Wandering around Jinan: Savoring the Millennium Charm in the Streets and Alleys of the Spring City 🌊

#SignUpSeptemberHotelTester2025
Jinan City Tour: Savor the Millennium Charm of the City of Springs 🌊

Jinan City truly embodies the saying, "Every home has a spring, every house has weeping willows." With old alleys intertwined with the new, and springs coexisting with culture, a 2-3-day leisurely tour is ideal. Below is a guide featuring must-see attractions, food recommendations, and travel tips.

Must-See Highlights: A Clash of Springs and Ancient Charm

• Baotu Spring Park: Jinan's signature attraction, with three springs gushing forth endlessly. In the early morning, when the crowds are sparse, enjoy the tranquil sight of "springs rising like a wheel." Inside, you can also experience the poet's spirit at the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall. Admission is 40 yuan, and it's recommended to enter the park before 8 AM.

• Daming Lake Scenic Area: Free admission, with boat tours available (40 yuan per person) and a night view from Chaoran Tower (40 yuan admission). At dusk, when the tower is illuminated, its reflection on the lake is breathtaking.

• Furong Street and Qushuiting Street: Two adjacent old streets. Furong Street specializes in snacks, while Qushuiting Street offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Springs flow through the streets, and along the shore, old teahouses offer a chance to savor tea and admire the springs, experiencing the ambiance of "clear springs flowing over rocks."

• Shandong Provincial Museum: Free admission (reservations required). The "Shandong Dragon Bones - Oracle Bone Script" exhibition and the "Ancient City of Lu" exhibition areas are highly recommended, offering insights into the rich history of Qi and Lu culture.

Food Recommendation: A Taste of the Spring City

• Old Jinan Siheyuan Shandong Cuisine Restaurant: Must-try the sweet and sour carp (shaped like a "carp leaping over the dragon gate") and the scallion-braised sea cucumber, showcasing the rich heritage of Shandong cuisine.

• Spring Water Tofu Pudding: The most authentic is found at the old stalls along Qushuiting Street. Made with spring water and served with oil, it's a classic local breakfast.

• Tianmo Tang: Tianmo is not sweet, but a savory millet porridge. Paired with pancakes and fried dough sticks, it's both warming and filling.

Travel Tips

• Transportation: Downtown Metro Lines 1 and 2 cover major tourist attractions, and buses run to stations like Quancheng Square and Daming Lake. Taxis start at 10 yuan, making them convenient for short trips.

• Accommodation: We recommend staying near Quancheng Square, such as the Sofitel Ginza, which is within walking distance of Baotu Spring and Daming Lake. For value, choose a chain hotel, such as Hanting (Jinan Railway Station Branch).

• Note: Crowds are high during peak viewing season (April-May and September-October), so it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours. Respect local customs and avoid stepping on the rocks around the springs.

There is no excessive commercial noise in the urban area of Jinan, only the leisure and heaviness nourished by springs. It is worth savoring the unique charm of this ancient city.