Drive yourself on a self-guided tour of Shandong

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: 1 scenic spot with 1 map of entry and exit routes. Over 100 tourist attractions and more than 1,000 two-color images guide you through the beautiful scenery of Shandong. Centered on driving, it provides detailed information on parking, maintenance, and refueling. It not only offers city accommodation information but also includes suburban resorts tailored for self-driving tours. The dining, shopping, and entertainment recommendations in this book are all places highly praised by locals. With the steering wheel in hand, my car and I are ready to set off! This isn’t a dream, nor is it an illusion. The era of self-driving tourism has arrived! This is a travel guide custom-made for those who love to drive. Every word and image dedicated to friends in this book can become a scene after another, like a series of magnificent and vast pictures slowly passing by your car window—whether natural landscapes or historical relics; whether extraordinary mountains and waters or folk customs and culture. It lets you experience a brand-new way of traveling, a sense of freedom, and boundless horizons. Before your trip, open this book to find a route that suits you, remember those cities, attractions, local specialties, and delicious delicacies that leave you breathless, then drive your beloved car or rent a suitable one, and set off together. Give your mood a well-deserved vacation!
Jinan is the capital of Shandong Province. It is located south of Mount Tai and north of the Yellow River, covering 6 districts—Lixia, Shizhong, Tianqiao, Huaiyin, Licheng, and Changqing—as well as 3 counties—Zhangqiu, Pingyin, and Jiyang. With an area of 8,154 square kilometers and a population of 5.92 million, it is one of the largest cities in the lower reaches of the Yellow River.
Jinan is a historic and cultural city. Early Neolithic settlers have thrived here as far back as 5,000 years ago. The "Longshan Culture," characterized by polished black pottery, dates back to 4,000–4,500 years ago and was named after the Chengziya site, first discovered in Longshan Town in the eastern suburbs of Jinan in 1928. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Jinan was part of the ancient state of Tan. In the Qin Dynasty, it was part of the Jibei Commandery. The turbulent periods of the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties saw frequent changes in dynasties. During this time, Buddhism flourished in Jinan, with the Longgong Temple in Liubu, Licheng County, becoming a sacred Buddhist site in Shandong. In the third year of the Kaigang era (583 AD) of the Sui Dynasty, Jinan Commandery was renamed Qizhou, governing 10 counties including Licheng. In the sixth year of the Zhenghe era (1116 AD) of the Northern Song Dynasty, Qizhou was elevated to Jinan Prefecture, known as the "Land of Literature" and the "Wealthiest Place," one of the most tax-wealthy regions in the country. The renowned "Jinan Liang'an"—Li Qingzhao (nèi hào Yì'ān) and Xin Qiji (zì wèi Yòu'ān)—created numerous poetic masterpieces, becoming outstanding representatives of the lyrical and heroic styles in Chinese poetry. Under the governance of officials like Zeng Gong, the city's gardens and springs were meticulously maintained, making it even more enchanting and earning the praise of the literary giant Huang Tingjian for its "Jinan's elegance rivals Jiangnan." In the early Ming Dynasty, Jinan governed 26 counties, including Tai'an and Dezhou. In the ninth year of the Hongwu era, the highest administrative body in Shandong, the "Zhengbu Baozheng Shiyuan," was moved from Qingzhou to Jinan, marking the establishment of Jinan as the provincial capital.
Jinan is renowned worldwide for its abundant springs and picturesque scenery. The saying "Every household has springs and willows hanging from every door" and "Three sides of lotus flowers and one side of the city, half a city of mountains and half a city of lakes" perfectly describes Jinan, the "Spring City." Within the city, hundreds of springs gush forth, with the four famous spring groups—Baotu Spring, Heihu Spring, Wulongtan Spring, and Zhenzhu Spring—each celebrated for their fame. Over 100 beautiful springs are scattered across the city, earning it the name "72 Famous Springs." It is often said, "Jinan's springs are unmatched under heaven." The sheer number of springs, their exceptional quality, immense flow, and breathtaking beauty set them apart.
When visiting Jinan, the main attraction is its springs. The springs are distributed across the city in a harmonious and orderly manner, like emeralds embedded in a lush green carpet. For thousands of years, some have emerged, while others have vanished, all gurgling and sparkling day and night. Each of the 72 famous springs has its own unique charm and beauty. Standing by the springs, visitors can admire their reflections in the water, savor tea brewed with spring water, and contemplate the passage of time, leaving them in awe and longing to linger longer.
Old Jinan, new spring city—modern urban construction and service facilities, coupled with distinctive folk culture. It promises to bring you a comfortable and enjoyable journey.