Lixia District Travel

Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong — the core area of Spring City culture, integrating the three famous landmarks Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and Thousand Buddha Mountain, blending ancient charm with modern vitality. A 3-day in-depth tour decodes the essence of spring culture, experiencing the unique charm where mountains, waters, and humanity intertwine.

2700+
Years of Baotu Spring History
1
5A-level Scenic Area
15+
Core Attractions
20+
Specialty Foods
Baotu Spring, Lixia District, Jinan City
Baotu Spring - Number One Spring under Heaven
Top of Jinan's three famous landmarks, honored as the "Number One Spring under Heaven" by Emperor Qianlong during his southern inspection tour, famous for the spectacular "Baotu Surging Skyward" phenomenon.

Lixia District Three-Day Spring Culture Tour

Admire the spectacular Baotu Spring, cruise on Daming Lake, climb Thousand Buddha Mountain for a panoramic city view, stroll through ancient streets to taste Spring City flavors, unlocking the beauty of Jinan's culture and nature

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Thousand Buddha Mountain, Qushuiting Street, Furong Street, Kuanhouli
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, families with children, photography lovers, food seekers
Budget per Person
¥800-¥1,500
01
Spring Source Discovery
Baotu Spring Scenic Area · Five Dragon Pool · Spring City Square · Furong Street
Highlights

Morning: Visit Baotu Spring to see the spectacular "Baotu Surging Skyward," stroll through Five Dragon Pool to feel the charm of spring clusters. Afternoon: Explore Spring City Square for fountain performances. Evening: Head to Furong Street to taste Spring City snacks.

Attractions
Baotu Spring Scenic Area
National 5A-level scenic area, one of Jinan's three famous landmarks. The area gathers over 30 famous springs including Baotu Spring, Golden Thread Spring, and Shuyu Spring, known as the "Pearl of Spring City." The Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall is also located here.
Five Dragon Pool Park
A park characterized by spring clusters, featuring 27 famous springs such as Five Dragons Spouting Water and Crescent Moon Spring. Serene environment, one of Jinan's four major spring clusters. Contains historical relics like Qin Qiong Temple.
Spring City Square
Jinan's central square, with the iconic "Spring Symbol" representing the Spring City's character. The large music fountain performance is a highlight, surrounded by bustling commercial areas — an ideal leisure and sightseeing spot.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Boutique hotels near Baotu Spring
  • Business hotels near Spring City Square
  • Characteristic homestays on Furong Street
Food Recommendations
  • Oil Swirl (Youxuan)
  • Sweet Foam (Tianmo)
  • Nine-Turn Large Intestine
  • Braised Pork (Bazirou)
Travel Tips
  • Electronic audio guides available at Baotu Spring (¥20/time)
  • Arrive 15 minutes early for a good spot at the music fountain
  • Furong Street is very crowded in the evening; consider visiting off-peak
02
Lake Charm Stroll
Daming Lake Scenic Area · Qushuiting Street · Baihua Islet · Kuanhouli
Highlights

Morning: Explore Daming Lake, take a boat to enjoy lake and mountain views, visit historic sites like Lixia Pavilion. Afternoon: Stroll along Qushuiting Street to experience the atmosphere of "Every household has springs, every door has weeping willows." Evening: Explore Kuanhouli, a commercial district blending ancient and modern.

Attractions
Daming Lake Scenic Area
National 5A-level scenic area (joint), one of Jinan's three famous landmarks. Formed by numerous springs, it is known as the "Pearl of Spring City." The lakeshore features historic sites such as Lixia Pavilion, Chaoran Tower, and Nanfeng Ancestral Hall.
Qushuiting Street
Jinan's historic cultural street, known as a "living ancient street." Streams gurgle alongside the street, residences are built along the water, preserving the Spring City style of "every household has springs, every door has weeping willows." Many traditional handicraft shops line the street.
Kuanhouli
A commercial district characterized by traditional Jinan architectural style, gathering numerous specialty restaurants, cultural creative shops, and time-honored brands. Adjacent to Liberation Pavilion, brilliantly lit at night — a popular photo spot.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Multiple bus routes reach Daming Lake (K11, K41, K109, etc.)
  • Qushuiting Street is about a 10-minute walk from Daming Lake
  • Take a bus to Heihu Spring Station for Kuanhouli
Ticket Info
  • Baotu Spring: ¥40
  • Daming Lake: Free (Chaoran Tower ¥10)
  • Five Dragon Pool Park: ¥5
  • Shandong Museum: Free (reservation required)
Travel Tips
  • Chaoran Tower lighting: 19:00-22:00 (summer)
  • Qushuiting Street is best photographed in the early morning with fewer people
  • Book popular restaurants in Kuanhouli in advance for dinner
03
Zen Heights
Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area · Shandong Museum · Black Tiger Spring · Departure
Highlights

