Jinan Red Leaves Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Area

Jinan Red Leaves Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Area

Jinan Red Leaves Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Highlights One of the “Top Ten New Attractions in Shandong.”

Red Leaves Valley

Red Leaves Valley

The Red Leaves Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Area is a high-end leisure tourism scenic zone that integrates dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. Covering an area of over 4,000 acres, the scenic area features predominantly wild sumac shrubs as its vegetation. Sumac is the unique ornamental tree species of Red Leaves Valley. As it is situated in the southern mountainous region, which is the main water conservation and supply area for Jinan’s springs, and the scenic area sits at an altitude of around 500 meters—with an average temperature about 5 degrees Celsius lower than the urban area—its mountain microclimate is quite distinct. Moreover, with a vegetation coverage rate as high as 97%, the area has over 300 times more negative oxygen ions in the air compared to the city, earning it the title of a “natural oxygen bar.” Hence, Red Leaves Valley is known as the source of springs, the homeland of clouds, a world of flowers, an ocean of forests, and a paradise for leisure and vacation.

Red Leaves Valley

1: Gate Scenic Area: The Gate Scenic Area is a group of Tang-style architectural complexes. It includes 69 long steps from the parking lot to the ticket gate, a grand Tang-style main gate, a rustic courtyard, and a statue of Zhong Kui in the square. The entire architectural ensemble is elegant in design, skillfully utilizing the terrain. Especially the long corridor on the south side, which is an ideal spot for sightseeing, resting, and enjoying the cool.

2: Brilliant Autumn Lake: Brilliant Autumn Lake is a water area of about 15 acres formed by damming during construction. The shore is adorned with pavilions, green hills, and trees, all reflected in the water, appearing particularly vibrant and colorful in autumn, hence the name Brilliant Autumn Lake. There is a leisure island in the lake connected to the lakeside pavilion by a winding bridge, with a “Tao Pavilion” built on the island. The lakeside also features fishing platforms where visitors can enjoy distant mountain views and close-up water scenes.

3: Rose Garden: The Rose Garden is planted with various plants from the Rosaceae family such as cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, beauty roses, roses, and wild roses. They are either densely clustered into flower seas or scattered among two sets of buildings in different styles in the north and south, creating numerous beautiful scenes within limited space.

4: Natural Fun Garden: Natural Fun Garden, as the name suggests, captures the joy of nature. Over two lush valleys rich in vegetation, bird nets have been set up to create free-range areas. The area is shaded by dense greenery, with waterfalls cascading and birds flocking together. Walking through it, one hears birds chirping, feeling as if in a fairyland.

5: Zhu Lao’an: Xingjiao Temple is one of the earlier Buddhist temples in Shandong, originally built during the Western Han Dynasty. It has enjoyed flourishing incense offerings throughout the dynasties and was later also known as Zhu Lao’an. There is a beautiful story behind this name, the essence of which can only be truly understood by visiting the site. Beside the temple is a spring called Sacred Water, which is also one of the new seventy-two famous springs of Jinan. The water is sweet and clear, remaining abundant in both drought and wet years, and is considered quite spiritual.

6: Vine Garden: Located in the deepest valley of the scenic area, the Vine Garden consists of three valleys stretching over 800 meters. The valley is covered with wild grapes, kudzu vines, and other climbing plants, twining freely over the branches, symbolizing eternal togetherness, hence it is also called “Lovers’ Valley.” Within the area, there are small bridges, flowing streams, pavilions, and towers—all man-made yet appearing naturally formed. Deep in the valley lies a “Lock of Love,” where couples can secure a beautiful promise.

7: Water Fun Garden: Water Fun Garden is a newly developed premium area in Red Leaves Valley, covering an area of over 2,000 square meters, characterized mainly by its picturesque mountain and water scenery for sightseeing and entertainment. The garden largely follows a human-centered design philosophy, shaped by and adapting to the landform, creating a leisure space where visitors can harmoniously coexist and interact with the mountains, water, flowers, birds, fish, and insects. Active visitors can climb, jump, and watch fish play in the water; those who prefer tranquility can enjoy tea, chat, or play chess. It offers shade in hot weather and shelter in cold, allowing you to experience the magical charm of nature, marvel at the exquisite beauty of creation, and leave you feeling refreshed and reluctant to leave.

8: European Style Valley: The European Style Valley is a specialized scenic area primarily showcasing Dutch tulips. With over 50 varieties and more than 1 million tulip bulbs, blooming at different times and in a wide range of colors, all are newly cultivated varieties from the Dutch tulip market. Covering nearly a hundred acres, colorful tulip belts are interspersed among European-style windmills, sculptures, and buildings, creating a naturally beautiful and breathtaking scene.

9: Ten Thousand Leaves Tower: The Ten Thousand Leaves Tower adopts the traditional Chinese hexagonal flying-eave pointed-top stone tower style. The tower has seven levels, built according to the Buddhist saying that saving one life is better than building a seven-story pagoda—a number considered auspicious. As an ancient poem goes: “To see a thousand miles farther, climb yet another floor.” Therefore, “climbing the Ten Thousand Leaves Tower allows you to take in the full charm of Red Leaves Valley, and from the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of all the scenic spots here!”

Transportation

Located at No. 34 Ma’anshan Road, Jinan. There are direct buses from downtown to Red Leaves Valley. The direct bus departs from downtown at 7:30 am and returns from Red Leaves Valley at 5:00 pm daily. Bus No. 65 also provides a direct route.

Ticket

60 RMB (March 1 – November 30), 50 RMB (December 1 – February 28). Children between 1.2–1.4 meters pay 20 RMB each; college and university students with valid student IDs enjoy a 30% discount. Seniors aged 70 and above are admitted free with valid ID; seniors aged 60–69 receive a 50% discount on the entrance ticket with valid ID.

Travel Tips

Bus Guide: Take city bus No. 65 and get off at the Red Leaves Valley stop (3 RMB per person).

Landmarks: 31.4 km from Jinan Tourist Bus Station (South Station), about 60 minutes by car; 36 km from Jinan Railway Station, about 50 minutes by car; 27 km from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, about 40 minutes by car.

Tourist Shuttle Lines:

1. Jinan Tourist Dispatch Center: (during Golden Week, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Departure Point: Tourist Dispatch Area in front of Jinan Long-Distance Bus Terminal

Phone: 0531-85800888 85877803

2. Tourist Distribution Center: (daily departures)

Departure location: Fitness Plaza under Yanshan Overpass

Phone: 0531-81797386

3. Jinan Tourism Bus Station:

Departure location: No. 71 Yingxiongshan Road

Phone: 0531-88316116

4. Jinan Public Transport Tourism Branch: (Golden Week, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Departure locations: Parking lot of Carrefour Supermarket at Jiefang Bridge, North Gate of Sports Center

Phone: 0531-85997756, 65660341 (holiday duty line)

Self-driving guide: G20 Jinan-Qingdao Expressway — Xiaoxujia Overpass on Jinan-Qingdao Expressway — Eastern Section of Jinan Ring Expressway — Southern Section of Jinan Ring Expressway — Exit of Southern Section of Jinan Ring Expressway — Head south on S103 — Zhonggong Bridge — Head east on S327 — Drive 10 km to reach Red Leaf Valley

Parking spaces: 500 vehicles

Parking information: Located in front of the scenic area; free parking is available for visitors.

Scenic spot location

Southern Mountain Area, Jinxiuchuan Township, Zhonggong Town, Licheng District, Jinan City, Shandong Province