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Baotu Spring
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Shandong

Baotu Spring

8.5
4.6/5
59.2k reviews
Baotu Spring is located in the bustling downtown area of Jinan, with Thousand Buddha Mountain to the south, Daming Lake attraction to the north, and Quancheng Square to the east. It is a distinctive garden themed around springs, renowned as "the finest spring under heaven" and ranked first among Jinan's "72 famous springs," with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It has also appeared in literary works many times, most notably in Lao She's essay "Baotu Spring." Visitors come here to witness the magnificent sight of the three springs erupting. The main spring is the centerpiece of the park. The spring water splits into three streams, clear and crisp, gushing day and night, and reaching several feet high when the flow is abundant. Around the spring are large stone blocks with railings, where visitors can look down at the spectacular sight of the three springs surging in the pool. Beside the spring stands a stone tablet inscribed with "First Spring" in dark green, written by Emperor Qianlong himself. In addition, nearby are scattered more than thirty famous springs, including Golden Thread Spring, Shuyu Spring, Xibo Spring, Liuxu Spring, Huanghua Spring, and Dukang Spring. Due to the abundant local rainfall in July and August, this is a good season to come and admire the spring water. In midsummer, visitors in the park can have close contact with the spring water. Some springs have no railings around them, and there are stone paths in the pools. Spring water flows over the stone paths, and visitors can go down into the pools to touch the water. Walking on the stone paths, their feet will get wet from the spring water, giving a cool sensation. Besides touching the water, there is also free spring water by the pools for visitors to drink directly. On the east side of the spring is the Wanghe Pavilion Teahouse, which offers visitors specially preparedThis springFragrant tea brewed with water, moderately priced. In addition to the springs, another sight worth seeing in the park is the South Gate. It is magnificently and elegantly decorated. The horizontal plaque above the gate, with the words "Baotu Spring" in golden characters on a blue background, was written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and is acclaimed as the "first gate" of Chinese gardens. Baotu Spring has been flowing continuously since it resumed in September 2003. In addition, the attraction frequently hosts various cultural events. Every year on the first day of the first lunar month, a lantern festival is held in the park, lasting 20 days. In late September each year, there is also a spring water culture festival lasting about 10 days, during which various folk activities, calligraphy and painting exhibitions, and opera performances are available for visitors to enjoy. From late October to late November each year, a chrysanthemum exhibition is also held in the park. In the golden fall season, with all the springs gushing and chrysanthemums and spring water complementing each other, it is well worth a visit. In addition, the attraction has also launched a cruise route. After touring the attraction, visitors who are interested can board a boat at the boat station and sail through Ximen Bridge in Jinan's old town, passing the east gate of Wulongtan Park and entering Wulongtan Lock, Jinan's first passenger lock in history, where they can experience a drop of more than 2 m. Sitting on the east side of the boat, visitors can also see reliefs of the "Eight Scenes of Jinan." Along the way, there are many aquatic plants on the banks, and the river water is so clear that the bottom is visible. The cruise finally passes through Yanbo Bridge and enters the Daming Lake attraction.Jinan · 9.4 km from downtown
The Best Spring In The World
No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Shandong

