Chinatodo
This "Water City of the North," embraced by Dongchang Lake (东昌湖 dōngchāng hú), hides not only the poetic charm of "a city within a lake, a lake within a city" but also preserves the fusion of northern and southern tastes from the canal era in its street food. The crackling of morning griddles, the aroma of smoked chickens at noon, the sizzle of night market fryers—here, eating is the most authentic way to explore the city. The Breakfast Scene at Dawn 1. Shazhen Guāda (沙镇呱嗒 shāzhèn guāda)—Liaocheng's "Chinese Croissant"At six…
If you're tired of overcrowded tourist hotspots and crave a quiet town blending southern water-town charm with northern historical heritage, Liaocheng (聊城 Liáochéng) in Shandong will surprise you. Dubbed the "Water City of the North," this town cradled by Dongchang Lake (东昌湖 dōngchāng hú) boasts a unique "city within a lake, lake within a city" layout, offering a rare watery landscape in the north. How to Get There From Jinan (济南 jǐnán): High-speed train: ~1 hour Regular train: ~2 hours Bus: ~2 hours Ideal For: Slow travelers, those interested in…
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…
Explore the lesser-known wonders of Jinan’s Southern Mountains, where ancient history, serene temples, and breathtaking nature converge. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in China. Lingyan Temple (灵岩寺 líng yán sì)A 1,600-year-old Buddhist temple complex nestled in pine forests. Don’t miss the vivid Song Dynasty clay sculptures in the Thousand Buddha Hall.Why Visit: Witness UNESCO-tentative “Oriental Sculpture Masterpieces” and wander among ancient stupas. A spiritual retreat blending art, history, and misty mountain vistas. Simen Pagoda (四门塔 sì mén tǎ)One of China’s oldest stone pagodas, built in the Sui Dynasty…
From Confucian-inspired tofu to explosive wok flavors, discover the 10 must-try Shandong dishes. Local tips, cultural stories, and how to savor them like a pro! 1. Sweet & Sour Yellow River Carp (Tangcu Liyu 糖醋鲤鱼) Why Try? A culinary icon: golden-fried carp arched like a dragon, glazed with a tangy vinegar sauce (no ketchup!). Locals eat the crispy tail first for prosperity.Pro Tip: Ask for "live carp with old-style vinegar glaze" at traditional Lu cuisine restaurants in Jinan.Cultural Hook: Served at imperial banquets for centuries as a symbol of perseverance.…
Under the ancient city walls, springs flow gently.Light boats drift on the lake, rippling the spring water.This is the Jinan described by Lao She, and it's also the spring season of lush grass and singing birds. City Walk Route: Baotu Spring → Wulongtan (Five Dragons Pool) → Quancheng Square → Heihu Spring (Black Tiger Spring) → Qifeng Bridge → Qushuiting Street → Liberation Pavilion → Daming Lake
Only after visiting Jinan did I realize that it holds countless surprises and romance. Take this guide and immerse yourself in the Spring City! Attractions Overview Historical and Cultural Sites Baotu Spring: As the symbol of Jinan, the "No. 1 Spring under Heaven" lives up to its reputation. The clear spring water continuously gushes, surrounded by pavilions and towers, offering picturesque scenery at every step, as if traveling back to ancient times. Thousand Buddha Mountain: The mountain is home to numerous historical sites, and the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave gathers the essence…
My Top Three Hidden Gems for Flower Viewing in Jinan! Wulongtan (Five Dragons Pool) Recommended Viewing Time: Late March, Mid-April Late March: Cherry blossoms and crabapples bloom in succession. The crabapples are at their best during this time (if you want to see cherry blossoms, you can visit in mid-to-late March when they bloom slightly earlier). In addition to the blooming flowers, you can also enjoy the spring scenery reflected in the clear spring water, with pink flowers and green water creating a unique atmosphere. Mid-April: The purple cuckoo flowers quietly bloom at…
This is one of Jinan's most famous spots for capturing the juxtaposition of ancient and modern architecture. You can shoot from a higher vantage point or directly by the lakeside . Although Chaoran Tower is also a modern construction, rather than strictly focusing on the contrast between old and new, I prefer to emphasize the fusion of two architectural styles and urban landscapes, offering a breathtaking perspective of the city.
