Jinan is the capital of Shandong province in eastern China, known as the Spring City for the more than 70 springs that rise in its old town. About 9.2 million people live in the wider municipality, and the city centres on Baotu Spring, Daming Lake and Thousand Buddha Mountain, with the Shandong Museum, Lingyan Temple and the Yellow River nearby.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Jinan.
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1
Baotu Spring
The best-known of Jinan's 'Spring City' springs, where three springs bubble up in a landscaped park that also holds the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall.
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2
Daming Lake
A spring-fed lake on the north side of the old city, with willow-lined shores, pavilions, and the Xin Qiji memorial; entry to the park is free.
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3
Thousand Buddha Mountain
A hill park on the south edge of the old city with Sui-dynasty Buddhist rock carvings dating from 585, Xingguo Temple and views over Jinan.
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4
Shandong Museum
The provincial museum of Shandong, with large collections of bronzes, Buddhist statuary, Han-dynasty stone reliefs and dinosaur fossils.
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5
Black Tiger Spring
A group of springs whose water pours from three carved stone tiger heads into the old-city moat, popular with locals who fill bottles and swim in summer.
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6
Five Dragon Pool
A spring park just north of Baotu Spring with a pool ringed by willows and stone bridges.
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7
Pearl Spring
A spring pool where rising bubbles resemble strings of pearls, set inside a garden in the old-town spring belt.
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8
Wanzhu Garden
A private garden of the late Qing period with bamboo groves and pavilions, near the springs of the old town.
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9
Furong Street
A pedestrian food street of Ming-Qing style shopfronts between Baotu Spring and Daming Lake, known for oil-rolled cakes and street snacks.
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10
Quancheng Square
A large public square east of Baotu Spring with the Spring Fountain sculpture and a musical fountain on summer evenings.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.