Baotu Spring Park
Beautiful Baotu Spring Park is located in the centre of Jinan City, and it is here that you will find the Baotu Spring. In the past, the Baotu Spring only covered 4 mu (about two thirds of an acre). The park itself was originally established in 1956 and more recently has been extended to 158 mu (about 26 acres). This highly valued facility represents the symbol of Jinan City and is regarded as one of the three major places of interest in Jinan. Baotu Spring Park is highly regarded as a well known scenic spot which makes an ideal location for admirers of wonderful natural springs, culture and various constructions.
Baotu Spring is located in the centre of Baotu Spring Park and is renowned as the best of the 72 springs in Jinan. Since ancient times, many famous poems and prose have been written relating to its unique beauty. According to experts' research, this spring has a history of 3,543 years, dating back to the Shang Dynasty (16th –11th BC). The special geographical structure in Jinan creates the special Baotu Spring. The pool is rectangular in shape, stretching about 30 meters (about 98 feet) west to east and about 18 meters (about 59 feet) north to south. Water pours out from the underground limestone cave throughout the night and day, sometimes reaching its maximum of 240,000 cubic meters per day. When water bursts out from the three outlets, the spring creates thunderous sounds and sprays water jets. Sometimes water columns are created that reach as high as 26.49 meters (about 86.9 feet), making a real spectacle.
The spring retains its temperature at 18 degree Celsius (64.4 degree Fahrenheit) all year round. In cold winter, water mist rises and floats over the pool like clouds. Ancient pavilions and halls with colorful drawings and carvings reflect in the clear water creating a landscape virtually emulating paradise.
Pure in quality and mellow in taste, the water is ideal for drinking and making tea. Tea tasting is a favorite past time here. There is a saying here that you will spoil your Jinan tour if you do not drink the tea brewed with Baotu Spring water. To the east of the spring is the famous Wangheting Teahouse, where you can recreate the moment when past Emperors sat there, tasting tea and enjoying the beautiful scenic delights of Baotu Spring.
What's more, the traditional and very popular Lantern Festival and Chrysanthemum Show are also held in Baotu Spring Park every year, which greatly highlights the cultural significance and importance of this beautiful and very impressive scenic spot. There's no doubt that visitor's will be struck with this very memorable place.
How to get to Baotu Spring Park
By Bus:
To North Gate: Take Bus 1, K1, 5, K5, 101, K101, 104, K59, or K109 to Baotuquan Beimen.
To East Gate: Take Bus 1, K1, 5, K5, 41, K41, 82, K82, 103, 104, K51, K54, K59, K66, K85, K91, or K109 to Baotuquan Dongmen.
Jinan Bus Search
By Cruise Boat:
Black Tiger Spring – Springs Plaza – Baotu Spring Scenic Area – Wulong Pool – Southwest Gate of Daming Lake – Jiaxuan Temple in Daming Lake – Sijia Wharf – Xiaodonghu – Laodongmen – Qinglong Bridge – Black Tiger Spring
Operating Hours: Apr. 11 – Oct.: 9:00 – 20:00; Nov. – Apr. 10: 9:00 – 18:00
Note: The boat departs every 30 minutes and it takes about 1.5h for a whole trip.
Ticket: CNY 10/ person/ station; CNY 100/ person/ whole trip
Note: Free for children under 1.2m (3.9 feet).
Entrance Fee | CNY 40; Free for children under 1.2m. |
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Opening Hours | Apr. 10 - Oct. 9: 7:00 - 19:00 Oct. 10 - Apr. 9: 7:00 - 18:00 |
Recommended Time for a Visit | 2h |
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