No wonder Shandong belongs to East China; it’s because of Jinan. The water here is clearer and more crystal-like than that of Jiangnan, truly deserving its reputation as the pinnacle of the "Little Jiangnan of the North." Such beauty in Jinan can only be rivaled by Jiangnan on a rainy day. It’s hard to imagine that in Shandong, where people hold green onions in one hand and pancakes in the other, there exists such graceful scenery. Just as Jinan gave birth to the bold and heroic Xin Qiji, who wrote,…
Introduction to Jinan Jinan, known as the "Spring City," is famous for its numerous springs, including the renowned "Seventy-Two Famous Springs." It is celebrated for its picturesque scenery, often described as "surrounded by lotus flowers on four sides, willows on three sides, with a city of mountains and half a city of lakes." As a national historical and cultural city and one of the first batch of China's outstanding tourist cities, Jinan is also one of the birthplaces of the prehistoric Longshan culture. It is a rare city that integrates…
Main Attractions and Features Wulongtan Park (Five Dragons Pool Park) Feature: The rockery opposite the Dragon Pool Fish Viewing area is the best spot for photography, with the evening blue-hour night view being particularly enchanting. Chaoran Tower Feature: It is recommended to capture the distant view near the North Gate of Daming Lake. The lighting of the tower at around 18:00 at Chaoran Tower Square is a must-see. Liberation Pavilion Feature: A landmark commemorating the victory of the Jinan Campaign, with a more imposing view from across the street. Qushuiting Street Feature: A street…
Top1 Baotu Spring A scene straight out of a Chinese textbook! The best time to see the three streams is during the rainy season, and the 40 yuan ticket is worth it. The banana trees at the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall are very photogenic. Hidden tip: Use an empty bottle to collect drinkable spring water (it's safe to drink!). Top2 Daming Lake The moment Chaoran Tower lights up at 19:10 is breathtaking! Arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot. Recommended: Take a painted boat ride on the lake (30 yuan) and listen…
"Half the city is mountains, half is lakes," the Jinan depicted by poets is as picturesque as a Jiangnan garden. If you missed the greenery of spring and summer, winter in Jinan still holds its charm. Lao She once wrote in his essay, "God gave the art of summer to Switzerland, the art of spring to West Lake, and all of autumn and winter to Jinan." Indeed, after the snow, Wulongtan in Jinan, bathed in faint, scattered sunlight, presents a delicate scene. Without heavy strokes of color, it sketches a…
I thought the water towns of Jiangnan in Zhejiang were already beautiful enough,until I encountered this snowy version of Jiangnan in Shandong!At Li Qingzhao's former residence in Zhangqiu, Jinan,I truly experienced the feeling of"drunk and lost, forgetting the way home" as described by Li Qingzhao.During the Spring Festival holiday, various festive activities will take place.Here’s my travel guide—don’t miss it if you’re traveling during the Spring Festival! Ming Water Ancient Town, Li Qingzhao’s Spring City, Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong Take the high-speed train to Zhangqiu Station or Zhangqiu North Station, then…
It’s been years since I last visited Jinan, and the night view of Daming Lake is absolutely breathtaking now!Chaoran Tower is pretty impressive—totally worth the hype! There were so many people taking photos, and the vibe was amazing!
Itinerary Day 1: Baotu Spring - Quancheng Square - Black Tiger Spring - Liberation Pavilion - Kuanhouli Baotu Spring: A iconic landmark of Jinan, the spring water steams in winter, clear and vibrant with fish. The site includes cultural relics like the Li Qingzhao Memorial. Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours. Quancheng Square: A large central square in Jinan, perfect for enjoying the warm lights and relaxed atmosphere in winter. Ideal for night views. Suggested visit time: 0.5 hours. Black Tiger Spring: One of Jinan's four famous springs, known for its…