Who knew! Shandong hides a Song Dynasty-themed Nevernight City costing 120 million yuan. Locals keep it low-key and don’t promote it, so few tourists from outside have discovered this treasure✨
The entire area features abundant NPC interactions, over 100 recurring performances, thousands of palace lanterns lighting up the night, plus popular NPCs like Little Yellow Fish, playful Pan Jinlian, and ancient-style fairies available all day. It’s an easy way to feel like you’ve traveled back to the Song Dynasty. Perfect for families, friends, and couples on a short self-drive trip.
📍Basic travel info
· Address: Wangtai Village, Laohu Town, Dongping County, Tai’an City. Navigate directly to "New Song Dynasty Nevernight City" for precise directions
· Hours: 9:00 AM–10:30 PM. Last entry at 9:00 PM. The entire city lights up at 6:00 PM. Stay until dark for the best night views
· Parking: Large outdoor parking lot available free of charge. No parking worries for self-drivers
· Ticket policy (2026 update)
✅ The park, outdoor night scenes, free performances, and NPC interactions are all free forever. Just make a real-name reservation in advance via the "Dongping New Song Dynasty Nevernight City" official WeChat account. Entry by ID scan only. No on-site ticket sales. No scalpers or fake tickets allowed
✅ Optional paid live shows (not mandatory): "Three Attacks on Zhu Family Village" horse battle and "Entering the Dream of Water Margin" immersive play. Online tickets 70 yuan, on-site 80 yuan. Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 get free show tickets
📝One-day highlights itinerary (best for afternoon entry)
3:00 PM Enter park → pick up the day’s show schedule and map at the visitor center. Mark popular show times
3:30 PM Hanfu dress-up check-in: Rent Hanfu outside the park for lower prices and no hidden fees. Take cool Song Dynasty-style photos on the ancient street and Bianhe Bridge during the day
5. 30 PM Snack street food hunt: Try Dongping porridge, Water Margin sesame cakes, Dongping pickled fish, and specialty marinated snacks to fill up before the lights come on
6. 00 PM Lantern lighting ceremony. Head to the Rainbow Bridge high point for panoramic views of the sea of lights and their reflections on the water for maximum atmosphere
7. 00 PM Deep NPC interaction along the long street: Complete tasks with the popular Little Yellow Fish, have fun chats with Pan Jinlian, dance with fairy NPCs, and catch boy and girl groups or the Black Whirlwind troupe parading the street
7. 30 PM Watch the signature live horse battle "Three Attacks on Zhu Family Village." Horse stunts and explosive effects create an intense Water Margin martial arts vibe. Front rows may get splashed, so avoid the first row if preferred
8. 30 PM Free performances cycle continuously: "Painting Realm" light and shadow show (bringing the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival to life), "Yan Qing’s Challenge" arena drama, and the Thousand-Mile Rivers and Mountains light show. Shows repeat, so catch the next if you miss one
9. 00 PM Grand finale with traditional iron flower fireworks. Sparks fall like stars, a highlight of the night tour and perfect for photos
10. 00 PM Stroll the night market street to wrap up, shop for souvenirs, and end your trip
✨Must-experience highlights
1. Full-area immersive NPC interaction (the soul of the experience)
The entire park is an open live-action Jianghu without fixed scripts:
· Top trending NPC "Little Yellow Fish": a viral fun character you can talk to, take on tasks, and unlock hidden easter eggs
· Classic Water Margin characters: Pan Jinlian, Li Kui, Wu Song, Yan Qing, and others roam randomly. Conversations are lighthearted and break textbook stereotypes
· Ancient-style girl groups and wandering heroes: Nighttime dance parties and street flash mobs create a lively atmosphere. Even those shy about socializing can easily join in
2. Signature performances (arrive 10 minutes early to secure seats)
✔️ Painting Realm: a light and shadow live show dynamically recreating the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival with stunning naked-eye visuals
✔️ Three Attacks on Zhu Family Village horse battle: real horses, live combat, and explosive effects bring Water Margin martial arts to life
✔️ Thousand-Mile Rivers and Mountains light show: lakeside water curtain show with traditional music and landscape projections, gentle and soothing
✔️ Free continuous folk art, arena drama, and street acrobatics at Goulan Waci, ensuring no dull moments
3. Night view visual masterpiece
Thousands of ancient-style palace lanterns line the entire Song-style street. Lights reflect on the Bianhe River’s surface. Flying eaves, pavilions, arched bridges, and corridors make every photo a classic ancient-style shot. Weekdays have fewer crowds, making it easier to get empty shots.
⚠️ Practical tips to avoid pitfalls
1. Hanfu rental: Don’t rent directly inside the park. Shops outside are about 30% cheaper. Confirm that makeup and accessories are included to avoid extra charges. Renting in the evening may get you discounted extensions
2. Show seating: For popular horse battles, iron flower fireworks, and light shows, arrive at least 10–15 minutes early. Middle viewing spots offer the best views
3. Outfit prep: It can get windy by the lake at night, so bring a light jacket. Wear flat shoes as you’ll walk a lot
4. Spending tips: Buy street snacks as needed. Only pay for clearly priced items. Avoid scalpers selling internal tickets or fast passes. Always rely on the official WeChat account
5. Time planning: Don’t enter too early in the morning. Daytime scenery is ordinary. Enter after 3:00 PM to connect with the night scene and maximize your time
🍜Local food recommendations
· Dongping pickled fish: a specialty of Dongping Lake, tender enough to eat with bones, rich marinated flavor
· Dongping porridge + Wu Dalang sesame cake: local favorite breakfast, widely available at night markets, great value
· Water Margin barbecue, Dongping Lake shrimp, lotus leaf chicken: must-try dishes at nearby farmhouses, fresh lake flavors authentic
🚗Nearby extended itinerary (two-day trip)
Day 1: Full-day night tour of New Song Dynasty Nevernight City
Day 2: Self-drive around Dongping Lake, Lushan National Forest Park, Water Margin Film City. One-stop tour of Dongping Water Margin cultural loop with both natural and cultural experiences.