangible cultural heritages and relics such as the birthplace of modern-day football and the Qi Kingdom ancient city.