[2025 Jinan Attraction] Travel Guide for Qingzhao Ciyuan (Northeast Gate) (Updated Aug)

Encounter Mingshui Ancient Town, Unlocking Poetry and Vibrance In the vast expanse of the world, there lies a magical place—Mingshui Ancient Town. Half enveloped in the warmth of everyday life and half painted with dreamlike poetic scenery, it captivates visitors, evoking the serene sentiment of Li Qingzhao's verse, "Drunk, unaware of the way home." Here, the delicate charm of Jiangnan—blue-brick houses, black-tiled roofs, and bridges over flowing streams—blends seamlessly with the unique allure of gurgling springs and glistening waters. As dusk falls, the streets and alleys of the ancient town gradually light up, immersing visitors in an overwhelming atmosphere of vibrant life. 📍 Location: Zhangqiu District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, awaiting your arrival. ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, from dawn to dusk, offering ample time for exploration. 🚗 Transportation Guide - **High-Speed Rail**: Fast and convenient. From Qingdao (1.5 hours), Beijing (2 hours), or Shanghai (3 hours), arrive at Zhangqiu Station for easy access to the ancient town. - **Self-Drive**: Enjoy a flexible journey. Approximately 3 hours from Qingdao and 4.5 hours from Beijing. - **Flight**: From Shanghai (2 hours) or Guangzhou (3 hours), transfer upon arrival to begin your ancient town adventure. 🚶 In-Depth Itinerary **Day 1: Exploration Journey** Start at the West Gate Visitor Center, stroll across Changhong Bridge, and step onto the lively Mingshui Street. Visit Menghongsheng Cloth Workshop to touch the rustic textures of indigo-dyed fabric; enter the Meng Family Courtyard to enjoy mesmerizing traditional opera performances; join the whimsical Fox Fairy Garden Party, don Hanfu, and feel transported back a thousand years. Next, explore the ancient town’s government office and the Great Song Post Office, relax by the Lotus Banquet area, and savor leisurely moments. As night falls, witness the breathtaking "Fountain Show," where drones dance with phoenixes, fireworks intertwine with performances, and the beauty of past and present merges. **Day 2: Cultural Immersion Journey** In the morning, head to the Morning Wine Market to sample unique breakfast delicacies and soak in the town’s distinctive dawn ambiance. Then, board a rowing boat to glide through the ancient waterways, leisurely experiencing the charm of a Jiangnan water town. Visit Mo Spring and the millennia-old Longquan Temple, marveling at the bubbling waters of Baimai Spring. Finally, step into Li Qingzhao’s Former Residence, strolling through courtyards dotted with springs and water-covered steps, feeling the elegance of this legendary poetess. 🏯 Highlights - **Longquan Temple**: A thousand-year-old temple nestled beside Baimai Spring, exuding solemnity and historical grandeur. - **Rowing Boats**: Drift along the waterways, immersing yourself in the gentle charm of Jiangnan. - **Meng Family Courtyard**: The residence of Mencius’ descendants, featuring rotating traditional opera performances brimming with cultural allure. - **Li Qingzhao’s Former Residence**: Springs scattered like stars, water lapping at the steps, every corner radiating poetic grace. - **Mingshui Street**: Bustling with local culture, offering a dazzling array of specialty snacks to delight your palate. - **Fox Fairy Garden Party**: Try on Hanfu and feel as if you’ve traveled through time. - **Fountain Show**: Dazzling lights, drones dancing with phoenixes, fireworks blending with performances—a feast for the senses. 📸 Photo Spots 1. **Lotus Banquet Area**: With swaying bridges and shimmering waters, every shot is a masterpiece. 2. **"Music on the Spring" Calligraphy Wall**: Leave your mark and capture precious travel moments. 3. **Menghongsheng Cloth Workshop**: Pose before indigo-dyed fabric, showcasing the town’s unique charm. 4. **Longquan Temple’s Red Wall**: Against the red backdrop, the solemn Buddhist characters create atmospheric shots. 5. **Ancient Town Walls**: Don Hanfu and stand atop the walls, evoking the grandeur of Chang’an. 6. **Rowing Boat Bow**: Sit at the bow, embodying the poetic essence of the water town in every frame. 💡 Tips - Opt for high-speed rail; upon arriving at Zhangqiu Station, the ancient town is easily accessible. - Don’t miss the distinctive breakfast at the Morning Wine Market. - The town offers rich performances; check "Mingshui Ancient Town" official updates for schedules. - Stay at Shuangquan Hotel for convenience and exclusive Fountain Show viewing spots. Mingshui Ancient Town awaits you for a romantic rendezvous where poetry and vibrant life intertwine!

