Things to do in Jinan

We accompanied a family member to Qilu Hospital for a medical appointment and chose this Ji Hotel. It's very close to the hospital, less than a ten-minute walk, which is very convenient. The room was clean and tidy, and the environment was quiet, allowing for a good rest. There's also a laundry and fitness area. The front desk was responsive, and check-in was smooth, making it ideal for accompanying family members to medical appointments. Most importantly, parking is convenient.

Daming Lake holds the story of Emperor Qianlong and Xia Yuhe's "epic, tragic love" 😂 "Your Majesty, do you still remember Xia Yuhe by Daming Lake?"—When Emperor Qianlong toured the south, he encountered Xia Yuhe playing the zither in the Yuhe Hall, fell in love at first sight, wrote a poem and presented her with a fan, vowing that "a true friend is hard to find." However, after more than a decade apart, Yuhe fell ill with longing and died with her zither in her arms 😢 However, there is no historical record of this person; it's purely a romantic fiction by Qiong Yao. The lake shimmers, lotus flowers fill the pond, and the saying "lotuses on all four sides, willows on three" is truly fitting. The illuminated Chaoran Tower is even more breathtaking.

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! 👍

A clear autumn day is perfect for a stroll up Thousand Buddha Mountain. Breathing in the crisp, fresh air early in the morning instantly wakes you up. On the way down, you can take a cable car to enjoy the city views.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There's a parking lot right outside, making it very convenient by car. The room is in a modern Chinese style, clean and tidy, with no strange smells. The bed was quite comfortable, not too soft or too firm. The bathroom has a separate shower and toilet, and the smart toilet was easy to use. The toiletries had a pleasant, subtle woody scent. There were also peacocks to play with on the basement level. The receptionist, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, spoke softly and gently, and check-in was quick. Xiao Li even recommended some good restaurants nearby. Breakfast was a Shandong specialty, with free refills. The sweet millet porridge and braised pork were quite local specialties, although the variety wasn't huge, but the food was exquisite and clean. Overall, I had a very comfortable stay and would consider staying here again next time I'm in Jinan.

Lingyan Temple is located in Wandezhen, Changqing District, Jinan, at the northwest foot of Mount Tai, about an hour's drive from downtown Jinan. It can be visited along the way to Mount Tai. Founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the ancient temple has a history of 1,600 years and is considered one of the four most famous temples in China, enjoying great popularity during the Tang and Song Dynasties. Highlights include: the Song Dynasty Arhat sculptures in the Thousand Buddha Hall, considered the finest examples of their kind in China, with lifelike expressions; the ancient and grand nine-story Pizhi Pagoda; a large forest of pagodas containing over a hundred stone pagodas from various dynasties; and a tranquil environment with clear mountain springs and ancient cypress trees, where historical sites blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. A visit is highly recommended for those who appreciate historical temples.