|
Facing the Yellow River to the north and bordering Mount Tai to the south,
Ji"nan, the provincial capital of Shandong
province, is located in the central west area of Shandong province. Lying in a basin
surrounded by mountains, the city has a population of 5.49 million people. As the capital
of Shandong Province, Ji"nan is the main transit point for travelers to all points of
Shandong and beyond and most travelers in the province inevitably find themselves holed up
here for a night or two. With a long history, Ji"nan is considered most famous for its proximity to Longshan
town, some 30 kilometers to the east. The Longshan people, one of China"s prehistoric
cultures, are noted for their production of black ceramic pottery dating back more than
4,000 years. During the Warring States Period, 2,600 years ago, Ji"nan was also a key
frontier stronghold of the Qi State. Embraced in the arms of Mount Tai and the Yellow River, Ji"nan is transitionally
located between a zone of upland and plain, giving it a variety of natural resources and
beauty. It is also commonly known as"the spring city" due to its profusion of
natural springs. Most of the sights within the city itself, however, are a little
uninspiring, as are the springs themselves. But a walk around the many city parks or a
visit to the Thousand Buddha Mountain
in the south can be a nice way to spend the day. |
|