Here is a travel guide for Mingshui Ancient City in November:
Basic Information
• Tickets: Adult ticket 98 RMB.
• Transportation: Taxi round trip from Jinan city center costs about 150 RMB per person; alternatively, take the high-speed train to Zhangqiu Station and then taxi to the city, which is more cost-effective.
• Accommodation: There are guesthouses inside the ancient city, recommended is Zhenquan Guesthouse, where you can see the spring from your window; if on a budget, choose budget hotels outside the ancient city.
• Dining: You can enjoy snacks and full meals.
Itinerary
• One-day highlights tour: Enter from the South Gate at 9:00 AM, first visit Baima Spring Park to see Mo Spring, Plum Blossom Spring, and the former residence of Li Qingzhao. At 11:00 AM, head to Mingshui Old Street to browse handmade shops and intangible cultural heritage workshops. At 1:30 PM, watch an opera performance at the Meng Family Courtyard. At 3:00 PM, take a punt boat ride along the Xiujiang River. At 7:00 PM, watch the Spring Show performance at the Fuchenghuang Temple.
• Two-day in-depth tour: The first day follows the one-day itinerary. On the second day, get up early to enjoy local breakfast at the Morning Wine Market, then go to Baima Spring Park to photograph the morning mist, climb the city wall for a panoramic view of the city, and finally try making handmade "Datuofu" silverware and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Must-see Attractions
• Baima Spring Park: Features Mo Spring, Plum Blossom Spring, and the former residence of Li Qingzhao; the best lighting is from 9 to 11 AM.
• Mingshui Old Street: Cobblestone roads with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, along the street are intangible cultural heritage workshops such as Zhangqiu iron pot forging and black pottery making; the colorful oil-paper umbrellas at Ruifuxiang Market are perfect for photos.
• Fuchenghuang Temple: Every night at 7:30 PM there is a Spring Show performance including lights, drones, and fireworks; Guanlan Bridge is the best viewing spot.
• Xiujiang Riverside: You can take a punt boat ride lasting 20 minutes one way; the sunset or nighttime scenery is the most beautiful.
Food Recommendations
• Snacks: Spring water tofu corners, Good Luck Cake, Hanging Oven Biscuits, etc., available at the Morning Wine Market or Spring Water Market.
• Full meals: Huang Family Barbecue is a Zhangqiu intangible cultural heritage, also try Mingshui rice, spring water stewed dishes, Shandong cuisine braised pork, etc., available at Shuangquan Restaurant or Ruifuxiang Restaurant.
Practical Tips
• November weather turns cooler, with heavy mist by the springs; it is recommended to wear windproof and warm clothing, and since the ground is slippery, wear non-slip shoes.
Post by EmberEuphoria_123 | Nov 5, 2025
