Jinan has emerged as a summer tourism hotspot, ranking among the top eight short-distance travel destinations in China.

This season, hotel bookings rose by 8 percent year-on-year, while inbound visits increased by 18.68 percent, reflecting strong momentum in both domestic and international travel.

At the heart of the city's appeal are its iconic springs. The city introduced 10 themed routes and 30 immersive experiences such as water splashing, boating, and spring water drawing. Scenic landmarks such as Wulongtan Park, Daming Lake and Mingshui Ancient City enriched the offerings with diverse activities.

Cultural heritage and innovation also played a central role. Shandong Museum's immersive exhibition drew over 20,000 visitors daily, while more than 400 intangible cultural heritage activities, such as shadow puppetry and black pottery, offered hands-on experiences. Red tourism sites — locations with historical and cultural significance to the Communist Party of China's history — also gained traction, further broadening the city's cultural landscape.

The city's vibrant arts scene contributed to the summer excitement, with 209 performances held ranging from pop concerts to traditional Beijing and Lyuju operas. Additionally, new digital experiences have provided visitors with fresh, tech-enhanced ways to engage with Jinan's rich history.

Urban renewal and rural vitality have also fueled tourism and spending. Historical blocks have been transformed into new consumption hubs, including highlights such as the Centre Pompidou–authorized store. Meanwhile, countryside events like a tug-of-war competition in Gangcheng district, which attracted 170,000 participants and generated three million yuan ($0.42 million) in local spending.

In the future, Jinan will continue to foster innovative business models and improve service quality, offering visitors fresh experiences while injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of cultural tourism.

The iconic Baotu Spring gushes with crystal-clear water, captivating visitors and embodying Jinan's natural charm. [Photo/WeChat account: quanyoujinan]

The Rowboat Cafe at Daming Lake blends coffee brews with themed boat rides, drawing large crowds seeking a unique lakeside experience. [Photo/WeChat account: quanyoujinan]