Anyang to Jinan Road Trip: Essential Guide

The Anyang–Jinan corridor follows the G35 Expressway for roughly 250 kilometers across the North China Plain, a route that has carried traders and pilgrims since the Shang Dynasty. The highway cuts through Henan and Shandong provinces, where the Yellow River's ancient floodplains give way to the fertile hills of western Shandong.

This guide distills the journey into practical sections—covering drive times, fuel stops, natural highlights, and family-friendly breaks—so you can focus on the road rather than the research.

The G35 is in good condition, but watch for trucks near the coal ports of Handan. Speed limits vary from 100–120 km/h, and radar detectors are not needed if you keep to the limit. In misty weather—common in late autumn—visibility can drop to 50 meters, so slow down and use fog lights.

For families, the Anyang service area has a small playground, and the Jinan West service area offers an indoor playland. Most rest stops have clean family restrooms and vending machines with snacks. For a longer break, the Liaocheng Dongchang Lake scenic area has paddleboats and a children's train.

Traveling with a pet? Most service areas allow dogs on leashes, but keep them away from food courts. There is a fenced dog park at the Changqing service area, 40 km before Jinan.

To avoid fatigue, plan a stop every 1.5 hours. The Cixian and Pingyuan service areas are quiet and have shaded parking. Consider the 20-minute stop at the Qihe Yellow River Bridge viewpoint to stretch your legs.

Is it worth driving Anyang to Jinan? Absolutely, especially if you savor discovering roadside temples and local hua'er folk songs in Yanggu County.

Shortly after leaving Anyang, the Taihang Mountains recede to the west, and the landscape becomes a patchwork of wheat fields and cotton farms. Near Linqing, the Grand Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—runs parallel to the highway, and you can detour to the ancient canal town for stone bridges and water gates.

In Liaocheng, Dongchang Lake offers a scenic picnic spot, and the city's museum displays artifacts from the Longshan culture, which thrived 4,000 years ago. For a taste of local commerce, stop at the free markets in Chiping County, where farmers sell dried dates and sesame oil.

Beyond the planned stops, hidden gems include the crumbling earthen walls of Guan County and the lotus ponds of Yanggu. Use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for more tips.

The best stops Anyang to Jinan are those that break the monotony of the expressway without adding more than 30 minutes to your trip.

The G35 expressway is the primary artery, but you can also opt for the slower G309 national road to hug small towns. Average speed on the expressway is about 100 km/h, so the total drive takes around 3.5 hours without breaks.

Fuel costs are consistent with national pricing: about 7.5 yuan per liter for 92-octane petrol. A typical sedan with a 50-liter tank will cost roughly 280 yuan to fill, and you'll use just over half a tank for the trip. Service areas appear every 40–50 km; the first major one is at Cixian, 30 minutes from Anyang.

• Tolls for a car: 110 yuan one-way.
• Restrooms are available at all service areas.
• Credit cards are accepted at most fuel stations.