Pearl Spring (珍珠泉), one of Jinan’s four major springs (along with Baotu Spring, Black Tiger Spring, and Five Dragon Pool), is renowned for its numerous bubbling spring eyes. These bubbles, catching the sunlight, resemble strings of pearls, which is how the spring got its name. According to legend, these “pearls” are the tears of Emperor Shun’s two wives, Ehuang and Nuying.
The spring pool is rectangular, stone-built, and measures 43 meters in length, 29 meters in width, and 3.8 meters in depth. It is home to many lively koi fish, adding to its serene beauty. Unlike the bustling Baotu Spring, Pearl Spring offers a more tranquil setting, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and quiet contemplation.
The spring is also known as North Pearl Spring to distinguish it from South Pearl Spring located in the moat at the southeast corner of Jinan’s old city. The water from Pearl Spring flows north into Zhenyu Lake via the Yudai River, then passes through Baihua Zhou before finally entering Daming Lake.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Pearl Spring
- Vlog about Pearl Spring
- Other Attractions in Jinan Downtown
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 |
Location and Transportation
Pearl Spring is located at No. 1 Yuanqian Street, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, opposite the west side of the People’s Congress Standing Committee.
To get there, you can take the following public buses within the city: Route 3, 101, 151, or K50 to Tianditan Street Station. From the bus stop, walk north along Yuanqian Street to enter the Shandong Provincial People’s Congress compound. Then, turn left and walk for about two minutes to reach Pearl Spring.
Highlights of Pearl Spring
Qing Governor’s Hall
Located to the east of Pearl Spring, the Qing Governor’s Hall stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of the past. Originally the Chengyun Hall of the Ming Dynasty’s De Wang Mansion, it was renovated during the Qing Dynasty to serve as the Governor’s Hall. This hall was the administrative and judicial center for the Shandong governor and later the military and political officials during the Republic of China period.
The hall is an imposing structure, five bays wide and 16 meters deep, featuring a nine-ridge hip roof with upturned eaves. The front is designed in a rolled shed style, supported by six large red pillars that hold intricate cloud-head brackets. Between the pillars are floor-to-ceiling screen doors. The eaves and ridges are adorned with mythical animal figures, adding to the hall’s majestic appearance. A broad moon platform stretches out in front, surrounded by lush pines and cypresses. The entire building is resplendent in gold and jade, exuding a sense of grandeur and solemnity. In 1979, it was designated as a key cultural relic protection site in Jinan, emphasizing its historical and cultural importance.
Haitang Garden
Haitang Garden is situated to the northwest of the Qing Governor’s Hall, just north of Pearl Spring. This garden occupies the site of the “Ming Shi Xuan,” built by Song Dynasty literatus Zeng Gong. Although only one crabapple tree from the original garden remains, this tree is believed to have been planted by Zeng Gong himself. In 1954, the tree was moved 50 meters west, and despite the main trunk withering, new shoots emerged from its base. Today, these new trunks have grown to a diameter of 35 centimeters, with a canopy spanning 8 meters. The garden was once known as “Zhenzhu Jingshe” during the Republic of China era and served as the West Garden of the Provincial Government, hosting distinguished guests and gatherings. It was later renamed “Haitang Garden” after the Song Dynasty crabapple tree.
Haitang Garden is a classical two-courtyard layout. The northern courtyard borders Zhenyu Lake, with halls on the north and south sides. The buildings feature brown-red pillars, green tiles, whitewashed walls, and decorative ridge beasts, exuding an ancient and elegant charm. The southern courtyard is dominated by various plants, centered around a tree pool that houses the ancient crabapple tree. During its blooming season, the tree fills the air with a delightful fragrance. The garden is also surrounded by dense bamboo groves and lush paulownia trees, creating a serene and shaded environment that enhances the tranquility of the courtyard.