**Dreamy Jiangnan: The Water Town Charm of the North** Rather than the water towns of Jiangnan in Suzhou and Hangzhou, I'd like to recommend Mingshui Ancient City, hidden in the north. This is the northern people's own dreamy Jiangnan, reminiscent of Li Qingzhao's poems, a secret realm combining the everyday with poetic dreams. **Introduction to Mingshui Ancient City** Located in Zhangqiu District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, Mingshui Ancient City attracts tourists from all directions with its unique charm. The architectural style here is full of Jiangnan's blue bricks and tiles, small bridges and flowing water, and crystal-clear spring water can be seen everywhere. Every time night falls, the streets and alleys are filled with the atmosphere of everyday life, which is shocking. **Recommended Itinerary** Day 1: Start from the Visitor Center in the west gate, first visit Changhong Bridge, and then feel the Jiangnan atmosphere along Mingshui Street. Then you can visit Menghongsheng Cloth Workshop and Mengjia Courtyard to appreciate the characteristics of blue printed cloth. In addition, the Fox Fairy Garden Party is an activity worth participating in. Put on Hanfu and immerse yourself in the unique charm of the garden party. Finally, leave a souvenir at the Ancient City Street Shugu Great Song Post Office, and then taste the delicacies around the Lotus Banquet. Day 2: In the morning, you can visit the Early Wine Market and taste local breakfast specialties such as Tianmo (a savory porridge), Clay Oven Rolls, and Spring Water Lamb Soup. Afterwards, you can experience the rocking boat and shuttle through the waterways of the ancient city to feel the charm of the water town. Don't miss Longquan Temple and Baimai Spring. This is an ancient temple with a thousand years of history, and Baimai Spring is more spectacular than Baotu Spring. In addition, the beautiful scenery around Moquan and Longquan Temple is also worth a visit. **Transportation and Accommodation Suggestions** Mingshui Ancient City is located in Zhangqiu District. Tourists can choose to get off at Zhangqiu Station. For accommodation, Shuangquan Hotel is a good choice. It provides sightseeing vehicles, luggage consignment services, and exclusive viewing locations for the spring show in the evening. **Attraction Highlights** * Longquan Temple: An ancient temple with a thousand years of history, where the famous Baimai Spring is located. * Rocking Boat: Shuttle through the waterways of the ancient city and feel the charm of the water town. * Mengjia Courtyard and the Former Residence of Li Qingzhao: There are many springs in the courtyard, and the water-covered steps are a must-see attraction. * Mingshui Street: A street along the river with a strong atmosphere of everyday life and many special snacks. * Spring Show: The light show and drone show in the evening combine classical and modern elements, which is dazzling. Mingshui Ancient City is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery, cultural landscape and local characteristics. Whether you want to appreciate the beautiful scenery, experience the culture or taste the food, this place can meet your needs. Come to this secret water town in the north and find your dreamy Jiangnan!

