Experience the most down-to-earth old-town life — The Green Ribbon of the Spring City, the Moat

In so-called modern cities, besides having complete modern facilities, what truly makes a city great and pleasant to live in is the presence of a large park. In addition to providing fresh air, it also offers citizens space for activities. Jinan’s Ring Park is a shining pearl in the Spring City and is China’s only open-loop ring park. The Ring Park connects Baotu Spring, Pearl Spring, Black Tiger Spring, Five-Dragon Pool, and Daming Lake, forming a 5A-level tourist attraction — “the Number One Spring Under Heaven Scenic Area.” It creates a landscaped center characterized by lakes, mountains, and springs, highlighting the unique features of the Spring City. The Ring Park is a uniquely open park that serves as a great place for tourists from other places to visit and for locals to relax and enjoy themselves, making the scenery described as “lotus on all sides, willows on three, mountain hues all over the city, and half the city a lake” even more picturesque. Every day, there is a continuous stream of local citizens by the river, strolling, fishing, drawing water, and playing, allowing you to experience the most authentic old-town life here.

This is the place where you can most directly experience the daily life of Jinan residents. Here, you’ll find people drawing spring water to take home for use. The water from Black Tiger Spring is soft and sweet in flavor. When boiled, it leaves no scale, and when used to brew tea, it yields a fragrant and refreshing taste. Every day, people of all ages come with large buckets and small kettles to draw water from Black Tiger Spring, making it a scenic sight in the Spring City. In the park, you’ll often see people walking side by side for leisurely strolls. If you’re just a visitor, there are also direct drinking water points here. Don’t forget to bring a bottle to experience the mother spring of Jinan.

Gurgling spring water. (Image source / Wangwang Culture Media)

Jinan’s Moat, also known as the “Jinan Ring Moat,” and alternatively called Luo River or Luo Water, is the only moat in China whose waters are entirely formed by the convergence of springs. It is an important component of the Spring City’s characteristic landmark area known as “one city, one lake, one loop.” Along its course lies a rich history and numerous scenic spots. A single river connects major representative attractions of Jinan such as Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Five-Dragon Pool, Black Tiger Spring, Liberation Tower, and Quancheng Square, truly making it “one water connecting a hundred scenes.” It ultimately flows into Daming Lake. The Jinan Moat was first built during the Han Dynasty, and underwent continuous renovations, becoming largely similar to its current form by the Western Jin Dynasty. In 2010, after renovation, the entire Jinan Moat became navigable, making Jinan the only city in China where you can take a boat tour around the old urban area's distinctive landscape belt.

Boat cruising on the moat. (Image source / Wangwang Culture Media)

The appearance of the moat cruise boats is mostly designed in the style of antique painted pleasure boats, which are elegant and beautiful, complementing the scenery along the route. The Moat Cruise Boat Service Center has nearly 30 boats with a total of over 600 passenger seats. There is a variety of boat types to meet the touring needs of different visitors. The frequency and regularity of departures have significantly increased, and the bus-style operation model is becoming increasingly mature. If you’re traveling with your whole family, you can even charter an entire boat. Everyone can chat and laugh together on the boat while listening to the friendly onboard guided commentary, enjoying tea brewed with spring water, snacking, and having a wonderful time.

The appearance of the moat cruise boats complements the scenery along the route. (Image source / Wangwang Culture Media)

During the boat ride, you’ll pass by attractions such as the Nine Maidens Pavilion, Five-Dragon Pool, Black Tiger Spring, Liberation Tower, and Quancheng Square. The water is delightful, and the lives of the people along the shore are fully visible. You’ll truly get a sense that living by the springs isn’t just something written on paper but is a real, lived landscape. Sailing on emerald waters, with people as if strolling within a painting, follow the cruise to experience Jinan’s unique spring culture and the culture of the Great Shun, and feel the most suitable and comfortable waterside lifestyle that the people of Jinan have enjoyed for thousands of years.