Introducing Jinan
Jinan, also known as the "City of Springs," is the capital of Shandong Province and the province's political, cultural, educational, economic, transportation, and technological center. Known as the "City of Springs," Jinan boasts numerous springs, including 72 famous ones. It is also known for its beauty, characterized by lotus flowers on four sides and willows on three, with mountains covering half of the city and lakes covering the other.
Jinan is a world-famous tourist city with eight scenic spots, featuring unique features of “mountains, springs, lakes, rivers and cities”. It is a national historical and cultural city, one of the first batch of excellent tourist cities in China, and one of the birthplaces of the prehistoric Longshan Culture.
Climate and best time to travel
Best time to travel: Autumn
There is a lot of rain in July and August. Jinan is a famous city of springs. The water level of the most famous Baotu Spring reaches its peak in autumn, forming a spectacular scene of springs gushing out.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Quancheng Square
Located in the prosperous area of the center of Jinan, it combines the urban style and cultural landscape to create a strong Spring City feature, continue the cultural origins of Qi and Lu, and show the style of a country of etiquette.
Furong Street
It is a north-south street, named after a spring on the street - Hibiscus Spring.
Black Tiger Spring
Black Tiger Spring ranks second among the 72 famous springs in Jinan. The spring has a large flow and gushes out from three stone animal heads.
Baotu Spring
Baotu Spring ranks first among the 72 famous springs in Jinan. It is known as the "No. 1 Spring in the World" and is also the first famous spring in Jinan to be seen in ancient documents.
Recommended play time: 3-4 days
Most Popular FAQs for Jinan
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, is known as the “City of Springs” for its abundant natural artesian springs. It has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years and was historically a center of culture, trade, and politics in northern China.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in central Shandong Province, northern China.
- Accessible via Jinan Railway Station and Jinan West Railway Station, connecting major cities.
- Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport offers domestic flights.
- Local buses, taxis, and metro lines provide easy access to city attractions.
- Many attractions are walkable, especially around Baotu Spring and Daming Lake.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Most attractions open from 7:00–18:00; Baotu Spring Park and Daming Lake typically 7:00–19:00.
- Best times to visit: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for mild weather and scenic views.
- Early mornings are ideal for spring sightseeing before crowds arrive.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Baotu Spring Park: ~60 CNY, online or at entrance.
- Daming Lake: ~50 CNY, tickets available online or offline.
- Thousand Buddha Mountain: ~60 CNY; some cable car services are additional (~30 CNY).
- Shandong Provincial Museum: free, requires online reservation.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for popular attractions like Baotu Spring Park and Shandong Museum, usually 1–3 days ahead, especially during holidays or weekends.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- One full day for Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and nearby historical streets.
- Half a day for Thousand Buddha Mountain and temples.
- Two to three days to explore city museums, parks, and local cuisine thoroughly.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Baotu Spring Park and its surrounding springs.
- Daming Lake and lakeside gardens.
- Thousand Buddha Mountain and its temples/statues.
- Furong Ancient Street for shopping and local culture.
- Shandong Provincial Museum for history and art.
- Black Tiger Spring, a unique natural spring with cultural significance.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours available at major attractions, primarily in Chinese.
- Audio guides or English tours may be arranged in advance at major parks and museums.
- Local travel agencies offer English-speaking guides for private tours.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Baotu Spring fountains and surrounding gardens.
- Daming Lake, especially at sunrise or sunset for reflections.
- Thousand Buddha Mountain, offering panoramic city views.
- Historic streets with traditional architecture for cultural photography.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start with Baotu Spring Park in the morning → walk to Daming Lake → explore Furong Ancient Street → visit Shandong Provincial Museum in the afternoon → climb Thousand Buddha Mountain for sunset views.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Some areas like Daming Lake have evening lights and night strolls. Special cultural performances may occur during festivals, but most spring parks close before dark.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Peak crowds: weekends, public holidays, and spring festival periods.
- Least crowded: weekdays outside holidays; early mornings are the quietest.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public toilets and benches available at parks and attractions.
- Restaurants and snack vendors near Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and streets.
- Souvenir shops and convenience stores scattered around main tourist areas.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Main parks and museums are accessible for elderly and children.
- Thousand Buddha Mountain involves steep climbs; cable cars improve accessibility.
- Most public areas provide ramps and resting points for disabled visitors.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) widely accepted.
- Cash is sometimes needed for small vendors or entrance tickets at minor attractions.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local Shandong cuisine restaurants near Baotu Spring and Daming Lake.
- Cafes and tea houses around Furong Ancient Street.
- City center restaurants offering regional and international food.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants and some cafes; halal options are limited but available at selected eateries in the city center.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Hotels near Daming Lake and Baotu Spring, ranging from budget to luxury.
- Guesthouses and boutique hotels around Furong Ancient Street.
- Chain hotels in the city center near transportation hubs.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Black Tiger Spring and Five Dragon Pool.
- Shandong University campus and historic temples.
- Shopping and cultural streets in the city center.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops near Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and tourist streets.
- Typical souvenirs: spring water products, local handicrafts, Jinan-style snacks, postcards, and traditional Shandong artwork.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxis or ride-hailing apps to reach railway stations or bus terminals.
- Public buses to nearby attractions or Shandong Province cities.
- Trains from Jinan Railway Station or Jinan West Railway Station for intercity travel.
