Two-Day Tour in Jinan! Capture the Gentleness of the Spring City in Your Lens

【Introduction】: Jinan is the capital of Shandong Province and a nationally recognized historic and cultural city. It lies south of Mount Tai and north of the Yellow River, situated at the junction of the low mountain hills of central-southern Shandong and the alluvial plains of northwestern Shandong. Known as the "City of Springs" due to its numerous springs, Jinan boasts the Baotu Spring, Black Tiger Spring, and other "Seventy-Two Famous Springs." These springs converge to form Daming Lake, which, together with Thousand Buddha Mountain, creates the beautiful scenery described as "half the city is mountain scenery, half the city is lake." Jinan is also one of the birthplaces of the Longshan culture and has nurtured famous figures such as Li Qingzhao and Xin Qiji. ⛺【Must-Visit Local Spots】: 1. Daming Lake Park: Located in the city center of Jinan, Daming Lake Park is a 5A-level scenic area formed by the convergence of four major spring groups. Covering over 103.74 hectares, the lake shimmers with clear water and lush lotus leaves; in summer, blooming lotus flowers make it stunningly beautiful. Historical sites like Lixia Pavilion, Tie Gong Shrine, and Chaoran Tower dot the park, with Emperor Qianlong having inscribed a calligraphy for Lixia Pavilion. You can take a boat ride on the lake or stroll along the shore to enjoy the picturesque view of "lotus flowers on three sides, willows on three sides, half the city mountain scenery, half the city lake." The park is free to enter, making it a fantastic choice for weekend outings or holiday trips—you’re sure to fall in love with it! 2. Baotu Spring: With a history of over 2,000 years, Baotu Spring is the foremost of Jinan’s "Seventy-Two Famous Springs." It has appeared many times in literary works, such as Lao She’s "Baotu Spring." The scenic area also includes the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall and the May 3rd Massacre Memorial Park, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenery while learning about Jinan’s history and culture. The three streams of Baotu Spring are crystal clear and gush day and night, sometimes shooting several feet high, creating a spectacular "water surging like wheels" scene. Besides the main spring pool, over thirty other famous springs like Jin Xian Spring and Shuyu Spring are scattered nearby, forming the Baotu Spring group. July and August, with more rainfall, are the best seasons to enjoy the springs. 3. Qushuiting Street: Springs beside the street flow along stone slab ditches, presenting the old Jinan scene of "every home has spring water, every household has drooping willows." In summer, the spring water is cool; children play by the ditches while adults sit at doorsteps fanning themselves, full of everyday life charm. The street is lined with many creative shops and cafes. "No. 8 Qifeng Bridge Courtyard" is a popular photo spot, surrounded by spring water, with bluestone paths and wooden door curtains, like stepping into an ordinary old Jinan home—perfect for taking vintage-style photos. 4. Shandong Museum: The museum centers on the "Haidai Daily Renewal — Shandong History and Culture Exhibition," complemented by special exhibits on Buddhist statues, dinosaur fossils, African wildlife, and more, covering everything from ancient civilization to modern times. The 128,000-square-meter modern exhibition hall is well-organized, offering a very comfortable visiting experience. You can immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the hometown of Confucius and Mencius and unlock fun knowledge through interactive zones. 🛬【Food Guide】: Popular Food Streets: 1. Furong Street: A long-established food street in Jinan, with snacks like Youxuan (fried dough twists), sour dipping sauce, Furong pastry, and creative dishes like pork intestine wrapped with scallions, full of local flavor. 2. Kuanhouli: An ancient-style architectural street gathering foods from all over, where you can enjoy Jinan snacks and various trendy foods, and then visit nearby Black Tiger Spring to admire the springs. 3. Huanlian 1904 Train Night Market: Jinan’s late-night food hall, offering stinky tofu, plum blossom cakes, and more snacks, plus a train-themed street area and fountain light show—one-stop for eating, drinking, and entertainment. 4. Qushuiting Street: Convenient for grabbing food while strolling the old street, you can taste spring water tea soup paired with street snacks, enjoying the "every home has spring water, every household has drooping willows" atmosphere. Classic Shandong Dishes to Try: 1. Braised Pork: Jinan’s "rice killer," thick-cut pork belly braised to a glossy red, with melt-in-your-mouth fat and firm lean meat. Wuyue Temple Braised Pork and Chaoyixing Fast Food offer great value; pouring the sauce over rice is incredibly satisfying. 2. Youxuan + Sweet Mo: The golden breakfast combo of old Jinan. Youxuan has a crispy, flaky crust with a soft, scallion-flavored interior; Youxuan Zhang’s is very authentic. Sweet Mo is a savory millet porridge with peanuts and tofu skin; Zhao’s Sweet Mo and Sweet Mo Tang’s hot versions are heartwarming and comforting. 3. Caobao Baozi (Steamed Buns): A time-honored Chinese brand using old dough fermentation, with thin skin, large filling, and rich soup. The traditional pork buns at the Puli Street main store are a must-try, wrapped in lotus leaves with a fresh aroma, perfect with egg drop soup to cut the richness. 4. Huangjia Roast Meat: A non-material cultural heritage of Zhangqiu, whole pig roasted over charcoal in a hanging oven, with crispy skin and savory lean meat. Sliced and eaten with baked flatbread, it’s delicious. The Huangjia Roast Meat main store in Zhangqiu Xiuhui Street is the most authentic. 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: 1. Vienna Hotel (Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport Branch): A popular comfortable hotel near the airport. Offers free airport shuttle and free parking, attentive service, family rooms, and a chess room. European-style decor, ideal for travelers catching early flights or arriving late without worrying about airport transport. 2. Home Inn Selected Hotel (Jinan East Station Branch): Close to Jinan East Station, provides free pick-up service, charging stations, self-service breakfast, tatami rooms, and a coffee shop. Affordable prices make it a great choice for travelers using the East Station, saving commuting time with excellent value. 3. All Season Hotel (Jinan Olympic Sports West Road Longhu Tianjie Branch): Near Shandong Museum and Jinan MixC Mall, with a prime location and convenient transport. Newly opened, spacious rooms with smart control systems, free gym, self-service breakfast, and robot service. Suitable for mid-budget travelers who value comfort. 4. Ginza Jiayi Light Residence Hotel (Jinan Daming Lake Station Quanfuli Overpass Branch): Close to Hongjialou Catholic Church and Daming Lake scenic area, with convenient parking and well-developed surrounding commercial areas. Offers family rooms and audio-visual rooms to meet different guest needs, affordable prices, ideal for regular trips or group travel. 🧡【Tips】: 1. Transportation: The old city (Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Qushuiting Street) is best explored on foot or by bike; shared bikes are everywhere. Metro lines 1, 2, and 3 cover major attractions; scan QR codes to ride. Parking near scenic spots is limited; if driving, park at public lots near Spring City Square or Daming Lake and walk around. 2. Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy; bring sunscreen and rain gear. Plenty of shade in scenic areas offers respite from heat. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry; wear thick coats and thermal underwear. Baotu Spring Lantern Festival attracts large crowds—visit during off-peak times. Spring and autumn have comfortable weather; wear light jackets and long pants, with noticeable temperature differences between morning and evening. 3. Visiting Shandong Museum requires advance online reservation and ID for entry. Loud noises and touching exhibits are prohibited. When exploring old streets like Qushuiting Street and Baihuazhou, respect local residents’ privacy—do not enter private homes without permission and ask before taking photos.