The 2026 International Festival of Springs kicked off in Jinan on July 10 with a gala at Daming Lake. The month-long celebration will showcase the city's famed springs and their enduring influence on local culture and daily life.

Held under the theme "Charming City for Springs", the opening ceremony was held at Chaoran Tower Square. The 14th edition of the festival will feature 25 themed programs and 17 supporting events across the city, combining cultural performances, tourism activities, sporting events, and consumer offerings.

The evening's performances traced Jinan's rich heritage while looking toward its future. Against the tower's illuminated facade, actors portraying literary luminaries, including poets Li Qingzhao (1084–1155) and Xin Qiji (1140–1207), appeared in a multimedia performance celebrating the city's literary heritage. Locally developed humanoid robots dancing alongside human performers added a contemporary note, highlighting the city's advances in emerging technologies.

A commemorative stamp set unveiled during the ceremony features some of Jinan's best-known waterside scenes, including Baotu Spring, Qushuiting Street, the city moat, and Daming Lake.

The gala concluded with a symbolic ritual in which representatives from various sectors, including international guests, poured water collected from the city's famed 72 springs into a ceremonial vessel, formally kicking off the festival and reaffirming the springs' role as a cultural bond linking the city with the wider world.

Illuminated Chaoran Tower forms the backdrop to the opening gala of the 2026 International Festival of Springs in Jinan. [Photo/WeChat account: visitjinan]

A stamp depicts the iconic Baotu Spring in Jinan. [Photo/Tianxiaquancheng]

Locally developed humanoid robots take the stage during the opening ceremony. [Photo/Tianxiaquancheng]