3-Day Jinan Itinerary  Exploring Famous Springs, Historical Sites & Authentic Shandong Cuisine
3-Day Jinan Itinerary Exploring Famous Springs, Historical Sites & Authentic Shandong Cuisine

Welcome to Jinan the City of Springs where ancient history meets natural beauty in Shandong Province

Duration of 3 Days

Springs
History
Culture
Food
Nature
Architecture
Traditional
Waterways

Best Time to Visit

Spring AprilMay and Autumn SeptemberOctober

Local Cuisine

Shandong cuisine known for seafood and savory flavors

Famous For

Natural springs historical sites and traditional architecture

Language

Mandarin with some English in tourist areas

Currency

Chinese Yuan RMB

Transportation

Public buses taxis and walking in city center

Highlights

This 3day itinerary explores Jinas famous springs historical sites and cultural heritage offering a perfect blend of natural wonders traditional architecture and authentic Shandong cuisine

Itinerary

1Day 1 Springs and Ancient Streets

Distance:1.2 km
Walking

A pleasant walk through the historic district, passing by traditional architecture and local shops. Follow Quancheng Road eastward.

Duration: 15-20 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick and convenient option, especially if you're tired from walking. Cost around 10-15 RMB.

Duration: 5-7 minutes

directionBus

Take bus No. 3 or K51 from Baotu Spring stop to Furong Street stop. Fare: 2 RMB.

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Furong Street

Furong Street

time00:11-00:13
addressFurong Street, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, China

Explore the traditional architecture and local shops along Furong Street experiencing the historical charm of old Jinan

Distance:300 meters
Walking

Jufengde Restaurant is located on Furong Street itself, just a short walk from the main entrance of the street.

Duration: 5 minutes

Walking

The restaurant is part of the Furong Street food experience, easily accessible within the pedestrian street.

Duration: 5 minutes

Local Cuisine Experience

Local Cuisine Experience

time00:13-00:14
address123 Quancheng Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province

Enjoy authentic Shandong cuisine for lunch featuring local specialties like sweet and sour carp and braised pork

Distance:800 meters
Walking

Walk south along Furong Street, then turn west toward Heihuquan Road. Follow signs to Black Tiger Spring.

Duration: 10-12 minutes

directionTaxi

Short taxi ride through the old city area. Cost: 8-12 RMB.

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Black Tiger Spring

Black Tiger Spring

time00:14-00:15
addressHeihuquan West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province

Visit Black Tiger Spring where water gushes from three stone tiger heads creating a unique natural spectacle

Distance:400 meters
Walking

Direct connection between the two spring sites. Follow the marked path along the spring water channels.

Duration: 5-7 minutes

Walking

Both attractions are part of the same spring complex, connected by scenic walkways.

Duration: 5 minutes

Five Dragon Pool Park

Five Dragon Pool Park

time00:15-00:17
addressNo 1 Baotuquan North Road Lixia District Jinan Shandong Province

Discover Five Dragon Pool Park featuring multiple springs and ancient pavilions surrounded by beautiful gardens

Distance:1.5 km
Walking

Walk north along the spring channels, then east toward the city center. Tea houses are typically in the Quancheng Square area.

Duration: 18-20 minutes

directionTaxi

Convenient after a day of walking. Ask for 'Chuantong Chaguan' near Quancheng Square. Cost: 12-15 RMB.

Duration: 6-8 minutes

directionBus

Take bus No. 5 from Wulongtan stop to Quancheng Square stop. Fare: 2 RMB.

Duration: 12-15 minutes

Traditional Tea House

Traditional Tea House

time00:19-00:20
addressLixia District Jinan Shandong Province China

Experience evening tea culture at a traditional tea house learning about Chinese tea ceremonies and local tea varieties

2Day 2 Lakes and Mountain Views

Distance:2.5 km
Walking

Scenic walk along the lake's eastern shore, then south to Lixia Pavilion. Enjoy views of the lake and city.

Duration: 25-30 minutes

directionTaxi

Direct route via Daminghu Road. Cost: 15-20 RMB.

Duration: 8-10 minutes

Boat

Take a pleasure boat from Daming Lake to the area near Lixia Pavilion. Scenic water route with spring views. Fare: 30-50 RMB.

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Lixia Pavilion

Lixia Pavilion

time00:11-00:12
addressInside Daming Lake Park, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province

Visit the ancient Lixia Pavilion offering panoramic views of Daming Lake and surrounding cityscape

Distance:200 meters
Walking

Most lakeside restaurants are within walking distance of Lixia Pavilion, offering views of Daming Lake.

Duration: 3 minutes

Walking

The restaurant area is adjacent to Lixia Pavilion, with traditional architecture and lake views.

Duration: 2-3 minutes

Lakeside Dining

Lakeside Dining

time00:12-00:13
addressDaming Lake Scenic Area, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province

Enjoy lunch featuring lakeinspired dishes including fresh fish and lotus root specialties

Distance:3 km
directionTaxi

Most convenient option. Ask for 'Qianfo Shan' (Thousand Buddha Mountain). Cost: 18-25 RMB.

Duration: 10-12 minutes

directionBus

Take bus No. K51 or 66 from Daminghu stop to Qianfoshan stop. Fare: 2 RMB.

Duration: 20-25 minutes

Walking + Cable Car

Walk to the mountain base (15 min), then take cable car to the top (15-20 min). Cable car fare: 40-60 RMB.

