Heihu Spring, also known as Black Tiger Spring (Heihuquan, 黑虎泉), a tributary of the Xiaoqing River system, is located in the Lixia District of Jinan City, Shandong Province. Positioned beneath a steep cliff on the southern bank of the moat south of Jiefang Pavilion, it lies along Heihuquan West Road. The spring gets its name from the loud, roaring sound it produces as the water rushes out and hits large rocks, resembling a tiger’s roar.
Heihu Spring itself is a natural cave, approximately 2 meters high, 3 meters deep, and 1.7 meters wide, with water primarily flowing from the southeast direction. The cave is built with bluestone and is nestled beneath a rock wall. On the southern wall of the spring pool are three stone-carved tiger heads. Water flows through an underground channel and is expelled through the mouths of these stone tigers into a rectangular stone basin measuring 13 meters long and 9 meters wide. From this basin, the water cascades into the moat.
Local residents often gather at Heihu Spring to collect the water, and tourists can also fill bottles to taste the spring water. The water has a refreshing coolness that is particularly soothing in the summer, providing a natural way to beat the heat.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Heihu Spring
- Vlog about Black Tiger Spring
- Other Attractions in Jinan Downtown
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0531-86925504 |
Location and Transportation
To get there, you can take bus B35, K109, K5, K91, or Tourist Line 777, and get off at Heihu Spring Stop (黑虎泉站). Heihu Spring is situated beneath a steep cliff on the south bank of the moat near Jiefang Pavilion, along Heihu Spring West Road in Lixia District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
Highlights of Heihu Spring
Twin Tiger Sculptures
On September 1, 1991, two uniquely designed sculptures, “Black Tiger” and “Golden Tiger,” were constructed on the east side of Heihu Spring. These sculptures were designed by the renowned Chinese artist Professor Han Meilin. The “Black Tiger” sculpture is carved from black granite, executed by the Laizhou Stone Carving Factory in Shandong. The “Golden Tiger” is made of bronze, cast by the Zaozhuang Arts and Crafts Factory, weighing approximately 8 tons, making it the largest known bronze tiger sculpture in China at the time.
Both sculptures measure 9.7 meters in length, with a projected length of 8.7 meters and a height of 3.7 meters. The highest point of the raised tiger tails reaches 4.5 meters above the ground. The “Double Tiger” sculptures, facing east to west, stand one in front of the other, with heads raised and claws poised, mimicking the dynamic posture of tigers descending from the mountain. This positioning corresponds perfectly with the nearby Black Tiger Spring and Golden Tiger Spring, enhancing the visual and thematic coherence of the site.
Scenic Garden
During the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing period, a temple dedicated to Zhao Gongming was constructed above the cave of Heihu Spring. The temple, known as the Black Tiger Temple, was surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, creating a picturesque setting. Qing Dynasty scholar Wang Peixun praised the beauty of the site, noting the stunning autumn scenery visible from the pavilion’s rails.
Since 1965, the area has undergone significant improvements, including dredging the river, reinforcing riverbanks, constructing artificial hills, and planting various flowers and trees. At the site of the old Black Tiger Temple above the Heihu Spring cave, a new viewing courtyard has been constructed. This small courtyard features a tea hall and a platform where visitors can enjoy the view of the gushing spring and the surrounding landscape. The garden’s design invites visitors to linger, providing a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment for relaxation and contemplation.
