Located in downtown Jinan, Shandong Province, the No.1 Spring Under Heaven Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 3.1 square kilometers. Comprising "one river (Moat), one lake (Daming Lake), three springs (Baotu Spring, Black Tiger Spring, Five-Dragon Pool), and four parks (Baotu Spring Park, Moat Park, Five-Dragon Pool Park, Daming Lake Scenic Area)", it's an urban park featuring spring water culture, rated as 5A in 2013 by China's National Tourism Administration.
History and Culture
Jinan has been known as the "City of Springs" with over 2,600 years of urban history. Baotu Spring was first recorded in "Spring and Autumn Annals" dating back 2,700 years. Northern Wei geographer Li Daoyuan described it in "Commentary on the Water Classic" as "water gushing up like wheels". Song Dynasty governor Zeng Gong built Luoyuan Hall by the spring, first naming it "Baotu Spring".
Ranked first among Jinan's 72 famous springs in Jin Dynasty's "Famous Springs Tablet", Emperor Qianlong bestowed it the title "No.1 Spring Under Heaven" during his southern tour. Literary giants like Li Bai, Du Fu, Su Shi and Pu Songling left poetic works here.
Daming Lake's history traces back to Northern Wei. Called "West Lake" in Song Dynasty and renamed "Daming Lake" in Jin Dynasty, its shores feature historic sites like Lixia Pavilion and Tie Gong Temple, showcasing Jinan's profound cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Baotu Spring
The foremost of Jinan's 72 springs, this rectangular pool (30m long, 18m wide, 2.2m deep) gushes from limestone caves. Three jets can reach 0.5m high continuously at constant 18°C. Surrounding structures include Guanlan Pavilion, Luoyuan Hall, and Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall.
Daming Lake
One of Jinan's top three scenic spots, this 46-hectare lake (avg. depth 2m) features Lixia Pavilion and Tie Gong Temple amidst willows and lotuses, earning the poetic description "Lotus on four sides, willows on three; Mountain views fill half the city, the lake the rest".
Black Tiger Spring
One of Jinan's four major spring groups, water erupts from three stone tiger heads with roaring sounds, hence the name. Black Tiger Spring Tower offers panoramic city views.
Five-Dragon Pool
Also called Black Dragon Pool (0.8ha, 4m deep), legend says five dragons dwell beneath. The park contains Qin Qiong Temple and Ancient Hot Spring.
City Moat
Jinan's 6.9km moat is China's only spring-fed city moat. Cruise boats pass Black Tiger Spring, Baotu Spring and Five-Dragon Pool.
Cuisine
Spring Water Banquet
Signature dishes inspired by Jinan's springs emphasize original flavors, including Spring Water Carp, Daming Lake Lotus Root Starch, and Milk Soup with Cattail.
Youxuan
A traditional spiral-shaped pastry - crispy outside, tender inside with distinct layers (sweet or savory). Locals love it with sweet porridge for breakfast.
Bazirou
Jinan's specialty - braised pork belly with soy sauce and spices - melts in your mouth without greasiness, typically served with rice.
Ticket Information
Separate tickets: Baotu Spring Park ¥40, Daming Lake ¥30 (excluding Chaoran Tower), Five-Dragon Pool ¥5. Combo ticket ¥75. Seniors over 60 and students get half-price with valid ID; children under 1.4m free. Opening hours: 7:00-19:00 (extended to 22:00 in peak season).
Recommended Routes
Classic one-day route: Baotu Spring → Spring City Square → Black Tiger Spring → Moat Cruise → Daming Lake. Fully experiences Jinan's spring culture.
In-depth two-day route: Day1 Baotu Spring → Five-Dragon Pool → Furong Street; Day2 Daming Lake → Qushuiting Street → Baihuazhou. Deeper exploration of Jinan's history.
Transportation
- Bus: Many routes like K51, K54, K59, K91 reach various spots
- Metro: Line 2 to Lishan Road or Shengchan Road Station
- Drive: Limited parking - public transport recommended
- Bike-sharing: Convenient for short distances between sites
Must-See Attractions
- Baotu Spring: Marvel at the "No.1 Spring Under Heaven"
- Daming Lake: Stroll lakeside enjoying poetic scenery
- Black Tiger Spring: Hear tiger-like roaring waters
- Moat Cruise: Unique water-level city views
- Spring City Square: Experience Jinan's urban living room
Travel Tips
- Best visiting season April-November (lotus blooms July-August)
- Visit Baotu Spring early for fewer crowds and best water displays
- Wear comfortable shoes for walkable distances between sites
- Try local specialties like Youxuan and Bazirou
- Brew tea with spring water for authentic Jinan experience
Important Notes
- Protect spring environments - no littering in pools
- Watch steps on slippery paths in some areas
- Wear life jackets when boating
- Sun protection in summer, warm clothing in winter
- Secure belongings in crowded areas