3-Day Jinan Itinerary for Strolling with Kids: A Fun and Worry-Free Family Trip!
by ASHER BARKER
May 9, 2025
**Itinerary Highlights:**
- Visit the four major spring complexes for free and stroll through the old city streets
- Enjoy Lu-style snacks at CNY 300 per person and experience the flavors of the Spring City
- Climb Thousand Buddha Mountain to enjoy the sunset and unlock Jinan's most beautiful skyline
**Day 1: Memories of the Old City Flowing with Spring Water**
07:00am Baotu Spring Park (free admission before 7am)
→ Walk along the moat to Black Tiger Spring (free)
→ Experience drawing spring water at Baishi Spring (bring your own water bottle)
→ Climb up Jiefang Pavilion to view the city (free)
→ Kuanhouli Snack Street (recommended sesame cake twist + sweet millet porridge set)
Afternoon:
Lao She Memorial Hall (free)
→ Drink tea in a large bowl at Qushuiting Street
→ Daming Lake Chaoran Tower (free area is enough for taking pictures)
→ Listen to the local Lv opera performance by the lake in the evening (free)
**Day 2: Cultural Walk Between Mountains and Rivers**
Thousand Buddha Mountain Morning Class (free admission from the North Gate before 6am)
→ Xingguo Temple on the mountainside
→ Enjoy a panoramic view of Jinan from the top of the mountain (bring your own snacks for a picnic)
Afternoon:
Shandong Museum (free with reservation)
→ Cycling along Jingshi Road Wutong Avenue (shared bicycle)
→ Taobao old books in the Hero Mountain Cultural Market
**Day 3: The Atmosphere of Jinan's Urban Life**
Zhonggong Grand Fair (Sundays only, accessible by bus)
→ Taste Huang's Roasted Meat
→ Experience traditional barber stalls
Afternoon:
Weiliu Road Old House Street Photography (free)
→ Buy freshly baked beef sesame cakes in the Muslim Quarter
→ Buy Gaoliang soft candy from the time-honored brand on Jinger Road
**Accommodation Recommendations:**
→ Youth Hostel in Lixia District (near Quancheng Square)
→ Homestay in the old city (experience courtyard life)
**Transportation Tips:**
→ Airport bus directly to the city center
→ All attractions are accessible by bus/walking
→ Shared bicycle 7-day card for CNY 6 with unlimited rides
**Hidden Benefits:**
1. No. 4 Wangfu Pool Street Courtyard offers free visits to Qing Dynasty residences
2. Wulongtan Park is open for free on Wednesday mornings
3. There is a swap market on Qushuiting Street every Saturday
This small city favored by Lao She uses spring water to make tea for guests and braised pork to warm travelers. Three days is enough for you to fall in love with the hearty laughter of the people of Jinan and the surprises of the spring complexes that you always encounter around the corner.
Post by ASHER BARKER | May 9, 2025














