Chinatodo
Jinan, a thousand-year-old city nourished by springs, is renowned as the "Spring City." With its "households blessed by springs and willows," the famed writer Lao She once praised: "Without these springs, Jinan would lose half its beauty." If you're planning a short stay, follow this three-day itinerary to experience the poetic charm of "lotus on four sides, willows on three, a city embraced by hills and lakes."
Day 1: Spring Culture Walk – Exploring the "72 Famous Springs"
Route: Baotu Spring (趵突泉, Bàotū Quán) → Five Dragons Pool (五龙潭, Wǔlóng Tán) → Moat Cruise → Black Tiger Spring (黑虎泉, Hēihǔ Quán) → Pearl Spring (珍珠泉, Zhēnzhū Quán) → Furong Street (芙蓉街, Fúróng Jiē) → Daming Lake (大明湖, Dàmíng Hú) (Chaoran Pavilion Night View)
Baotu Spring (趵突泉, Bàotū Quán) – The "No.1 Spring Under Heaven"
A crown jewel of Jinan, Baotu Spring’s three eternal gushes and crystal-clear pool, framed by classical pavilions, evoke the elegance of Jiangnan gardens.
Five Dragons Pool (五龙潭, Wǔlóng Tán) – An Oasis in the City
Just a 10-minute walk north of Baotu Spring, this serene park features interconnected springs and a legend linking it to Tang Dynasty general Qin Qiong.
Black Tiger Spring (黑虎泉, Hēihǔ Quán) – Local Life by the Water
Stroll east along the moat past Quancheng Square to reach this lively spring cluster. The iconic Black Tiger Spring, with three roaring tiger-head spouts, is where locals collect water—bring a bottle to taste Jinan’s purest "spring tea."
Pearl Spring (珍珠泉, Zhēnzhū Quán) – Hidden Gem of Officials
Tucked within the Shandong Provincial People’s Congress compound, this secluded spring bubbles up like strings of pearls.
Furong Street (芙蓉街, Fúróng Jiē) – Old Jinan Flavors
At dusk, dive into this iconic snack street. Skip the trendy bites for authentic yóuxuán (crispy pancakes) and tiánmò (savory porridge).
Daming Lake (大明湖, Dàmíng Hú) – Nighttime Magic
As Chaoran Pavilion lights up the lake, take a boat ride to witness the poetic "willows and lotuses" scenery immortalized in classical verse.
Day 2: Mountain Escapes – Jinan’s Panoramic Views
Route: Thousand Buddha Mountain (千佛山, Qiānfó Shān) → Fohui Mountain (佛慧山, Fóhuì Shān) → Shandong Museum/Shandong Art Museum (optional)
Thousand Buddha Mountain (千佛山, Qiānfó Shān) – City Vistas
Adorned with ancient stone Buddhas, this landmark’s Maitreya Buddha statue is a photo hotspot. Summit for sweeping views of Jinan and the distant Yellow River.
Fohui Mountain (佛慧山, Fóhuì Shān) – A Local Retreat
Less crowded than its famous neighbor, this gentle hike passes Tang Dynasty Kaiyuan Temple ruins and cliff carvings—a favorite weekend getaway.
Day 3: Culture & Art – A Dialogue Across Millennia
Morning: Shandong Museum (山东博物馆 shāndōng bówùguǎn) (Book ahead; opens 9:00)
A treasure trove of Qilu civilization:
- Top 10 Highlights: Shang Dynasty oracle bones, Warring States bronze "nesting boxes," Han-era Art of War bamboo scripts.
- Han Dynasty Stone Relief Gallery: Vibrant carvings of ancient banquets and processions.
- Ming Dynasty Lu King Exhibits: Gold-lacquered chests and a royal crown showcase Ming opulence.
Shandong Art Museum (山东美术馆 shāndōng měishùguǎn) (Adjacent to the museum)
- Soaring 27-meter dome halls transform sunlight into art.
- Features Shandong masters’ calligraphy/paintings and rotating national exhibitions.
Afternoon: Huashan LakeHuashan Lake (华山湖 huáshān hú) – Chasing a Masterpiece’s Legacy
Hike Huashan(华山 huáshān) (197m, ~40 mins):
- Huayang Palace (华阳宫 huáyáng gōng) : A 800-year-old Taoist complex at the base.
- Lüzu Temple Lüzu Temple (吕祖庙 lǚzǔ miào) : Midway viewpoint framing the lake between Huashan and Que Mountain.
- Summit: Recreate Zhao Mengfu’s Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains panorama.