Unlock the Beauty of the Northern Spring City Come to Mingshui Ancient Town in Jinan and encounter a poetic spring city. Experience the unique charm of "half the city is mountain scenery, half is lake, surrounded by lotus flowers and willows on three sides." This ancient town perfectly blends the boldness of the north with the elegance of the south, exuding the vibrancy of spring water and a rich cultural heritage. Use this guide to start your wonderful journey through the ancient town. 1. Preparation: Book tickets in advance on the official WeChat account or major travel platforms. Adult tickets are CNY 98, and student/child tickets are CNY 49. Pack comfortable athletic shoes for strolling through the ancient town. If traveling in summer, bring sunscreen; in winter, dress warmly with thick coats, scarves, and gloves. 2. Transportation: ◦ High-speed Rail: Get off at Zhangqiu Station. A 10-minute taxi ride will get you there, costing about CNY 10–15. ◦ Car: Navigate directly to "Mingshui Ancient Town International Spring Water Tourist Resort." Parking at the scenic spot is CNY 2/hour. 3. Itinerary: ◦ Morning: Start from the visitor center and head to the Cloth Dyeing Workshop to admire the dyeing and printing tools, such as the hollow carved boards. The drying dyed cloths are colorful and great for photos. Then, go to the Meng Family Courtyard to appreciate the unique style of northern residences from the Qing Dynasty. You can also watch Zhangqiu Bangzi opera performances at the theater. ◦ Noon: Enjoy delicious food on Mingshui Street or Fufront Street. Spring water mutton soup is fresh, fragrant, and nourishing. Hanging oven baked sesame cakes are crispy and delicious. Iron pot dishes are fragrant. ◦ Afternoon: Visit the former residence of Li Qingzhao and experience the life of the "first talented woman of the ages" by the Shuyu Spring and Plum Blossom Spring. Then, go to Baimai Spring Park to admire the pearl-spitting Baimai Spring, the ink-colored Mo Spring, and the glittering Jinjing Spring. ◦ Evening: Watch the spectacular Quanxiu show in the ancient town, where light and shadow intertwine with spring water, creating a dreamlike experience. Afterward, stroll through the ancient town, admire the night view, and experience its tranquility and romance. 4. Must-See Performances: ◦ Quanxiu Show: Performed every evening from 7:30–7:50 pm at Quanxiu Square. Don't miss the combination of lights, fountains, drones, and wonderful singing and dancing. ◦ Yi'an Poetry Gathering: Interact with NPCs to recite and compose poems, and participate in blind box activities to experience the charm of poetry culture. 5. Accommodation Recommendations: ◦ Inns in the Ancient Town: Fuli Inn has an antique charm and a convenient location, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ancient town's atmosphere, but the price is relatively high. ◦ Hotels around the Ancient Town: More affordable options, such as the Zhangqiu Hilton Garden Inn, offer complete facilities and convenient transportation. 6. Important Notes: Performance times are subject to change. Check the official WeChat account or the visitor center in advance. Some roads in the ancient town are narrow, so be careful. Protect the environment and do not litter.

Hey guys! 👋 You have to check out this Jinan travel guide. Jinan after a snowfall is so beautiful that it will leave you speechless. The city becomes a romantic wonderland. 🥰 With its blue bricks, black tiles, and slow boats, the cold city of springs becomes a vivid picture in the snow. Strolling through the snow with an oil-paper umbrella, you can truly appreciate the city's unique charm and romance, as if you have traveled back in time. 🕰️ 📍 Address: Ming Shui Ancient City, Qingzhao Spring City, Zhangqiu, Jinan. A place full of endless charm. 🚄 Transportation: If you take the high-speed train, you can get off at Zhangqiu Station or Zhangqiu North Station, and take a taxi for about 20 minutes to get there. If you choose to drive, just navigate to the Zhangqiu Mingshui Ancient City Tourist Center. 🚗 📝 Travel Route ● Day 1: Start your ancient city tour along Confucian Business Street, visit the cloth shop to experience traditional crafts, visit the Meng Family Courtyard to appreciate the historical charm, walk through Huxian Street and Mingshui Street, then visit the yamen to feel the ancient majesty, then check in at the sauce garden, post office, and oil mill to experience the ancient city's fireworks. 