Dengzhou Spring

Dengzhou Spring

Dengzhou Spring is located within Baotu Spring Park and is recorded in both the Jin Dynasty’s "Famous Springs Stele" and the Ming Dynasty’s "Poems of Seventy-Two Famous Springs." Legend has it that it was named so because its water veins are connected to Dengzhou. The spring pool is 3 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 4 meters deep. Surrounding it are concentric pools of the same depth and structure, enclosed by low walls and railings, with a concealed pipe to the north connecting it to Dukang Spring.

Among the many springs in Jinan, each gushes in unique forms, but the most distinctive in appearance is arguably Dengzhou Spring.

Strolling between Baotu Spring Park and Wanzhu Garden, amid rustling bamboo, you’ll suddenly come across a spring pool rising from the flat ground. With its uniquely shaped rectangular design—featuring a pool within a pool—the outer pool’s inner wall is inscribed with three bold, verdant characters: “Dengzhou Spring.” Water overflows from the inner pool and cascades down its four sides into the outer pool, resembling an overflowing plate of nectar. The surface is mirror-like and smooth as satin, with droplets falling like pearls, casting beautiful reflections.

The name “Dengzhou Spring” originates from the legend that its water veins come from Dengzhou by the East Sea. An ancient poem reads: “A vein from Wendeng penetrates Tan City, utterly clear without the briny stench of mirage. If only Scholar Su of Snow Hall were here, to chant aloud amid the ten-thousand bamboos, bathing in this cool purity.” In truth, Dengzhou Spring and Baotu Spring likely share the same water source, both originating from the southern mountainous region of Jinan.

Dengzhou Spring is one of the Seventy-Two Famous Springs of Jinan, recorded in the Jin Dynasty’s "Famous Springs Stele" and the Ming Dynasty’s "Poems of Seventy-Two Springs" by Yan Bi.