The Lixia Pavilion
On its island.
rheins — CC BY 3.0 · Sprt98 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · HMGiovanniV — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Song Hongxiao — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Zhou Guanhuai — CC BY-SA 4.0 · KangTyngrwey — CC BY-SA 4.0 · David290 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · George Wenn — CC BY-SA 3.0
Jinan's largest lake, whose name means «Lake of the Great Splendour», lies north of the old city and is fed by its artesian springs, so its water level stays almost constant all year; it is one of the city's main natural and cultural landmarks. Nine small islands dot the lake, and a park with historic buildings surrounds it, the best known being the Lixia Pavilion on an island near the east shore, where the Tang poet Du Fu is said to have met the calligrapher Li Yong, while the Chaoran Tower looks over the water from the eastern side; willows line the banks, lotus leaves cover the water in summer, and boats cruise the lake. Entry is free, with the north shore open from 5 am to 10 pm and the south shore open around the clock; boats cost extra, per visitor guides.
On its island.
Views over the lake.
Among willows and lotus.
North of the old city, Lixia District, Jinan
Five Dragon PoolA pond fed by artesian springs and one of Jinan's best-known springs, at the hea17 minutes walk
Black Tiger SpringThe second most important of Jinan's springs after Baotu Spring; its water rises21 minutes walk
Baotu SpringThe most famous spring of Jinan, «the city of springs», an artesian spring whose23 minutes walkYes, entry is free and the south shore stays open around the clock, while boat rides cost extra, per visitor guides.