It may be the provincial capital of Shandong, but Jinan tends to be overshadowed by better-known resorts like Qingdao in the same province.

Thousand Buddha Hill (Qianfo Shan) is located about 2.5 kilometres southeast of the city. During the reign of Emperor Kaihuang (581-600AD) of the Sui Dynasty (581-618AD), Buddhism flourished in Shandong Province.

Is this fair or does Jinan have hidden charms which make it worth a visit?

Facing the Yellow River to the north and bordering Mount Tai to the south, a city with a population of more than 1.5 million, Jinan is located between a zone of uplands and plains, which gives it a variety of natural resources and many beautiful landscapes.

It is commonly known as Quancheng (City of Springs) due to its profusion of natural springs. The 2.6-square kilometre downtown area, for example, is home to 139 different springs.

Most had been dry for seven years up until the start of this month when the water started to flow again.

Abundant rainfall in Shandong this year played a major role in the turnaround.

Baotu Spring (Baotu Quan)

The spring is also known as the "First Spring Under Heaven," a title conferred by Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), after his visit.

Baotu Spring is one of the most popular in the city. Together with its environs, it has been turned into a park of the same name, located to the southwest of the old city district.

The spring itself, whose water is highly valued for making tea, covers about four hectares. All the old buildings and relics here have been restored, the springs and ponds have been thoroughly dredged, and the banks lined with stone. Lawns and rockeries have been built and numerous trees and flowers planted.

Entrance fee: 10 yuan (US$1.2)

How to get there: Take bus No 5 from the Central Railway Station in Jinan direct to the Spring.

Black Tiger Spring (Heihu Quan)

Located in the southeastern part of the old city district, Black Tiger Spring is one of the four most famous in the city. It's also the strongest flowing. Fed from a source that flows out of three tiger heads, the spring is worth a visit if interest and time permits.

Entrance fee: 5 yuan (60 cents).

Daming Lake

Located in the northeast of Jinan, north of the ancient city, the beautiful Daming Lake, covering an area of 47 hectares, is scattered with temples and teahouses.

Water from many springs, including the Pearl Spring, the Washing Ying Spring and the Prince's Residence Pool, converge in Daming Lake, and the water here neither rises substantially during rainy days, nor dries up during drought.

Willow trees planted along the shore and 40 hectares of lotus flowers provide additional colour, while it is considered a treat to watch the autumn moonlit reflection of the Thousand Buddha Mountain in the lake's lapping waters.

Boat is the only way to get to different parts of the lake. Sometimes the offensive smell from the oil-powered boats may reduce your interest in the natural scenery.

How to get there: Take bus No 11 from the Central Railway Station in Jinan.

Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm.

Entrance fee: 5 yuan (60 cents).

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