Jinan is a sub-provincial city and the capital of Shandong province, People's Republic of China.

Tourism, attractions

Jinan is known for its beautiful natural sites, and is one of the greatest tourist destinations in Shandong. Jinan boasts a series of old and childhood homes of politicians, philosophers, dynastic officials, and artists. Furthermore, Jinan's purported picturesque scenery by the lake and ruddy waters that flow in and around the city make it more attractive to domestic tourists -- a lot of this was reflected by famous Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. Sadly, industrialisation, pollution, unfortunate "post revolution" architecture and frequent dust storms reduce the allure of its once-spectacular beauty. There are more than a few natural scenery sites in Jinan. Just over an hour to the south, closer to Tai'an, is the famous Tai Shan, one of the five "great Chinese mountains" (Wu Yue). To the north are scenic blue-colored mountains, beside the Yellow River. Jinan is also known for its natural springs, which have only recently become functional again after the depleted and polluted water table was artificially replenished after decades of sluggish inactivity. However, for a great percentage of the year the city is extremely dry.
Tourist attractions include:

• Baotu Spring Park
• Daming Lake
• Thousand-Buddha Mountain
• Shandong Provincial Museum - unique in China for displaying a dead six-legged calf in its natural exhibits area.
• Liberation Pavilion
• Pearl Springs
• Black Tiger Springs
• Jinniu Park
• Baimai Spring in Zhangqiu
• Chengziya Museum of Longshan Culture