🎇 ● Day 2: Be sure to visit the former residence of Li Qingzhao and Shuyu Spring to explore the traces of the talented woman; don't miss the tranquility of Meihua Spring and Longquan Temple; Moquan and Jinjing Spring also have their own characteristics, and each place is full of stories. 📜 🏮 New Year Activities 1. Yian Poetry Club 📍 Shilou Square: A super fun event to make friends through poetry! You can participate in poetry interactions on site, and if you win, you can get a blind box gift. Isn't it super tempting? 🎁 2. Fire Tree Silver Flower 📍 Dongmawan: A real-life version of the fire tree silver flower, with iron flowers splashing on dead trees, instantly lighting up the night sky. Every time the iron flowers bloom, it is super shocking and will definitely be a feast for your eyes. 🔥 3. Zhangqiu Bangzi 📍 Sanwei Theater: This is a local traditional opera genre, with performances throughout the day. You can also go to the second floor to enjoy tea and listen to the opera, and feel the unique charm of traditional opera. 🎶 4. Spring Show + Drone Show 📍 Spring Show Area: A nighttime audio-visual feast! Drones form various patterns in the night sky, combined with constantly changing fountains, it is simply amazing. ✨ 5. Year of the Snake Zodiac Exhibition: It is the Year of the Snake, come and see the Year of the Snake zodiac works and feel the strong New Year atmosphere. 🐍 6. Intangible Cultural Heritage Market: New Year Intangible Cultural Heritage Temple Fair, Fire Pot Flying Man, Shandong Yangko, Zhangqiu Core, Chaoshan Intangible Cultural Heritage Yingge Dance, as if you have traveled back to the prosperous Song Dynasty, it is very lively. 🎉 ⭐️ Accommodation and Food Recommendations For accommodation, it is recommended to choose an inn or hotel in the ancient city, so you can enjoy the charming night view of the ancient city, and it is also very convenient to play the next day. As for food, you can't miss the authentic Shandong cuisine. The roasted meat and roasted meat buns at the roasted meat restaurant are highly recommended. Take a bite and feel full of happiness. 😋 Guys, aren't you tempted by such a Jinan? 💖

Before I came to Jinan, no one told me that the winter here is so breathtakingly beautiful. The Jinan described by Mr. Lao She as "an old city with mountains and rivers, basking in the sun under the sky, warm and comfortable, just waiting for the spring breeze to wake it up" is truly a paradise on earth. These beautiful photos were taken in Qingzhao Spring City Mingshui Ancient City in Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong Province. Here is a detailed travel guide: Check-in route Start from the visitor center and go to Fuqian Street (snack and breakfast wine market) to experience authentic Jinan flavors; pass by the Lantern Workshop to feel the charm of traditional handicrafts; walk into the Cloth Workshop (Ruifuxiang) to touch the long history of textile culture; step into the Meng Family Courtyard (including the theater) to explore the charm of Confucian merchants' mansions; stroll along Huxian Street to appreciate the unique folk customs; then go to the Former Residence of Li Qingzhao to follow the footsteps of a talented woman; then visit Longquan Temple (a thousand-year-old temple 📍Baimai Spring) to feel the historical sediment; then walk along Mingshui Street to experience the market culture of the Qing Dynasty; then go to the Yamen to imagine the appearance of the ancient government; visit the Tofu Workshop, Sauce Garden, Post Office, Oil Workshop, and Newspaper Office to immerse yourself in the fireworks of the ancient city. Must-see attractions New Year limited - Intangible Cultural Heritage Fish Lantern Parade: During the New Year, the wonderful intangible cultural heritage fish lantern parade begins, with fish and dragons dancing all night long, as if taking people into a dreamy traditional festival atmosphere. - Brilliant Star Iron Flower Show: Iron flowers bloom brilliantly in the night sky, accompanied by a drone countdown, everyone counts down together, welcoming the moment of the New Year with excitement and joy. - Bonfire Concert: The dazzling music and hot electronic music bonfire perfectly match, igniting the atmosphere and making the whole audience excited. - Flying Fire Pot and Fireworks Waterfall: A dazzling experience that is unforgettable when celebrating the New Year in the ancient city. Meng Family Courtyard This is the mansion of Confucian merchant Meng Luochuan, including the Meng Family Ancestral Hall, Meng Luochuan's courtyard, and theater. Here, you can drink tea by the stove while enjoying the intangible cultural heritage Zhangqiu Bangzi Opera, feeling the traditional elegance and culture. Mingshui Street