Jinan is undoubtedly worth a visit for its unique and charming features. The city is famous for its outstanding spring culture, with spring spots such as the crystal clear Baotu Spring located in the city center. The city's scenic landscape, shaped by green parks, mountains, and clear water, turns Jinan into a serene and beautiful destination.

Beyond its natural attractions, Jinan has a deep literary heritage, as it has been home to many famous scholars and poets throughout history. The city also has many relics of Buddhist culture, including ancient temples and pagodas that provide inner peace.

In addition, Jinan is a foodie hotspot offering a wide variety of Shandong cuisine that can be enjoyed in charming streets and shopping centers. Whether exploring springs, tracing the footsteps of literary figures, enjoying Buddhist heritage, or savoring local flavors, Jinan promises a meaningful and enriching travel experience.

Jinan, the capital city of Shandong, is famous as the "City of Springs" for its abundance of clear springs, including the famous Baotu Spring. With 72 named springs among the 733, Jinan offers a panoramic landscape with natural and cultural attractions in the middle of the bustling city.

Baotu Spring showcases its crystal-clear water daily, maintaining a constant temperature of 18℃. Daming Lake, fed by Jinan's springs, offers beautiful scenery with willows, ancient buildings, and Lotus flowers.

The city also features Mount Tai, known for its Buddhist statues and temples. Shandong Museum, with its rich cultural relics, provides a glimpse into the province's glorious history. On the other hand, Lingyan Temple preserves ancient legacies, including the Pizhi Pagoda and Tomb Pagoda Forest.

The city’s historical treasures, such as the first discovered biggest terracotta army in Shandong, showcasing clay chariots, pottery pots, and ceremonial items. Furthermore, Jinan's bustling street represents traditional commercial culture, offering local snacks and cultural heritages.

Explore the enchanting city parks, like Baotu Spring Park and Daming Lake Park, where spouting springs, elegant gardens, and ancient-style buildings await your leisurely stroll. You can also learn about the rich Buddhist culture by visiting ancient sites such as Shentong Temple and Thousand Buddha Mountain with carved statues.

Experience the festive atmosphere of Jinan City through its diverse local festivals and shows, especially during the Spring Festival, Spring Culture Week, Summer Lotus Festival, and Golden Autumn Chrysanthemum Festival. These festivals hold colorful lantern shows, cultural temple exhibitions, and folklore performances.

Try the local dish to savor your taste buds by savoring local delights like Quancheng Big Steamed Stuffed Bun, Milk Soup of Cattail, and Dezhou Braised Chicken in downtown shopping centers and snack streets.

Jinan is approximately 840 km (522 mi) away from Shanghai, and travelers have convenient transportation options. The recommended choices are by flight, with nearly 10 non-stop flights daily taking approximately 2 hours. Prices can vary based on the time you choose, airline, and class.

Shanghai offers around 60 high-speed trains (G trains) daily from Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station to Jinan, with the fastest journey taking less than 3 hours. Generally, high-speed train tickets from Shanghai to Jinan can range from approximately 200 CNY to 700 CNY.

Alternatively, normal trains are available, departing in the afternoon and evening, taking about 10 to 14 hours, approximately triple the time of high-speed trains. Normal train ticket prices depend on factors like the type of seat or berth chosen, and they can range from approximately 100 CNY to 500 CNY.

The optimal times to visit Jinan are during spring and autumn. These seasons offer moderate temperatures, beautiful natural scenery, and a greater chance to witness the city's famed spewing springs.

In spring, the weather is dry and pleasant, while autumn provides a cool and arid atmosphere, making both periods ideal for exploring Jinan's cultural and natural attractions.