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Jinan Sunny Day Travel Guide: Must-Visit Attractions and Food Guide in the City of Springs

Jinan, known as the "City of Springs," is famous for its "springs at every household and willows at every door." Avoid the continuous rain and experience the unique charm of the springs intertwined with the old city on sunny days.

Why Choose to Visit Jinan on a Sunny Day

- Springs are more vibrant: On sunny days, the spring water is clearer and sparkling, perfect for photography
- Fresh air: After rain, the air is moist and especially refreshing to breathe
- Comfortable strolls: Mild weather is ideal for leisurely exploring the alleys of the old city
- Excellent light and shadow: Sunlight filtering through willow branches onto the water creates a dreamy effect

Best Travel Time

- Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant climate with less rainfall
- Summer: Lotus flowers bloom, but it is hot and rainy
- Winter: Fewer crowds and clear scenery, but keep warm

Transportation Guide

How to Arrive

- Airplane: Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, with airport shuttle buses and metro connections to the city
- High-speed rail: Jinan West Station, Jinan Station, and Jinan East Station, all connected to the city by metro or bus

City Transportation

- Bus: Wide coverage, fares 1-2 RMB, convenient payment via Alipay/WeChat QR codes
- Metro: Multiple lines open, covering most major attractions
- Walking/Cycling: Attractions are concentrated in the old city; shared bikes are a good option

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Classic City of Springs Route

Baotu Spring → Five Dragon Pool → Spring City Square → Black Tiger Spring → Liberation Pavilion → Daming Lake

- Baotu Spring: One of Jinan’s three famous scenic spots, with three streams gushing continuously
- Five Dragon Pool: Adjacent to Baotu Spring, with crystal-clear water
- Spring City Square: City landmark, featuring a musical fountain worth seeing
- Black Tiger Spring: Spectacular water spouting from a tiger’s mouth, spring water is drinkable
- Liberation Pavilion: Climb up for a panoramic view of the old city
- Daming Lake: "Lotus flowers on four sides, willows on three, half the city is mountains, half is lake"

Day 2: Old City Cultural Route

Pearl Spring → Quancheng Road → Baihua Island → Old Commercial Port → City Ring Trail → Thousand Buddha Mountain

- Pearl Spring: Bubbling like pearls, with a tranquil environment
- Quancheng Road: Commercial street, experience modern Jinan
- Baihua Island: Experience the style of old Jinan residences
- Old Commercial Port: Century-old commercial culture with a blend of Chinese and Western architecture
- City Ring Trail: Overlooks the whole city, connecting multiple attractions
- Thousand Buddha Mountain: Climb high for a panoramic view of Jinan

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

- Pineapple Hill: Popular check-in spot with unique views from the summit
- Zhongshan Park: Urban oasis, a great place to relax
- Film Studio: Strong nostalgic atmosphere, great for photos
- Baishi Bridge: Spring water flows gently under the bridge, creating a beautiful scene
- Yujiabao Bridge: A classic scene of small bridges and flowing water with homes

Food Guide

Must-Try Snacks

- Youxuan (Oil Twists): Crispy outside, tender inside, full of scallion aroma
- Tianmo (Sweet Rice Paste): Savory rice porridge, great for warming the stomach
- Bazirou (Braised Pork): Fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth
- Bengrou Ganfan (Pork with Rice): Rice served with pork, fragrant and sticky
- Huangmen Chicken Rice: A specialty originating from Jinan

Recommended Restaurants

- Old Jinan Courtyard: Experience authentic Jinan cuisine
- Furong Street Snack Street: A collection of various Jinan specialty snacks
- Kuanhouli: Antique-style street with both delicious food and beautiful scenery

Photo Guide

- Best time: Early morning and evening when the light is soft, ideal for shooting springs and ancient buildings
- Recommended spots:
- Guanlan Pavilion at Baotu Spring
- South shore of Daming Lake
- Beside the tiger head at Black Tiger Spring
- Viewing platform at Liberation Pavilion
- Summit of Thousand Buddha Mountain

Accommodation Recommendations

- Around Spring City Square: Convenient transportation, close to attractions
- Near Daming Lake: Beautiful environment, suitable for leisure and vacation
- Old City Homestays: Experience the lifestyle of old Jinan

Practical Tips

- Some spring water is drinkable, but first-time visitors should try only a small amount
- Use sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter
- Roads can be slippery when wet, some stone steps are steep, be careful
- Respect local culture and travel civilly

The beauty of Jinan lies in the perfect blend of springs and the city. When sunlight shines on the sparkling spring water and passes through the swaying willow branches, you will understand why so many ancient poets praised Jinan. Plan a sunny day trip and let the gentleness and poetry of this thousand-year-old City of Springs leave a deep impression in your memory.