Jinan 济南 Jǐnán is the provincial capital of Shandong in the People's Republic of China. It is located in the North-West of the province. In the South the city is flanked by the hills of The Tai'an massif, while the Yellow River passes North of the city.
Jinan carries the nickname City of Springs 泉城 quánchéng because of the many artesian wells that bubble up within the city limits. The water from these springs flows North towards the main landmark, Daming Lake 大明湖 dàmíng hú, and onwards to the Yellow River.
While it doesn't always make the short list of tourists visiting China, there is certainly enough to be done in Jinan to warrant a couple days stay. It is also a perfect base for exploring the region, notably Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, and Mount Tai, the foremost of the sacred Five Great Mountains known in Taoism.