The Best Spring In The World

7.9
4.6/5
1.4k reviews
The Best Spring In The World is located in downtown Jinan, featuring "one river (the moat), one lake (Daming Lake), three springs (the Baotu Spring, Heihu Spring, and Wulongtan spring clusters), and four parks (Baotu Spring Park, Huancheng Park, Wulongtan Park, and Daming Lake Park)." The attraction centers around Baotu Spring, renowned as the "No. 1 Spring Under Heaven." Its waters flow into rivers and converge into lakes, harmoniously blending with the ancient Mingfu City. To the north lies Wulongtan (Five Dragon Pool), while to the east stretches Jinan's Huancheng Park (home to the Black Tiger Spring and other springs), both highly celebrated in Jinan. These springs boast exceptional water quality. Daming Lake, a natural lake formed by the convergence of numerous springs, receives water from its southern shore. When full, the water flows out through the Northern Water Gate, built during the Song Dynasty on the lake's north shore. The lakebed consists of impermeable igneous rock, preventing flooding during heavy rains or drought. Often described as "a confluence of springs merging to embrace the Jiluo region," it's hailed as the "Pearl of the Spring City." Similarly, the moat formed by spring waters encircles the ancient city like a jade belt, offering scenic cruise rides along its course. The attraction boasts stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, featuring not only springs, rivers, and lakes but also numerous historical landmarks. Highlights include the Chaoran Tower dating back to the Yuan Dynasty and the Luoyuan Hall originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (now a Ming-era structure). Historical sites include the Luoshang Terrace, the former residence site of Qin Qiong, and the Beishui Gate. Notable former residences include the Nanfeng Ancestral Hall, Jiaxuan Ancestral Hall, Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall and Yi'an Old Residence, Tiegong Ancestral Hall, and Lao She Memorial Hall. Red tourism sites include the Jinan Massacre Memorial and the former site of the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China.Jinan · 7.7 km from downtown
Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area
No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Shandong

Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area

7.5
4.7/5
12k reviews
Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area is located in the southern part of Jinan's city center and is one of the three major attractions in Jinan. Before the Zhou Dynasty, it was called Lishan Mountain. Legend has it that Emperor Shun cultivated farmland at its base, hence it's also known as Shungeng Mountain. During the Sui Dynasty's Kaihuang era, numerous Buddha statues were carved along the mountain slopes, and the "Thousand Buddha Temple" was built, giving rise to its current name. In 1959, it was developed into a park, recognized as a provincial-level scenic area in 1995, rated as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction in 2005, and designated as a national scenic area in 2017. The Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area covers an area of 164.88 hectares, with its highest peak reaching 285m in elevation. Its undulating ridges create a picturesque and magnificent landscape. Qing Dynasty writer Liu E once vividly described it in "The Travels of Lao Can" as "resembling a grand painting by Song Dynasty artist Zhao Qianli, stretched across the horizon like a magnificent screen spanning dozens of miles." Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage, centered around the culture of Emperor Shun, Buddhist traditions, and natural ecology. It stands as a renowned mountain where Buddhist culture and imperial heritage coexist. As one of the birthplaces of Shun culture, the mountain gained fame when Emperor Shun cultivated its slopes. The attraction preserves cultural landmarks like Lishan Academy, Shun Temple, Three Saints Hall, Dushun Stone Garden, and Lishan Origins. Its Buddhist heritage dates back to the Sui and Tang dynasties, with notable sites including Xingguo Temple and the Thousand Buddha Cliff carvings. The scenic area features exceptional natural beauty with ancient trees and attractions like Chrysanthemum Viewing, Lishan Panorama, Ancient Scholar Tree, Southern Red Cliffs, and Ciyun Exploration. Distinctive folk traditions include the March 3rd Temple Fair and September 9th Mountain Festival, both recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Combining rich cultural significance with abundant natural resources and prominent geographical value, this urban mountain landscape serves as Jinan's "city balcony," "natural oxygen bar," and "ecological paradise," offering residents leisure and fitness opportunities rarely found within a metropolitan area. In recent years, the Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area has achieved remarkable development. Since 2011, annual environmental upgrades have enhanced ecological landscaping, highlighted historical and cultural themes, and elevated the overall views and cultural value of the attraction. In 2013, the Qilu Stele Culture Garden—a Jinan-based theme park showcasing Shandong's finest stone inscriptions—was built at the mountain's southern foot. Since 2014, to promote Shun culture, attractions like the South Wind Pavilion, Homesickness Pavilion, Qingyun Pavilion, and Lishan Origins were added, forming a 10-site Shun culture trail with distinctive Spring City characteristics. This integration of history, culture, and scenery has created a comprehensive, large-scale destination beloved by visitors.Jinan · 7.7 km from downtown
Qingzhao Quancheng · Mingshui Ancient City International Spring Resort
No. 9 of Night Attractions in Shandong

