Ink Spring

Ink Spring

Ink Spring is located at the southwest corner of Longquan Temple in Baimai Spring Park. It is a drilled spring, constructed in 1966, with an orifice diameter of 0.4 meters. The spring opening appears dark due to the black cast iron pipe, while the water inside is clear and transparent, making the spring look deep and inky—hence the name “Ink Spring.” The spring water originates from fractures in Ordovician limestone deep underground. In normal years, the spring discharge is 0.3 cubic meters/second, and it flows continuously without ceasing, with a single spring forming a river. The water remains warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a constant temperature of 16–18°C year-round. Rich in minerals and trace elements, the water quality is close to that of natural mineral water. During peak flow periods, the spring discharges 1.2 cubic meters per second. The gush of Ink Spring is deep and rumbling, like distant thunder, with white spray splashing everywhere.

The water of Ink Spring is crystal clear, sweet, and delicious. When used to brew premium green tea, the tea takes on an amber hue with a delicate, lingering fragrance, offering a remarkably refreshing taste. Looking out over the water area east of the spring, mist rises in billowing waves, willow branches are lush and green, and the interplay of water and sky presents a picturesque rural scene that is truly enchanting. The murmuring spring sounds like a zither, while the shimmering water and bright trees create a scene of vibrant beauty. Under the bright sun, the contrast of light and shadow resembles a stunning ink-wash painting.

The spring pool is square-shaped and built of stone, with railings carved from white marble. The characters “墨泉” (Ink Spring) are inscribed on the front and back, handwritten by Mr. Shu Tong. The font is square, bold, and “carries the elegance of the Wei and Jin dynasties, embodies the essence of seal and clerical scripts, and reflects the precision of official script.”

Location

Baimai Spring Park, No. 31 Huiquan Road, Zhangqiu District, Jinan City

Source: Zhangqiu Municipal People's Government Website