Jinan (济南) is a long story, so give it some time. It’s best to do your research and decide beforehand where you want to stay and how you want to get around. Otherwise you’ll end up in sea of congestion, traffic, and confusion.
There are simply countless great places to eat, play, and explore in Jinan. Once you’ve found a few reliable watering holes, you won’t feel too alienated by China’s odd growing pains. You can then spread your wings and do some shopping in some of Jinan’s bustling shopping centres throughout the city. After exploring super-modern highrise department stores and underground malls you can stumble through old alleys and get to know how the Chinese fill their shelves.
Fast Facts about Jinan
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Claim to Fame: |
Eastern China, Shandong Province.
6 to 7 Million.
Predominantly Han Chinese.
Mandarin (普通话) and Jinan-talk (济南话).
Shandong Style - Lots of garlic and onion.
"+86 531" from abroad. "0531" from within China.
Air, train, bus.
Extensive bus system, taxis, bicycles popular.
Dips below freezing in winter. Average temperature of 27°C in July.
City of Springs (Baotu Spring, Wulong Spring), Capital of Shandong Province, Home of Shandong Cuisine, Thousand Buddha Mountain |
Address:
No. 1 Baotuquan Nan Lu
Bao Tu Quan Park provided me with the best experience I've ever had in a park in China. It’s as if the soul of Chinese literature itself was breathing throughout the park, with natural springs as its gills.
Address:
Center of Jinan City
Price:
30 Yuan/ticket, Befor 6am and after 7pm, free admission
In ancient times the local residents of Jinan were confused as to why they couldn’t hear frogs croak or snakes slither at Da Ming Lake. Today science has led the savvy Chinese to discover that this freshwater lake is fed by multiple natural springs throughout Jinan. Therefore Da Ming Lake’s temperature is too cold for the frogs to get hot during mating season.
Address:
No. 144 Shanda Lu, Near Shanda Nan Lu.
Please don’t order the pizza, and sweeten your coffee or tea yourself at Yos-mite. An appealling locale generally frequented by wealthy locals, the best dishes are certainly Chinese ones. While I clearly erred in my selection, the presentation was still excellent.
Address:
No. 2 Jiangjia Chi.
Five Dragon Pool is one of several locations that contribute to Jinan's fame for its natural springs. Often overlooked by visitors because it is sandwiched between Da Ming Lake to the north and Baotu Spring Park to the south, Five Dra
I recommend visiting Thousand Buddha Mountain every few days during your stay in Jinan. Admission to the mountain costs 15 yuan, or you can purchase a year pass for 45 yuan. While there are many entrances to the grounds on all sides of the park, year passes can only be obtained at the Zheng Men (正门), or main gate.
Address:
No. 4-3 Hongwasi Jie, Wuhou District.
Individual Hotpot is perfect for those looking to dine alone. Hotpot is a boiling pot set right in front of you into which you can place vegetables and meats of all kinds, including special treats like lotus or intestines. The first question the staff will ask you once you sit down at the counter is "La bu la？" (辣不辣)。
Tags: Fast food, hot pot
Address:
No. 34 Jingqi Lu.
UNI-Mart, Jinan’s most expensive supermarket, offers a lush selection of imported and local goods. Next door to UNI-Mart is Kang Kang Fast Food, which features individual hot pot service. The Silver Plaza shopping center (upstairs) is worth checking out, but shop around at other
Address:
No. 110 Huayuan Lu, Licheng District.
Tudali is a Korean restaurant chain with many locations across northeast China. Choose from pre-prepared and do-it-yourself styles of Korean cuisine at Tudali.
Tags: Korean food
Address:
No. 2-2 Wenhua Xi Lu, Lixia District.
A true gold mine in Jinan!
Address:
No. 69 Liyuan Da Jie.
Stepsin the middle of the square lead customers down into an underground wonderworld also known as Quan Cheng Square Shopping Center. Besides a deluxe supermarket that sells both local and foreign goods, many stores sell everything from pantyhose and makeup to basketballs and shuttlecocks.
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