Jinan~ Take a quiet stroll in this underrated city!

"Spring City" Jinan: Explore the northern landscape with just 500 yuan per person, where spring water gently brews tea! Jinan is not only the capital of Shandong Province but also a poetic ancient city nourished by 72 famous springs. It lacks the southern humidity and heat, and the northern desolation. In spring and autumn, gentle breezes brush your face, spring water trickles through the city, and by Daming Lake, there is the legend of Summer Rain Lotus, while beside Baotu Spring lies the gentle hometown depicted by Lao She. More importantly—attractions are concentrated, prices are affordable, and transportation is convenient. An ordinary person can fully enjoy the highlights in just two days and one night! 🌸 Best months to visit: March - May, September - November April-May: Warm spring with flowers blooming, Baotu Spring gushes most vigorously, and cherry blossoms bloom at Wulongtan; September-October: Crisp autumn air, perfect time to climb Qianfo Mountain, with clear and sweet spring water; ❌ June-August is hot (up to 38°C), and winter (December-February) is cold and dry, with some spring water attractions less impressive. ✅ Recommended time: Mid-April or late October, pleasant climate, fewer tourists, and great for photography. 🕐 How many days are suitable? 2 days and 1 night is enough to cover all the highlights. ✅ Day 1: Old City Core · Spring Water Stroll Start from Jinan High-Speed Railway Station/West Station, take a bus directly to the city center. Itinerary: Morning: Check in at [Baotu Spring Park] (ticket 40 yuan) — the number one spring in the world, three streams boiling and rolling; Visit [Wulongtan Park] (free) nearby — dense spring pools, great fun for kids to play in the water; Lunch at [Furong Street] with a bowl of Youxuan + Sweet Mousse (Youxuan 3 yuan, Sweet Mousse 5 yuan), experience the lively atmosphere of a century-old snack street; Afternoon stroll through [Baihuazhou Historical and Cultural District] → [Daming Lake Scenic Area] (large free area!) — no ticket needed for boating, walk along the lake to enjoy "lotus flowers on four sides and willows on three sides"; Evening climb [Chaoran Tower] to watch the lighting moment (every night at 18:00), the lights are dazzling and dreamlike. Stay at an economical hotel or guesthouse near Daming Lake, double room about 180 yuan/night. ✅ Day 2: Qianfo Mountain + City Culture Wrap-up Take a bus to [Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area] (ticket 30 yuan), climb to the top for a panoramic view of Jinan, visit Xingguo Zen Temple and Wanfo Cave. After descending, visit [Shandong Provincial Museum] (free, reservation required) or [Jiefang Pavilion] to remember history. Return in the afternoon, relaxed and easy. ⚠️ Tip: No need for a one-day tour group! All attractions are accessible by bus, walking + shared bike is the most pleasant way. 💰 Budget for ordinary travelers (per person): Round-trip transportation: High-speed train second class ≈ 200 yuan (convenient for intra-province and neighboring cities) City transportation: Bus + shared bike ≈ 30 yuan Accommodation: Comfortable hotel ×1 night = 180 yuan Meals: 60 yuan per day ×2 days = 120 yuan (Baizi meat 15 yuan, average Shandong cuisine under 40 yuan) Tickets: Baotu Spring 40 + Qianfo Mountain 30 = 70 yuan (half price with student ID!) Other expenses ≈ 30 yuan Total: Only about 630 yuan! 📌 Tips: Download the "369 Travel" app to check real-time bus arrivals; Some attractions offer free or discounted admission with student ID or ID card; The lighting at Chaoran Tower in Daming Lake is a popular moment, arrive half an hour early to secure a spot; Bring your own water bottle, Jinan has many direct drinking water points in scenic areas; Not recommended to eat in the center of Furong Street, prices are higher, better to walk into small alleys for more affordable options. ✅ Must-see highlights: Baotu Spring gushing spectacle: three springs leap together, water sounds like drums, "always so lively" as described by Lao She; Daming Lake Chaoran Tower night view: a rare northern pavilion light and shadow feast; Qianfo Mountain summit view: the entire Spring City in sight, the Yellow River winding east like a ribbon; Baihuazhou water alley morning light: bluestone paths, willows brushing your face, like a miniature Jiangnan. 🔚 Conclusion: Jinan is unpretentious but tells you what "every home has spring water, every household has willows" means with pools of clear springs. Two days and one night, less than 700 yuan, for a slow life experience in a northern water city. Come, take a sip of jasmine tea brewed with spring water, and quietly stroll through this underrated city.