Qingzhao Quancheng · Mingshui Ancient City International Spring Resort

6.8
4.6/5
1.1k reviews
Qingzhao Quancheng · Mingshui Ancient City International Spring Resort is built upon the natural foundation of the Baimai Spring area and the cultural heritage of the thousand-year-old Mingshui Ancient City. Featuring a unique blend of springs, cityscape, and culture, it embodies the philosophy of "water management, urban development, cultural transmission, lifestyle, and industry." Integrating spring ecology, historical culture, and modern industries into one city, it combines cultural heritage, sightseeing, leisure vacations, international conferences, cultural creativity, and eco-friendly living. The resort aims to create a distinctive, high-quality international tourism and leisure destination. Spanning approximately 2,406 acres with a construction area of about 800,000 square meters, the total investment reaches 8 billion yuan. Qingzhao Quancheng · Mingshui Ancient City International Spring Resort is built upon the foundation of "Jinan elements" and "Zhangqiu symbols," featuring five functional zones: a hotel conference resort area, natural ecological resort area, Western-style leisure area, youth cultural innovation area, and ancient city cultural experience area. It meticulously recreates scenes from history—celebrity residences, prominent family estates, peaceful homes by spring water within the city walls, and vibrant lotus ponds outside. Visitors will immerse themselves in attractions like the former residence of legendary poetess Li Qingzhao, the Meng Family Courtyard themed around Confucian merchant tycoon Meng Luochuan, traditional shops, Zhangqiu intangible cultural heritage craft workshops, the restored Flower Goddess Temple honoring a Ming Dynasty horticulturist-healer, and ancestral halls like the preserved City God Temple. This creates a tourism product rich in regional identity, urban character, and humanistic spirit, breathing new vitality into the ancient city. Featured performance recommendation: "Spring Show" A visual experience using water as its medium. Under the night sky of Mingshui Ancient City, the musical fountain and multidimensional light effects weave together into a boundless canvas. Water curtains rise and fall with the music, while light penetrates the mist, transforming centuries-old poetic rhythms into the breath of light and the folds of shadow. The audience immerses in a surreal space crafted by sound, light, and water—where echoes of melodies linger in the air, and chaotic aesthetics emerge from the collision of water jets and vibrant colors. No narrative interpretation is needed—just feel the vibrations of your skin under the roaring waves and witness the reassembled symbols of civilization sliced by light trails. This is a pure sensory ritual stripped of storytelling, where Li Qingzhao's literary spirit resonates with modern technology, achieving a surreal deconstruction and rebirth of classical aesthetics in water's eternal flow. Duration: approx. 20 min.Jinan · 37.8 km from downtown

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What travelers say about Jinan

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Anonymous userOctober 30, 2026
5.0
Finally, I saw Baotu Spring, which I'd read about in textbooks! The garden isn't large, but the ancient pavilions and weeping willows beside the clear spring are very pleasant. Seeing the three springs bubbling upwards with my own eyes was much more vivid than in the photos; the water was crystal clear, and koi carp swam leisurely. There's also a memorial hall for Li Qingzhao inside, and the atmosphere was quite nice as I strolled around. The main spring area was a bit crowded, so finding a quiet spot for photos was a challenge. An hour or so is enough to leisurely explore; it's definitely worth a visit when in Jinan.

Baotu Spring

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E32***45October 25, 2026
5.0
The hotel is very close to Baotu Spring Scenic Area, just 200 meters from the south gate, which is very convenient. Guests can also enjoy Baotu Spring water while staying at the hotel. It's also not too far to get to Daming Lake Scenic Area. The hotel service is excellent, very 👍.

