Not just "Xia Yuhe"! The Daming Lake Lantern Festival, Painted Boat, and Temple Fair—Jinan is full of charm!

✨ Highlights of the itinerary · The stunning moment when "Chaoran Tower" lights up: Known as the "Number One Tower North of the River," Chaoran Tower’s gradual lighting at dusk (usually around 5:30 PM, earlier at 5:00 PM in winter) is spectacular and breathtaking, making it one of the must-see sights at Daming Lake. · A romantic encounter with "Lakeside Rain Lotus": The previously viral "Lakeside Rain Lotus" lantern display was relocated on August 23, 2025, to the Piano Plaza on the north shore of Daming Lake (west side of the Strange Stone Pavilion) and upgraded from a temporary lantern to a permanent installation. The upgraded "Xia Yuhe" now features an AI intelligent voice interaction system and aromatherapy experience, making it more interactive and fun. · Boating on the lake for a different perspective of Spring City: Taking a painted boat or a rowboat on the lake allows you to enjoy the rippling blue waves of Daming Lake and the weeping willows along the shore, experiencing the poetic scene of "a boat sailing on blue waves, people traveling in a painting." · Minghu Show: A nighttime feast for the eyes and ears: The "Spring City Night Banquet Minghu Show," performed in front of the Strange Stone Pavilion on the north shore of Daming Lake, perfectly blends fountains, performance boats, mist, matrix light carpets, lifting pavilions, and projection lasers to depict Jinan’s past and future. 🗺 Basic Information Item Information Location No. 271 Daming Lake Road, Lixia District, Jinan City, Shandong Province Opening Hours The scenic area is generally open all day, but nighttime lighting and some venues have specific times (e.g., Chaoran Tower lighting around 5:30 PM, earlier at 5:00 PM in winter) Ticket Price The park is free to enter. Chaoran Tower ticket is 40 RMB per person (half price for students), rowboat 30 RMB per person (free for children under 1.2 meters). Recommended Visit Duration Half a day to a full day; suitable all year round, enjoy lotus in summer and willows in autumn. 🏞️ Main Attractions and Experiences Daming Lake offers diverse scenery, blending cultural and natural landscapes. · Chaoran Tower (Number One Tower North of the River): Climb the tower for a panoramic view of the entire Daming Lake. Inside the tower are exquisite wood carvings, including the 8-meter-tall "Number One Wood Carving North of the River" featuring "Spring City Scenery" and "Galloping Horses." Visiting at dusk to watch the lighting and sunset reflecting on the lake is very pleasant. · Lixia Pavilion: Located on a small island in the lake, Lixia Pavilion is a historical witness to literary gatherings. The poet Du Fu once wrote, "This pavilion is ancient on the sea’s right, and Jinan has many famous scholars." · Tie Gong Shrine: Built to commemorate the loyal minister Tie Xuan of the Ming Dynasty, the old willow tree and stone bridge on the west side of the shrine make a great backdrop for vintage-style photos. · Qiuliu Poetry Society and Qiuliu Residence: The Qiuliu Poetry Society preserves the elegant atmosphere of Qing Dynasty literati; Qiuliu Residence is an authentic old Jinan courtyard house, showcasing local life. · Strange Stone Exhibition Hall: The hall houses various strange stones shaped like animals, landscapes, or mythological figures. The "Minghu Autumn Moon" Tai Mountain stone is the treasure of the hall, making it a great educational visit for children. · Boating on the lake: Painted boats or rowboats are classic ways to tour Daming Lake. Rowboats offer a special charm in summer as they glide through the reed beds. · Sightseeing Bus Around the Lake: Daming Lake covers a large area, and for an easy tour, the sightseeing bus around the lake is a good choice. The bus offers audio guides for the attractions. Combo tickets (including Chaoran Tower and some small attractions) often have discounts. 🚶 Suggested Routes Choose based on your time and interests: · Half-day Highlights Tour (about 4 hours): Suitable for visitors with limited time. Enter from the southwest gate → take a painted boat to Lixia Pavilion → walk to Chaoran Tower → stroll along the south shore to Jiaxuan Shrine → exit from the south gate, then optionally visit Qushuiting Street. · Full-day In-depth Cultural Tour (about 6-7 hours): For those who want to savor culture slowly. Enter from the east gate → walk clockwise → visit Qiuliu Poetry Society and Lao She Memorial Hall → in summer, take a rowboat through the reed beds → enjoy tea and listen to springs at Tie Gong Shrine → arrive at Chaoran Tower before dusk to watch the sunset and lighting. 🍽️ Food Experience When visiting Daming Lake, don’t forget to try Jinan’s specialty foods: · Inside the park: Try snacks with Daming Lake characteristics like rock sugar lotus seeds and Rain Lotus tea. · Around the park: · Furong Street: Jinan’s famous snack street gathering various delicacies from all over China. · Restaurants like Minghu Lou and Hexiang Village: Specialize in dishes made with fish, lotus root, and cattail from Daming Lake, such as sweet and sour carp, pot-fried fish, fried lotus flowers, and creamy cattail soup, rich in Minghu flavors. · Quancheng Road Shopping Area: Shopping centers like Hang Lung Plaza and Shimao Plaza offer many dining options. 🛌 Accommodation Recommendations · Unique Experience: Ziyue Minghu Hotel, located inside Daming Lake Park, is the only lakeside hotel by Daming Lake, offering lake and mountain views right from the window, full of classical cultural atmosphere. · Convenient Choice: Hotels around Quancheng Road or Daming Lake, including some brand chain hotels, offer convenient dining, entertainment, and transportation. ⚠️ Practical Information · Transportation: · Bus: Take buses K11, K41, K54, etc., to "Daming Lake Station." · Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to "Shengchan Road Station" Exit C, then about a 10-minute bike ride to the east gate. · Driving: Park at "Daming Lake Southwest Gate Parking Lot" (about 5 RMB/hour), but parking spaces may be limited. · Best Time to Visit: · Spring (March-April): Crabapple blossoms bloom, scenery is pleasant. · Summer (July-August): Lotus flowers bloom, fragrance fills the air, but it’s hot. · Autumn: Clear skies and cool air, willow leaves turn slightly yellow, very charming. · Winter: Fewer people and quiet scenery, the lake may be misty, offering a unique view. · It’s recommended to visit and take photos in the soft light of morning or evening; rest at lakeside tea houses at noon. 💡 More Helpful Tips · Daming Lake scenic area is free to enter, but tickets are required for Chaoran Tower, boat rides, sightseeing buses, and the "Minghu Show." · Wear comfortable shoes as the walking area is large. · If you want to experience the "Minghu Show," check the latest schedule and buy tickets in advance. · There are tea houses and craft shops inside the park where you can buy souvenirs. · Respect the environment: no swimming, playing in the water, or fishing.