Morning: Climb Thousand Buddha Mountain for a panoramic view of Spring City, visit Xingguo Chan Temple for Zen culture. Afternoon: Head to Shandong Museum to learn about Qilu history. Evening: Visit Black Tiger Spring to taste the sweet spring water, shop for specialties before departure.

Attractions
Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area
National 4A-level scenic area, one of Jinan's three famous landmarks. Formerly known as Lishan Mountain, named for its flourishing Buddhist culture. Attractions include Xingguo Chan Temple, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and Maitreya Sacred Garden. The summit offers a panoramic view of Jinan.
Shandong Museum
National first-class museum, housing over 140,000 artifacts covering ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, paintings, ancient books, and more, systematically showcasing the historical and cultural development of Shandong from prehistoric to Ming and Qing dynasties.
Black Tiger Spring
One of Jinan's four major spring clusters, named for the black tiger stone carving beside the spring. The spring water is clear and sweet, a popular spot for locals to draw and enjoy water. Nearby attractions include Liberation Pavilion and the east bank of the moat.
Practical Info
Experience Programs
  • Thousand Buddha Mountain cable car/slide experience (single trip ¥30)
  • Shandong Museum AR guided tour
  • Drink spring water directly at Black Tiger Spring (bring your own container)
  • Intangible heritage experience (Lu embroidery, dough figurine making)
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Pingyin rose products
  • Ejiao products
  • Oil swirl gift box
  • Longshan black pottery crafts
Return Trip Guide
  • Thousand Buddha Mountain is about 8 km from Jinan Station, 20 min by taxi
  • Jinan West Station (high-speed rail) serves trains to Beijing, Shanghai, etc.
  • Shop for specialties on Quancheng Road Pedestrian Street

Must-Try Foods in Lixia District

Oil Swirl (Youxuan)

Jinan's traditional famous snack. Crispy outer layer, soft inner texture, rich scallion aroma. Named for its spiral shape. With a history of over a hundred years, it has been rated as a "Chinese Famous Snack."

Sweet Foam (Tianmo)

Jinan's characteristic breakfast. Made from millet flour as the main ingredient, boiled with spinach, tofu, vermicelli, etc. Thick texture, moderately salty and fragrant — a traditional favorite of Jinan locals.

Nine-Turn Large Intestine

Classic Lu cuisine dish. Pork large intestine is cooked through multiple processes. The elaborate procedure gives it the name "Nine Turns." Finished dish is ruddy in color, balancing salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and fragrant flavors — endlessly memorable.

Braised Pork (Bazirou)

Jinan's specialty meat dish. Pork belly cut into large pieces, braised in soy sauce until tender. Fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry. Served with rice — a beloved "national comfort food" of Jinan locals.

Lixia District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Baotu Spring water level is high, flowers in full bloom
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Cool weather, ideal for mountain climbing and sightseeing
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Daming Lake Chaoran Tower light show is worth seeing
Must-Try Foods
  • Oil Swirl (Youxuan)
  • Sweet Foam (Tianmo)
  • Nine-Turn Large Intestine
  • Braised Pork (Bazirou)
  • Spring water tea
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥100
  • Accommodation: ¥200-400/night
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: about ¥50
  • Total: ¥800-1,500
FAQ
  • Best time to see Baotu Spring? → Early morning 7:00-9:00, when the spring surges most vigorously
  • Does Shandong Museum require reservations? → Yes, reserve via the official WeChat account
  • Is Thousand Buddha Mountain suitable for elderly visitors? → Cable cars and slides are available, quite convenient
  • Where is the most authentic oil swirl? → "Oil Swirl Zhang" on Furong Street (century-old shop)

Explore Districts & Counties of Jinan