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Majestic mountains and splashing springs make Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, a vivacious vacation destination.

 

Nestled at the northern foot of the Taishan range, this city of 1.9 million proffers the perfect launch pad for those doing the Taishan-Qufu-Qingdao circuit.

 

The city's urban sprawl packs the cracks among Taishan's foothills, creating a cityscape in which craggy peaks compete with shiny high-rises for lordship over the skyline.

 

Here, the summit most worthy of ascent is Qianfoshan (Thousand Buddha Mountain). This mountain's moniker is a misnomered understatement, as countless clusters of Buddhas populate this 258-meter tall peak.

 

Some 23,000 stone-carved Buddhas, bodhisattvas, disciples and guardian kings lurk in Wanfo Cave - Qianfoshan's biggest burrow - alone.

 

Nearly every square inch of this yawning cavern, which tunnels some 500 meters into the bowels of the mountain's northern face, has been chiselled by sculptors from the Northern Wei, Tang and Song dynasties (AD 386-1279). The floors and ceilings of this gargantuan grotto are festooned with figurines, ranging in stature from Thumbelina-sized tiles to a 28-meter-long behemoth reclining Buddha.

 

The southernmost cliff face is bearded with 130 carved Buddhas and pocked with the openings of the Longquan, Jile, Qianlou and Luzhu caves. While less cavernous and inhabited by fewer figurines than Wanfo, these cavities are also worth spelunking.

 

Visitors can ride a cable car most of the way up the mountainside and rocket back to its base by sled. Sledders whoosh down an 87-meter-long metal half-pipe that winds down the mountainside, terminating at the cable car line's loading area.

 

The mountainside also features several small waterfalls, but those thirsting for a wet and wild time could find more satiating places in the City of Springs.

 

Spring seekers would find Jinan's supreme stream at Baotuquan. While the aquifer upon which Jinan is built spurts through the bedrock in several spots, Baotuquan is the most famous of these once-fantastical fountains.

 

However, industrialization and overpopulation have absorbed much of Baotuquan's momentum. So, aside from the rainiest times of the year, the spring today gurgles rather than gushes.

 

But a picturesque park built in the style of Southern China, and a pair of playful seals splashing in one of its pools, make visiting Baotuquan worthwhile.

 

While Baotu's claim to fame comes from its velocity, the most saturated spot in Jinan is the spring-fed Daming Hu (Lake of Great Light). With millennia of history, this 46.5-hectare scenic lake is today surrounded not only by traditional temples, towers and memorial halls, but also by a number of amusement park rides and games.

 

Daming Hu Park's Ferris wheel provides the perfect perch for a bird's-eye view of the city. Riders can rent binoculars for 3 yuan, allowing them to zoom in on the lake, cityscape and traditional alleyways of Jinan.

 

Hiking hounds and spring seekers will find that Jinan's fantastic foothills and spurting springs make it a happening hotspot for holidaymaking.

 

(China Daily by Erik Nilsson May 17, 2007)