Not Jiangnan! It's Mingshui Ancient City! The Underrated Dreamlike Water Town

The Severely Underrated "Northern Jiangnan Town": A Poetic Journey to Jinan's Mingshui Ancient City In our busy lives, people always long to find a peaceful place on weekends to escape the city's hustle and bustle. This weekend, I embarked on a journey to Jinan. I originally thought that the beauty of small bridges, flowing water, and misty rain only existed in the water towns of Jiangnan, but unexpectedly, I encountered such a poetic and picturesque landscape in Jinan. After arriving in Jinan, I visited Mingshui Ancient City. This place feels like the dreamworld from Li Qingzhao's writings. When I stepped in, it was like wandering into a lotus pond, beginning a long-awaited slow-paced lifestyle. Mingshui Ancient City has springs flowing during the day, with clear water gurgling as if telling stories of years gone by; at night, there's poetry and wine, where one can sip under the moonlight and let thoughts drift away. This place is perfect for weekend getaways, and every corner seems like a carefully crafted painting, making for excellent photos—every casual shot looks like a professional one. ## I. Location and Transportation Mingshui Ancient City is like a brilliant pearl, embedded in the land of Jinan. 🚌 Transportation is very convenient. I chose to take the high-speed train to "Zhangqiu Station," and from there, it's only a 10-minute taxi ride to "Mingshui Ancient City Tourist Center." Along the way, I was full of anticipation, imagining what the ancient city would look like. ## II. Tour Route 🚶🏻‍♂️ Next, I'll share my tour route with everyone. ### Day 1: Immersion in Ancient Charm and the Beauty of Light and Shadow The first stop was Meng Family Opera House, an ancient building that has witnessed countless wonderful theatrical performances and still stands quietly in a corner of the ancient city. Here, the spectacular performances of Zhangqiu Bangzi make it hard to look away, as if traveling back to an era when opera flourished. Then, strolling along Mingshui Street, the traditional shops on both sides selling various specialty goods make you want to stop and browse. Next, I attended the Yi'an Poetry Meeting, experiencing Li Qingzhao's talent and charm in an ocean of poetry. As night fell, the Quanxiu performance began on time, with lights and springs reflecting each other, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Finally, I took a night tour of the city wall, which emits a mysterious and solemn aura under the illumination of lights. ### Day 2: Exploring Historical and Natural Rhythms On the second day, I got up early to experience the Early Wine Market. The market was bustling with people, full of the atmosphere of daily life. I strongly recommend trying the mutton soup with baked flatbread—the soup is rich and mellow, and the flatbread is crispy outside and soft inside. Although it might be a bit hot after eating, the delicious taste lingers. Afterward, I headed to Wanquan Lake, where the water ripples with green trees all around, like a beautiful painting. Then I visited Li Qingzhao's Former Residence, where the ancient buildings and every plant in the courtyard involuntarily remind one of Li Qingzhao's poetry. Here, wearing Hanfu for photos makes you feel like an ancient scholar. Then I went to Baimai Spring, the heart of Mingshui Ancient City, where clear spring water continuously surges, seemingly containing infinite vitality. Under the sunlight, the spring water sparkles; under the moonlight, lights reflect on the water surface, presenting a different kind of beauty. Finally, I arrived at Hehua Yan Dock, ready to start the boat tour. 📷 The entire tour has a slow pace, perfect for walking with a camera and capturing every beautiful moment. If time allows, I sincerely recommend staying overnight in the ancient city to experience its charm more deeply. If you're pressed for time, these places are must-visits! ## III. Must-Visit Attractions ❶ **Baimai Spring Group**: It's like the heart of Mingshui Ancient City, with clear spring water continuously surging, like the beating pulse of the ancient city. Under the sunlight, the spring water sparkles with golden light; under the moonlight, lights reflect on the water surface, presenting a mysterious yet gentle beauty. Standing by the spring, you can feel the surging vitality, making your mood exceptionally pleasant. ❷ **Li Qingzhao's Former Residence**: Entering the residence, the ancient architectural style makes you feel like you've traveled back to the Song Dynasty. Every plant in the courtyard seems to have walked out of Li Qingzhao's poetry. Here, wearing Hanfu for photos feels like having a conversation across time with this talented woman. Every photo is full of poetry and cultural atmosphere. ❸ **Meng Family Opera House**: This ancient opera house has witnessed countless wonderful theatrical performances and still stands firm today. Here, the spectacular performances of Zhangqiu Bangzi make you applaud. You can also experience "Weilu Ice Tea" at the opera house, enjoying tea while appreciating the ancient buildings and wonderful performances, enjoying this leisurely time as if all troubles have been thrown to the winds. ❹ **Ancient City Wall and Tower**: During the day, the city wall is majestic, with bricks engraved with traces of years; at night, the city wall becomes mysterious and romantic under the illumination of lights. Between light and shadow, a sense of historical weight naturally arises. Standing on the tower, overlooking the night view of the ancient city, it's as if you can see ancient soldiers standing guard and patrolling here, feeling the prosperity and vicissitudes the ancient city once had. ❺ **Boat Tour Experience**: Departing from Hehua Yan Dock in Mingshui Ancient City, the boat slowly moves forward, passing through stone bridges. Pedestrians on the bridges and willows on the shore become an integral part of this beautiful painting. As the breeze passes by, ripples form on the water surface, making you feel like you're in a fairyland. ## IV. Food and Accommodation 🍳 For breakfast, the Early Wine Market is a good choice. Besides the mutton soup with baked flatbread mentioned earlier, the market has various foods, such as steaming buns and sweet, delicious fried dough sticks, catering to different tastes. 🍛 There are many restaurants in the ancient city, such as Quanle Restaurant, Yefang Restaurant, Medicinal Food Restaurant, and Sauce Fragrance Courtyard. Each restaurant has its specialty dishes, whether it's exquisite Shandong cuisine or distinctive snacks, all can satisfy your appetite. 🏨 For accommodation, I recommend choosing inns or hotels within the ancient city. This time, I stayed at Fuli Inn. As soon as I entered, the traditional environment caught my eye. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, full of ancient charm. Here, you can enjoy the night view of the ancient city in the evening, feeling that peace and beauty; in the morning, you can enjoy quiet time, listening to birds singing, as if time has slowed down, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the ancient city life. Jinan's Mingshui Ancient City, this severely underrated "Northern Jiangnan Town," is like a forgotten gem, waiting for more people to discover its beauty. If you also want to find a peaceful place on weekends, why not come here for a walk and experience this unique poetry and romance.