Jinan, the City of Springs: A Comprehensive Travel Guide | Lao She's "City of Springs"

| Lao She's "City of Springs". Jinan, a city brimming with historical charm and natural beauty, shines like a brilliant pearl, exuding a unique allure. It is the poetic city depicted by Lao She, a prominent representative of spring culture, boasting picturesque scenery—"four sides lotus blossoms, three sides willow trees, half the city mountain views, half the city lake". Let's embark on a journey to this captivating city and discover its wonders🚀 Itinerary📅 • Day 1: Daming Lake → QuShuiTing Street → Furong Street → KuanHouLi • Day 2: Baotu Spring → Wulongtan Park → Heihu Spring → Liberation Pavilion • Day 3: Thousand Buddha Mountain → Shandong Museum → MIXC Attractions🎈 1. Daming Lake: "Do you still remember Xia Yuhe by Daming Lake?" A visit to Jinan must include Daming Lake. The lake shimmers, willow branches sway gently along the shore, and a stroll along the lake, feeling the breeze, is incredibly relaxing. You can also take a boat tour to admire the scenery and experience the poetic charm of "sailing on azure waves, immersed in a picturesque world"🚣‍♀️ Admission: Free 2. QuShuiTing Street: An old street with a distinct Jinan flavor, where clear springs flow over rocks and willow branches caress your face. Many traditional houses line the street, offering a glimpse into the life of old Jinan. Stroll along the river, watch the flowing water, and occasionally spot residents washing clothes and vegetables by the water, a scene full of local life🎐 Admission: Free 3. Furong Street: Jinan's most famous snack street, with a dazzling array of delicacies. Crispy fried dough twists, sweet foam, braised pork, grilled squid… Indulge in a culinary adventure and savor the flavors of Jinan. However, be mindful of your belongings as this street is often crowded🍗 Admission: Free 4. KuanHouLi: Similar in style to Furong Street, but relatively less crowded. Here, you'll find not only delicious food but also many unique shops, perfect for leisurely strolls and discovering interesting trinkets🎁 Admission: Free 5. Baotu Spring: The number one spring under heaven, living up to its reputation! Three springs gush forth, creating a magnificent spectacle, with crystal-clear water. The park also houses the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall and other attractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in Jinan's rich history and culture. In winter, Baotu Spring presents a magical "mist-shrouded" landscape, resembling a fairyland☁️ Admission: 40 yuan 6. Wulongtan Park: Located next to Baotu Spring, this park features ponds, pools, streams, and canals. The park's green waters teem with fish, and numerous springs make it a perfect summer retreat. It is also said to be the former residence of Qin Qiong, adding a touch of history📜 Admission: Free 7. Heihu Spring: The most impressive of the springs, with water gushing from a tiger's mouth, roaring like a tiger. Many locals come here with buckets to collect spring water. You can also taste the sweet spring water and experience Jinan's spring culture🧂 Admission: Free 8. Liberation Pavilion: One of Jinan's landmarks, built to commemorate the city's liberation. Ascend the pavilion for panoramic views of Jinan, especially enchanting at night when the city lights twinkle🌃 Admission: Free 9. Thousand Buddha Mountain: A Buddhist sacred site, adorned with numerous Buddha statues and temples. The summit offers breathtaking views of Jinan, with a vast and open vista. Every year on the third day of the third lunar month and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, Thousand Buddha Mountain hosts a lively temple fair🎊 Admission: 30 yuan 10. Shandong Museum: Home to a rich collection of over 210,000 cultural relics and natural specimens, including nearly a thousand precious artifacts. Here, you can trace the historical and cultural development of Shandong and admire rare treasures, making it an ideal place to expand your knowledge and broaden your horizons📿 Admission: Free (reservations required) Food Recommendations🍲 1. Sweet Foam: A traditional Jinan breakfast, savory and delicious, made with millet flour, peanuts, beans, and other ingredients. It pairs perfectly with crispy fried dough twists! 2. Crispy Fried Dough Twists: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a rich onion aroma, a Jinan specialty. 3. Braised Pork: Fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry, melts in your mouth, a representative dish of Lu cuisine. Served with rice, it's sure to whet your appetite. 4. Sweet and Sour Carp: Beautifully presented, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, sweet and sour, a must-try dish in Jinan. 5. Jinan Barbecue: Jinan's barbecue is also unique, with large, flavorful skewers, best enjoyed with draft beer—a true delight! Accommodation Recommendations🏠 Consider staying near Quancheng Square, which offers convenient transportation, proximity to attractions, and a wide variety of dining options. Choose from a range of hotels and guesthouses to suit your budget and preferences. Transportation Guide🚇 1. Airport: Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. Airport buses connect to various parts of the city. You can also take the subway or a taxi to the city center. 2. Train Stations: Jinan Railway Station and Jinan West Railway Station. Both have subway and bus connections to the city. 3. City Transportation: Jinan has a well-developed public transportation system, with convenient subway, bus, and taxi services. Shared bikes are also an option for more flexible sightseeing. Jinan, a city steeped in history and culture yet vibrant with modern energy, offers something for everyone, whether you appreciate natural beauty or historical charm. Come to Jinan and embark on an unforgettable journey💕