Daming Lake Scenic Area

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M35***80October 7, 2026
5.0
This was my first time visiting Baotu Spring. I went in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, so the experience wasn't too bad. The three springs were bubbling away, and the water was crystal clear. No wonder it's called the City of Springs! 👍

The Best Spring In The World

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Anonymous userOctober 6, 2026
5.0
Unexpectedly, it was a special session with Teacher Lu. The coordination was very smooth, with a dedicated assistant team. The team members were all dressed formally. Teacher Lu's explanation was witty, humorous, vivid, and captivating. The route was planned according to the historical timeline, and the headset was very clear. Although there were many people, we still managed to see all ten of the museum's most treasured exhibits.

Shandong Museum

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Anonymous userOctober 31, 2026
4.0
Of all the mountains in Jinan, Thousand Buddha Mountain is the most popular one for locals to climb on weekends. It offers a one-stop experience of hiking, visiting temples, and enjoying city views. Thousand Buddha Mountain isn't large; you can walk through it in half a day, making it perfect for a relaxing half-day in your Jinan itinerary. It's really quite easy to climb.

Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area

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没有故事的大爷October 9, 2026
5.0
By day, the city bustles with life, its morning markets brimming with the aroma of food and drink; at night, lanterns illuminate the scene, and the springs and water features create a dazzling spectacle of light and shadow, while live performances and interactive NPC activities immerse the senses. The ancient city is vast, so it's recommended to set aside a full day to explore at your leisure. Climb the city walls for panoramic views, watch the springs meander through the city, and discover new vistas at every turn. Perfect for a weekend getaway, ideal for families and groups of friends. Take your time and immerse yourself in the slow-paced charm of this Song Dynasty-era spring city.

Qingzhao Quancheng · Mingshui Ancient City International Spring Resort

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M22***22August 16, 2026
4.0
The free spring water at Wulongtan gave me a great experience. It was truly a taste of the spring water that the people of Jinan drink. I felt they were very fortunate. I also felt the fish in the water were very happy.

Five Dragon Pool Park

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320***70August 8, 2026
4.0
It's really great, especially the parade and fireworks show; definitely worth going. The only downside is that many rides require a height of 1.4 meters or more, so kids who aren't tall enough can't participate.

Europark of Quancheng

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Anonymous userOctober 23, 2026
5.0
⏱Tour Duration: 3-4 hours; the park has small hills, so strollers are strongly recommended for families with children; the park shuttle bus costs 20 yuan one way, a convenient option. 🐼Must-See Animals (Try to go between 8-10 am when the animals are most active) 1. Giant Panda House (Yaji, Hua'ao): Watch them eat bamboo in the morning, most of them sleep at noon; this is the most popular attraction in the park. 2. Lion and Tiger Mountain: Siberian tigers and white tigers; if you're lucky, you might hear them roar. 3. Elephant Park: See the famous baby elephants and elephants playing in the water. 4. Giraffe and Alpaca Area: You can buy park feed to feed them. 5. Monkey Mountain and Orangutan House: The monkeys are very lively. 6. Bird Paradise, Hippopotamus, and Rhinoceros are also worth seeing.

Jinan Zoo

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皮卡丘duduApril 21, 2025
5.0
The Baihua Creative Store on Qushuiting Street is just opposite the south gate of Daming Lake. You can walk along this road to Furong Street and Pearl Spring. There are many small shops in the scenic spot, and you can also sit in the shop to drink tea and rest. The refrigerator magnets in the Baihua Creative Store are very beautiful, and the boss can help mail the specialty products.

Qushuiting Street

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Frequently asked questions

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Jinan Day Tour : Baotu Spring,Daming Lake,Mt.Thousand Buddha(Optional Group Tour), Chinese Group Day Tour in Jinan: Baotu Spring, Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area, Daming Lake Scenic Area, Chaoran Tower & Heihu Spring, and Jinan Baotu Spring + Daming Lake + Thousand Buddha Mountain One-Day Tour [Small Group Tour * Free Boat Trip]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 1, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Jinan is around GBP 38.19 – GBP 197.42. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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