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Thousand Buddha Mountain

Thousand Buddha Mountain

time00:13-00:16
address18 Jingshiyi Road Lixia District Jinan Shandong Province China

Explore Thousand Buddha Mountain featuring numerous Buddhist carvings and statues dating back to Sui and Tang dynasties

Distance:500 meters
Walking

Xingguo Temple is located on the southern slope of Thousand Buddha Mountain. Follow the marked temple path downhill.

Duration: 8-10 minutes

Walking

Descend from the mountain peak along the temple trail, enjoying panoramic city views along the way.

Duration: 10 minutes

Xingguo Temple

Xingguo Temple

time00:16-00:17
addressXingguo Temple Jinan Shandong Province China

Visit Xingguo Temple at the mountains foot featuring ancient architecture and peaceful courtyards

Distance:4 km
directionTaxi

Recommended for evening travel. Ask for 'Yeshi' (night market) - typically refers to Furong Street night market. Cost: 20-25 RMB.

Duration: 12-15 minutes

directionBus

Take bus No. 64 from Qianfoshan stop to Furong Street stop. Fare: 2 RMB.

Duration: 25-30 minutes

directionMetro

Walk to Qianfoshan Station (Line 2), take metro to Quancheng Square Station, then walk to night market. Fare: 3-4 RMB.

Duration: 20-25 minutes

Night Market Exploration

Night Market Exploration

time00:19-00:20
addressVarious locations throughout Jinan city center most notably around Quancheng Road and Daming Lake area

Experience local night market culture trying various street foods and traditional snacks

3Day 3 Cultural Heritage and Gardens

Distance:6 km
directionTaxi

Most efficient option. Ask for 'Zhenzhu Quan' (Pearl Spring). Cost: 25-30 RMB.

Duration: 15-18 minutes

directionBus

Take bus No. 115 from Shandong Bowuguan stop to Quancheng Square, then transfer to bus No. 3 to Zhenzhuquan stop. Fare: 4 RMB total.

Duration: 30-35 minutes

Metro + Walking

Walk to Lishan Road Station (Line 2), take metro to Quancheng Square Station, then walk 10 minutes to Pearl Spring. Fare: 3 RMB.

Duration: 25-30 minutes

Pearl Spring Garden

Pearl Spring Garden

time00:11-00:13
address1 Pearl Spring Road Lixia District Jinan Shandong Province

Explore Pearl Spring and surrounding gardens known for clear water resembling pearls bubbling to the surface

Distance:1 km
Walking

Walk through the historic district to find traditional banquet restaurants specializing in Shandong cuisine.

Duration: 12-15 minutes

directionTaxi

Short ride to renowned banquet restaurants like Jinan Restaurant or Shuneng Restaurant. Cost: 10-12 RMB.

Duration: 5 minutes

Shandong Banquet

Shandong Banquet

time00:13-00:14
address72 Quancheng Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province

Enjoy farewell lunch featuring Shandong banquets with multiple courses showcasing regional culinary traditions

Distance:2 km
Walking

Leisurely walk through the old city, passing by traditional courtyards and spring channels.

Duration: 20-25 minutes

directionTaxi

Direct route to the Baimai Spring area. Cost: 12-15 RMB.

Duration: 7-9 minutes

directionBus

Take bus No. 5 from Quancheng Square to Baimaiquan stop. Fare: 2 RMB.

Duration: 15 minutes

Baimai Spring Complex

Baimai Spring Complex

time00:14-00:15
addressBaimai Spring Scenic Area Western Suburbs Jinan Shandong Province China

Visit Baimai Spring area featuring interconnected springs and traditional Chinese garden design

Distance:800 meters
Walking

Walk eastward to the traditional crafts market area near the city center, where local artisans sell their work.

Duration: 10-12 minutes

Walking

The crafts market is typically in the same historic district, featuring paper-cutting, clay figurines, and other Jinan specialties.

Duration: 10 minutes

Traditional Crafts Market

Traditional Crafts Market

time00:15-00:17
addressTraditional Crafts Market, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province

Explore local craft markets for traditional souvenirs including paper cuttings ceramics and calligraphy works

Distance:1.2 km
Walking

Evening walk to the spring illumination area, usually at Baotu Spring Park or along the spring channels.

Duration: 15 minutes

directionTaxi

Convenient for the evening light show. Ask for 'Yeguang Quan' (illuminated springs). Cost: 10-15 RMB.

Duration: 5-7 minutes

directionBus

Take bus No. K51 from the city center to Baotu Spring stop for the main illumination show. Fare: 2 RMB.

Duration: 10-12 minutes

Evening Spring Illumination

Evening Spring Illumination

time00:19-00:20
addressBaotu Spring Park Area Jinan City Shandong Province China

Final spring viewing at evening time when springs are beautifully illuminated creating magical reflections

Things to Do

  • Visit Baotu Spring Park the most famous spring in China
  • Explore Daming Lake the largest lake in Jinan
  • Walk through Thousand Buddha Mountain historical area
  • Experience traditional tea culture at local tea houses
  • Taste authentic Shandong cuisine including sweet and sour carp
  • Discover ancient architecture at Furong Street
  • Enjoy boat rides on the citys interconnected waterways
  • Visit local markets for traditional snacks and crafts