Live Your Best Lives
Boluoyu Scenic Area is located in Licheng District (a mountainous area in the southern part of Jinan City, Shandong Province), covering approximately 2,586 mu. It is 19 kilometers from downtown Jinan and offers convenient transportation. Surrounded by the remnants of the majestic Mount Tai, Boluoyu boasts undulating peaks and steep, precipitous ridges. Boluoyu boasts a rich history and numerous cultural relics. Cultural attractions include the Three Saints Buddha Caves from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Xiangshan Temple from the Tang Dynasty, the ruins of Dingzizhai, calligraphy by Mi Fu from the Song Dynasty, the Bulaoquan Moon Field from the Ming Dynasty, the Ganlu Spring and small stone houses from the Qing Dynasty, the remains of the Red Spear Society from the Republic of China, and the well-preserved modern-day Zhiqing Village built by educated youth who went to the countryside to work. Natural attractions are also diverse, including the Ancient Buddha Cliff, the Sitting Buddha, the Jianglong Cave, the Fuhu Cave, the Crouching Tiger Ridge, and the over 20,000-square-meter Yiqing Pond, Erlongtan, and Sandie Lake.
On the boulder to the right of the scenic area's main entrance are inscribed the three characters "Boluoyu" (Bolo Valley) in majestic, ancient, vigorous, and graceful calligraphy by the renowned Qing Dynasty calligrapher Deng Shiru. A brief introduction to Deng Shiru: He was a renowned Qing Dynasty calligrapher, epigrapher, literary giant, and Confucian scholar. He was the founder of the Deng School of Calligraphy. He employed official script techniques to create seal script, breaking through the millennia-old limitations of jade-shaped seal script and opening up a new realm for Qing Dynasty seal script. His calligraphy, characterized by its free-flowing and sleek strokes and slightly squared characters, resembles the Qin and Han Dynasty roof tiles and stele inscriptions. His contemporaries highly praised Deng Shiru's calligraphy, calling him "master of all four scripts, the best of the country."
Jinan has a temperate monsoon climate with obvious monsoons and distinct four seasons: dry and rainy spring, warm and rainy summer, cool and dry autumn, and cold and snowy winter.
It is recommended to visit for half a day
30 yuan/person
08:00-17:00
Polo Valley is a natural scenic area in Jinan, known for its lush landscapes, hills, and pastoral charm. It is valued for outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, and as a peaceful retreat from urban life, reflecting the region’s natural beauty.
Located in Jinan, Shandong Province. Accessible by taxi or ride-hailing services from the city center. Some local buses reach nearby areas, but private transport is recommended for convenience.
Open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for comfortable weather and scenic views.
Entrance fees range from 40–60 CNY per person. Tickets are available onsite; some platforms may offer online booking.
Advance booking is optional but recommended on weekends or during peak tourist seasons.
2–4 hours, depending on hiking and photography interests.
Guided tours are limited; mostly in Chinese. Audio guides are generally not available.
Start from the main entrance, follow the marked valley trails, visit scenic viewpoints along streams, and end at the central picnic or rest area. Optional side trails for short hikes are available.
Night visits are generally not available; the area is best enjoyed during daylight. No regular light shows or special tours are offered.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Early mornings are ideal for a peaceful visit.
Basic facilities include restrooms, water stations, picnic/rest areas, and a small souvenir or snack shop near the entrance.
Main walking paths are relatively flat, suitable for children and elderly. Some hiking trails may be steep, so disabled access is limited.
Cash, mobile payments, and cards are generally accepted at the entrance and shops.
Small local restaurants and cafes near the entrance offer refreshments and Shandong-style dishes.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal options may be limited and should be confirmed in advance.
Guesthouses and mid-range hotels are available in nearby Jinan areas, offering easy access to Polo Valley.
Souvenir shops near the entrance sell postcards, keychains, small handicrafts, and local specialty items.
Taxi, ride-hailing services, or local buses to return to Jinan city center or continue to nearby attractions.
