Jinan
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 02:30
| Jinan is the capital of Shandong Province. It is located 455 km or 282 mi south of Beijing and 1,033 km or 640 mi north of Shanghai. The name of the city literally means “South of the Ji River,” the Ji River being the lower section of the Yellow River today. The city is known for its long history – it is the home of the Longshan Culture, a neolithic culture that thrived in the region 4,000 years before the modern times. Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, is 185 km south of Jinan. Currently the city is consisted of 6 urban districts and 4 counties, with a total population of 6 million. | | | |  | Attractions | Baotuquan (Baotu Spring)Baotuquan is located northwest of the intersection of Luoyuan Avenue and Baotuquan Nan Road. This is one of the better known of the numerous springs in Jinan, and it is the central piece of a traditional garden that is 10 hectares in area.
Daminghu (Daming Lake)In the old days, Daming Lake, measured 46 hectares in area, made up one-fourth of Jinan. Since then Jinan has greatly expanded, but Daming Lake a main attraction in the city. The Damingh Park combines the beauty of Daming Lake with historical sites such as Lixia Pavilion and Nanfeng Hall.
Jinan Yellow River Scenic ZoneThe Yellow River, one of the important rivers in China, flows by Jinan. North of Jinan there is a Yellow River scenic area. One does not find anything extraordinary over there, but if want to take a look at the famed river in person, you can easily get there - the scenic area is but 8 km north of the city center.
Lingyan Temple (Lingyan Si)Lingyan Temple has a history of over 1,000 years. Back in the Tang and Song dynasties, it was known as one of the most important temples in China. The 55m-high Pizhi Tower of the temple was built in the 11th century. The Hall of Thousand Buddhas (Qianfo Dian) shelters Buddhist sculptures created during the 11th-16th century. Standing in the cemetery of temple are 167 burial pagodas, the oldest of which date back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557). Lingyan Temple is located in the scenic hills 45 km north of Jinan.
Qianfoshan (Mountain Of Thousand Buddhas)Qianfoshan is located in southeastern Jinan. About 166 hectares in area, the hilly scenic area has a long Buddhist past. Of particular note are Qianfoya, a cliff with over 100 ancient Buddhist sculptures, the earliest of which date back to the 6-7th century. The nearby Xingguo Temple, originally built about the same time, was reconstructed in the 15th century. Another attraction in the scenic area, Wanfodong (Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas), is a modern creation. On Qianfo mountain one can also take a bird's view of Jinan and the Yellow River that lies north of the city. Qianfo Mountain is 280 m in elevation; one can walk up the mountain following the stone steps and ride up in a cable car.
Quancheng Square (Quancheng Guangchang)Quancheng Square is located in the heart of Jinan, about half in between Daming Lake in the north and Qianfo Mountain to the south. Occupying 16 hectares of land, the square provides public space, presents sculptural works featuring local history, and offers shopping opportunities.
| | | Jinan TransportationAirport:
Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport is 28 km northeast of the city center. The airport is connected to the city by shuttle buses and taxis.
Railway Station:
Jinan Railway Station (Jinan Huoche Zhan), No. 19 Chezhan Road. Jinan East Railway Station (Jinan Huoche Dong Zhan), southeast of the interchange of Beijyuan Gaojia Road and Shunhe Gaojia Road.
Long Distance Bus Stations:
Jinan Long Distance Bus General Station (Jinan Changtu Qiche Zong Zhan), No. 131 Jiluo Road. The station is divided into a northern and a southern section. Jinan Railway Station Long Distance Bus Station (Jinan Huoche Zhan Changtu Qiche Zhan), used to be known as United Bus Station (Lianyun Qiche Zhan), on the square in front of Jinan Railway Station. Jinan Long Distance Passenger Transportation Center (Jinan Changtu Keyun Zhongxin), No. 75 Dikou Road, 3 km southwest of the General Station. Jinan Tourism Bus Station (Jinan Luyou Qiche Zhan), No. 1 Erqixincun Nan Road. Jinan Long Distance Bus East Station (Jinan Changtu Qiche Dong Zhan), No. 113 Gongye Nan Road.
Taxi:
¥7.5 for the first 3.5 km; ¥1.4 for each additional km. | | | | | | | | | |
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