How Stunning Is the Lake That Even Emperor Qianlong Couldn't Forget?

If Jinan is the most Jiangnan-like city in northern China, then Daming Lake must be its most captivating feature. Unlike the crowded West Lake, it holds the poetic charm of "lotus blossoms on three sides, willows on four, half the city mountains, half the city lake." It may lack the grandeur of imperial gardens, but its spring-fed waters connect the elegance of the Tang and Song dynasties with the vibrancy of everyday life. Today, we'll delve into Lao She's "Pearl of the Spring City" and uncover experiences even locals might not know about! [Geographical Background] Daming Lake is no ordinary lake! It's the only natural lake in China formed by the confluence of springs, with 72 springs converging here, a legend even recorded in the *Commentary on the Waterways Classic*. Despite its 46-hectare surface area, it "never swells with rain, nor dries in drought," resembling a piece of jade embedded in Jinan's old town. Overlooking the lake from the Chaoran Tower, the water reflects the silhouette of Thousand Buddha Mountain, no wonder Emperor Qianlong visited on each of his six trips south of the Yangtze River. [Travel Highlights] ① Morning: A Double Dose of Lotus Fragrance and History As dawn breaks, old Jinan residents stroll by the lake with their birdcages. On the mist-covered lake, layers of lotus leaves stretch to the horizon, occasionally disturbed by egrets skimming the surface to snatch a silverfish. A short walk west, the Iron Official Shrine's stone tablets recount stories of Ming Dynasty loyalists, while the statue of Xin Qiji at the Jiaxuan Shrine gazes upon the land he vowed to protect. ② Afternoon: Unraveling the City's Secrets by Boat Hop on a moat cruise for ¥20, departing from the Black Tiger Spring dock. Watch as the boatman's bamboo pole propels the city to life amidst the ripples. Look up as you pass under White Stone Bridge—the eaves of the Liberation Pavilion intersect with skyscrapers overhead. The thrill of passing through the water gates surpasses even a Disney ride! The route ends at Daming Lake's west bank, a 50-minute "water tour" through the city that's an absolute steal. ③ Dusk: The Golden Hour at Chaoran Tower At 5:50 pm, all of Jinan's photographers rush towards Chaoran Tower! As the setting sun paints the tower amber, lights suddenly illuminate each level, and the bronze bells under the eaves chime. Capture this moment for a photo guaranteed to earn countless likes. A secret tip: inside the tower lies the largest wooden mural north of the Yangtze River, and even the handrails are carved from single pieces of chicken-wing wood. ④ Evening: Light Shows and Local Delights The Ming Lake show after 8 pm is the main event! Water screen projections depict Li Qingzhao's playful "racing to cross," drones form lotus patterns in the night sky, and vendors selling sweet foam have set up their stalls: "Miss, hungry? Have a bowl of braised pork with spring water tea!" [Transportation Guide] Subway Line 2 goes directly to Daming Lake Station, but the retro "Dangdang" bus (Route 777) is even more recommended. With wooden seats and a conductor's Shandong-accented Mandarin, a ¥5 ride takes you around the lake. Drivers beware! Parking around the scenic area is like Spring Festival travel. Park at Quancheng Square and cycle 10 minutes to the southwest gate. [Culture & Food] Even dining at Daming Lake is an art! The "Rain Lotus Hall" on the south bank isn't a figment of *Princess Returning Pearl*—Emperor Qianlong's poem *Daming Lake* is inscribed on a stele here, next to stalls selling fragrant lotus leaf porridge. For an authentic Jinan breakfast, head to Zhang's Fried Dough Twists outside the east gate: freshly baked, crispy twists paired with a bowl of sweet foam (actually savory!), a filling meal for ¥10. Adventurous eaters shouldn't miss the "Spring Water Banquet": nine-turn large intestines stewed in Black Tiger Spring water, tender and not greasy, milk soup with pucai so fresh it'll make you dance, and finally, lotus-shaped "Daming Lake Lotus Root Cake," even praised by food critic Chua Lam as "more stunning than West Lake vinegar fish." [Travel Tips: Secrets to Avoiding 99% of Tourists] Off-peak times: For empty shots of lotus flowers, enter before 6 am; arrive an hour early for the light show. Hidden gems: A stone path near Qiuliu Garden reveals ancient poems from *The Travels of Lao Can* on rainy days. Scam alert: The scenic area is free, but Chaoran Tower costs ¥40 (half price for seniors over 60). Baotu Spring offers half-price joint tickets on Mondays and Fridays. Ultimate experience: Around the Qingming Festival, take the scenic area shuttle (from Daming Lake Station) for ¥30 to visit both Lingyan Temple and the Wildlife Park. [Tickets & Hours] Daming Lake's old area is open 24/7 and free! Chaoran Tower is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (¥40). Moat cruises depart every half hour from 8:00 am, with night cruises until 10:00 pm. Allow half a day, as even watching elderly gentlemen write calligraphy on the ground with lake water can fill an entire afternoon. Jinan locals say, "Daming Lake is alive." It lives in the spirit of General Jiaxuan, in Li Qingzhao's unfinished wine, in the tai chi movements of morning exercisers, and in the ripples stirred in every visitor's heart. When you step onto the stone path and watch koi leap from the water to catch willow leaves, you'll understand—this isn't just a lake; it's a bowl of spring water offered by Jinan to the world, clear, refreshing, and eternally new.