Name: Jinan

Chinese Name: 济南

Province: Shandong

Status: Sub-Provincial City

Population: 3,527,556 inhabitants

Area: 8,177 km2

Provincial capital of Shandong, Jinan is a modern city bathed by the Yellow River. This thriving city, sometimes nicknamed the "city of springs" due to the numerous natural hot springs that bubble within its boundaries, offers several tourist attractions perfect for entertaining yourself for a day or two. Jinan is above all a transit city for travelers eager to explore the Shandong region.

History

Archaeological discoveries allow us to trace Jinan's history back to the Neolithic period 4,000 years ago. The earliest findings were fragments of black pottery belonging to the Longshan culture, a Neolithic culture renowned for its finely crafted grey earthenware ceramics. Jinan became an important economic and cultural center during the Han dynasty. Jinan was also home to many artists, including the poet Li Bai. Numerous rulers from various dynasties settled here, praising its natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Jinan's development began around 1900 with the construction of the Jinan-Qingdao railway line, which positioned the city at the heart of communications networks. The Germans, who had established a concession in Qingdao, opened Jinan to foreign trade.

Today

Jinan is a prosperous and modern city generally used as a transit point for travelers wishing to discover Shandong. Nevertheless, it deserves a stop for a day or two. It is entirely possible to organize a day trip to Jinan from Beijing to get away and discover another historical and cultural facet of Chine. Jinan is indeed a blend of natural landscapes featuring mountains, hot springs, rivers and lakes alongside historical remnants, ancient relics, a mosque and pagodas. The Thousand Buddha Mountain is one of the city's main attractions. Located southeast of the city center, the park houses a mountain accessible on foot or by cable car. Along your walk, you'll discover countless relics, temples and thousands of Buddhas of all sizes carved into the rock. At the foot of the mountain are also caves that define the area as picturesque. Famous for its hot springs, it would be a shame to visit Jinan without stopping at Baotu Springs Park. Located in the city center, the park promises a pleasant, peaceful stroll and features springs that maintain a temperature of 18 degrees throughout the year. To the north of the city stretches the Daming Lake Park. The lake, bordered by lush vegetation and numerous pavilions, offers a remarkable panorama. A walk through these magical places will give you a sense of well-deserved serenity. Beyond these parks and gardens, Jinan is a pleasant city for shopping. Its historic street, Water Lily Street, is today lined with charming small shops. Its buildings reflect the many years of history and add to the street's appeal. Jinan is also the ideal city to discover the gastronomy of Shandong province. Around any corner, stop and savor a skewer

Climate

Jinan enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Its winters are cold with irregular snowfall. Its springs are slightly rainy with mild temperatures. Its summers are hot with thunderstorms and rainfall, and its autumns are mild and pleasant. Jinan can be visited throughout the year. Spring is nevertheless the best period to enjoy Baotu Springs, while winter showcases Daming Lake at its finest.

Plane

Jinan is connected to most major Chinese cities via daily flights to and from Beijing, Dalian, Harbin, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming… International flights from Bangkok, Jeju (South Korea), Moscow and Hong Kong.

Train

Jinan is an important railway hub. The city has three stations connected to most major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Guangzhou, as well as Fuzhou, Tianjin, Xuzhou, Hangzhou…

Long-Distance Bus

Jinan is connected by road to Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai.

Jinan is crossed by numerous bus lines. The bus ticket costs only 1 RMB per person. It is also possible to explore the city by taxi.

What to Do in Jinan?

• Don't miss the Thousand Buddha Mountain.
• Find peace and quiet admiring the beauty of Daming Lake.
• Unwind at the Baotu Springs Park.