CITY · SHANDONG
Jinan
济南 · Jǐnán
Overview
Capital of Shandong, 'City of Springs' — 72 named natural springs run through the old town, with Baotu Spring as the centrepiece.
Jinan was for centuries celebrated for its natural springs that emerge in the city centre. Baotu Spring, named the country's premier spring in the Qing dynasty, still bubbles in a central park. The old quarter retains some of the canal-and-pavilion atmosphere, although development has eroded much of it. The city is the launchpad for Mt Tai, the foremost of the Five Sacred Mountains, 90 minutes south by HSR.
What to see
- Baotu Spring
- Daming Lake
- Black Tiger Spring
- Mt Tai — UNESCO, sacred Daoist mountain, day trip
What to eat
- Lu (Shandong) cuisine — sweet-and-sour Yellow River carp, braised abalone
Getting there
Jinan Yaoqiang (TNA) airport. Jinan West HSR: Beijing 1h 30m, Shanghai 3h 30m.
Getting around
Metro is limited (4 lines). Walking the springs area.
Where to stay
Springs area / Baotu Quan.
We list neighbourhoods, not specific hotels — we don't endorse hotels.
When to go
April–May, September–October.
Budget guide (CNY per day)
| Backpacker | ¥240 |
| Mid-range | ¥520 |
| Comfortable | ¥1200 |
Nearby attractions
Itineraries visiting Jinan
- Shandong Classic — Qufu and Mount Tai, 5 days
5d · The most essential Shandong circuit: Confucius's hometown Qufu, the sacred summit of Mount Tai, and a half-day in Qingdao. Suitable as an add-on from Beijing or Shanghai.
- Shandong Coastal Loop — Jinan to Qingdao, 7 days
7d · Shandong's coast, sacred mountain and Confucian heartland in one loop: Jinan springs, Confucius's birthplace Qufu, Mount Tai sunrise, and the German-flavoured port city of Qingdao.
Food of Eastern China
- Beggar's Chicken叫花鸡
A whole chicken stuffed with aromatics, wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then slow-baked until the meat steams in its own juices.
- Beggar's Chicken — Jiaohuaji叫花鸡 (江苏式)
A Jiangsu-province variation of clay-baked chicken with a lotus-leaf wrap and a mushroom and pork stuffing.
- Dragon Well Tea龙井茶
China's most celebrated green tea — pan-fired flat leaves from Hangzhou's West Lake district with a sweet, chestnut flavour.
- Drunken Chicken醉鸡
Chicken steamed and marinated in Shaoxing rice wine, served chilled. A Shanghai banquet starter.
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