Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, is often called the “City of Springs” — and for good reason. With 1,209 natural springs and nearly 1,000 named ones, it is a city where history, culture, and nature converge. This summer, Jinan once again proved its charm, securing a spot in China’s Top 10 cultural tourism cities and ranking among the Top 8 domestic short-trip destinations according to Ctrip’s 2025 Summer Travel Report.
But beyond the numbers, what makes Jinan truly unforgettable?
Springs: The Beating Heart of Jinan
To understand Jinan, one must start with its springs. The Baotu Spring, hailed by Emperor Qianlong as the “Number One Spring under Heaven,” gushes with unstoppable force, telling the city’s millennia-old story. Nearby, visitors sip tea at Wanghe Pavilion, brewed with spring water for a taste as pure as the view. Book lovers find a cultural oasis at Qianmo Bookstore, where traditional architecture meets literary charm.
Daming Lake, the “Pearl of the Spring City,” gathers waters from across the city’s springs. Tourists can drift across its surface by boat, watch willows dance in the breeze, or marvel at the illuminated Chaoran Tower, a romantic new hotspot. A newly upgraded “Rain Lotus 2.0” immersive show with AI interaction makes the lakefront experience even more engaging.
For those seeking serenity, Five Dragon Pool paints an ink-wash scene of koi and rippling reflections, while Black Tiger Spring surprises with torrents of water rushing from three stone tiger heads — locals even bring bottles to collect its crisp, natural taste. A cruise along the city’s moat links these springs like pearls on a necklace, offering a fresh perspective on Jinan’s old town.
A City That Knows How to Celebrate
This summer, Jinan didn’t just offer sightseeing — it redefined how to experience a city. More than 30 immersive activities turned traditional tourism into interactive fun: paddleboarding through historic alleys, water-splashing festivals at Five Dragon Pool, and lotus-themed art feasts at Daming Lake.
The results speak volumes. Baotu Spring welcomed over 30,000 visitors daily, while Daming Lake saw 80,000 visitors per day along its pathways. Ming Shui Ancient City recorded a 30% surge in visitors thanks to creative summer events such as music festivals and night markets.
From Daytime Strolls to Nighttime Energy
Jinan’s night economy has become a defining feature of its tourism boom. The “Spring City Night 8 p.m.” program lit up plazas, parks, and historic blocks with concerts, art shows, and creative markets.
From the bustling 579 Baigong Market to the nostalgic Old Commercial Port, visitors found cultural performances, food stalls, and handmade crafts. Families enjoyed the zoo’s night safari, while young crowds flocked to lakeside music festivals. This vibrant nighttime scene attracted 18.9 million visitors to night-tour hubs, with more than a third coming from outside the city.
Culture, Concerts, and Cuisine
Jinan also made waves as a cultural hub. The Shandong Museum’s special spring-water heritage exhibition drew nearly a million visitors this summer. Meanwhile, the city staged 209 commercial performances, including six sold-out concerts by stars such as Jay Chou and David Tao. The concerts alone sparked huge demand in hotels, dining, and transport.
Food, of course, plays its part in Jinan’s appeal. Events like the “Good Taste Shandong” Food Contest turned local dishes into trending topics, with online views surpassing 150 million. Street food nights and lake-side dining experiences added extra flavor to the city’s summer.
A City of Warmth and Hospitality
Beyond its landscapes and events, Jinan is known for its warmth. Local tourism staff have become symbols of the city’s hospitality, with numerous stories of returning lost belongings or helping elderly and child visitors. The city’s “Sunflower Service” brand emphasizes friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring every traveler feels at home.
From “One Trip” to “One More Night”
Importantly, Jinan is not just about attracting tourists but keeping them longer. Bundled products such as “Concert + Hotel + Scenic Spot” packages, high-quality homestays, and improved public services encourage visitors to extend their stay. Marketing campaigns in cities like Zhengzhou, Shenyang, and Suzhou, plus student-oriented programs, further boosted its reach.
The payoff is clear: summer hotel bookings rose 8% year-on-year, while inbound tourism grew by nearly 19%.
So, Is Jinan Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Whether it’s the cool taste of spring water, the poetry of lakeside sunsets, the excitement of summer festivals, or the warmth of its people, Jinan offers travelers more than just a trip — it offers a memory.
As the city’s tourism brand declares: “This stop, Jinan.” And for many visitors, one stop is never enough.