City of springs
Black Tiger Spring originates from a 3-meter-deep, 1.7-meter-wide natural cave. Its name comes from the roaring sound it makes when water gushes out of tiger-head-shaped stones.
Over 10 other springs surround Black Tiger Spring, including Fairy Spring, Agate Spring and Lute Spring.
Fairy Spring's name comes from a folk tale in which nine fairies bathed in its water and loved it so much that they were reluctant to leave.
Baotu Spring Park is Jinan's most-famous spring site. Groundwater gushes to the surface in three spots like boiling teapots. The namesake spring is 3,543 years old, according to historical records.
Sensors measure the springs. And the levels are reported to the public daily. The level averages 28 centimeters annually, thanks to rainfall and water-conservation efforts.
The dark-green springs are 18 C year-round and steam in winter.
The park hosts ancient pavilions, bridges and pagodas among its gardens. The area has long lured writers and artists, who've created works in homage to its scenery.
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) emperor Kangxi wrote the characters ji tuan, meaning torrents, in stone beside Baotu Spring. A nearby pavilion honors poet Li Qingzhao (1084-1151). Inscriptions inside report she used the spring as a mirror when combing her hair when she lived there.
