Baotu Spring

The basics

Various tours visit Baotu Spring with stops at other attractions in Jinan: choose from half-day walking tours, excursions with bullet train rides from Beijing, Zhengzhou, or other cities, or private tours that allow you to explore at your own pace. Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours here, exploring the different buildings and gardens besides the springs.

Things to know before you go

• While it’s said that you can drink the water from the springs or use it to make a cup of tea, stay on the safe side and stick to filtered water.
• Be prepared for crowds, as this is one of the top attractions in Jinan.
• There are shops within the surrounding park that sell refreshments and snacks.

How to get there

Baotu Spring is not far from the city center of Jinan. You can take one of several cheap and efficient public bus lines to travel like a local. Alternatively, hail a taxi—make a note of Baotu Spring in Chinese, so you can show it to your driver if language is a barrier.

When to get there

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Baotu Spring as the weather is the most temperate. You can check out the annual chrysanthemum show in October and November, plus Baotu Spring is fullest then. It rains heavily in summer, and winters are pretty chilly. That said, you can see the impressive month-long lantern festival if you come for the Chinese New Year.

Jinan Cuisine

Sample two of Jinan’s specialties when you’re in town: sweet and sour carp (tang cu li yu), which is deep fried and served whole, and Jinan roast duck. The duck dish can take up to three days to prepare to get the skin perfectly crispy and the meat just right. There are also a few snack streets in town, so be sure to hit at least one.