The street replicates post offices, grain stores, newspaper offices, etc., vividly restoring the market culture of the Qing Dynasty. Walking through it is like traveling back to that era. Take a rowing boat Taking a boat through the ancient city is like being in a water town in Jiangnan, leisurely and carefree. Even if you don't want to take a boat, taking photos on the shore can also capture beautiful scenery. Former Residence of Li Qingzhao As the birthplace of Li Qingzhao, the plum blossom-shaped Meihua Spring and Shuyu Spring inside are clear and beautiful, full of poetry and vitality. Baimai Spring Group Famous springs such as Mo Spring (one of the 72 famous springs), Shuyu Spring, Baimai Spring, and Jinjing Spring gather here, with gurgling spring water, showing the beauty of nature. Spring Show The light and shadow show, drone formation, and spring show are perfectly combined, creating a shocking scene that leaves a lasting impression. Food and accommodation There are various restaurants and snacks in the scenic area to meet different tastes. The scenic area is large, and it is tight to finish visiting in one day. After watching the light show, you might as well stay in an inn or hotel in the scenic area. The next day, you can stroll leisurely and deeply experience the charm of the ancient city. Moreover, booking a hotel in the scenic area (the price of a double room is 300-400 yuan) will also give you two tickets, which is very cost-effective. You can also see the scenic area boats passing by the window from your room, with an excellent view. Travel tips At 8:30 in the morning, there are folk performances at the breakfast wine market, which are very culturally characteristic. Visitors can enjoy Jinan's special food while shopping, or have a tea party by the stove while enjoying the performance, enjoying a leisurely time.

The autumn spring city described by Mr. Lao She🍂A breathtaking two-day tour This is a niche ancient city in Shandong, a dreamy water town in the spring city The bet on the reverse autumn tour is right! "The wind blows on the lake and the waves are vast. Autumn is over, and the red and fragrance are rare. The water and mountains are close to people, and there is no end to the beauty." Compared to Jiangnan, I love the autumn scenery of the ancient city of Jinan more🎋 My elementary school took me to Baimaiquan Park during a spring outing🐲 Now more than ten years have passed, and the surging appearance of the ink spring is still in my mind! This time, I was eager to explore the poetic and picturesque spring secrets of Mingshui Ancient City. I summarized this two-day and one-night travel guide for everyone⬇️. 🚗【About transportation】 I drove from Qingdao for about 3.5 hours. The high-speed rail can reach [Zhangqiu Station] and it takes more than ten minutes to take a taxi~ 🏨【About accommodation】 1️⃣I stayed in an inn in the ancient city~ You can take a free shuttle bus in the scenic area! Don’t worry about eating at all, there are many restaurants to choose from! 2️⃣For breakfast, you can try "Zaojiujiu" 🥢Sitting by the river, the mutton soup with hanging oven biscuits is superb🥣 🚶‍♀️【Travel route】 day1 1️⃣Arrive at the tourist service center, you can choose your favorite ancient costume on the second floor to experience the ancient style 2️⃣First go to Confucian Merchant Street and Bufang to experience the quaint old shops 3️⃣Be sure to go to Mengjia Courtyard to watch the intangible cultural heritage Bangzi Opera🎭Make a pot of tea and listen to a song 4️⃣There are many🪭intangible cultural heritage projects, the lacquer fan experience and rubbing are so fulfilling 5️⃣If you are tired of playing, you can experience the 🍃rowing boats where people swim in the painting, autumn scenery + spring water! So comfortable, and it is simply too good to be photographed🪷 6️⃣Tour the city wall at night to enjoy the dim lights🏮Watch the drone formation! 7️⃣ Also caught up with the mysterious Fox Fairy Garden Party🦊 Led by 8 fox NPC actors with different personalities, walk into the fantasy world written by Pu Songling, and immerse yourself in the fantasy world of Liao Zhai day2 1️⃣ Go to the early market to have breakfast, this is definitely the most worthwhile time to get up early! Sit by the spring to eat, the color, aroma and taste are all good! 2️⃣ Today's cloud scenery is good, the water is green and the autumn mountains are bright Don't forget to feel the cultural charm of Li Qingzhao's former residence 3️⃣ Go to see the legendary "perpetual motion machine" Moquan💦 4️⃣ You can also go to Baimaiquan Park and Mingshui Street