5-Day Tour of Jinan-Mt.Tai-Qufu Jinan, China
Day 01: Entry Jinan

Summary:Our professional guide will pick you up at Jinan airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest day is free.

Day 02: Jinan

Summary:Visit the Baotu Springs, the Daming Lake and the Thousand Buddhas Mountain. (B+L)

Baotu Springs is the most famous “park” in Jinan. It has 3 major springs, rising over 1 meters in height in peak season (though when we were there, there is only a little bit). The city of Jinan is basically a city of springs, where if you look at any water, pond, pool, etc. you can see strings of “pearl”, or spring water, coming from below. The recent development though has probably reduced the amount of spring water available, so sooner or later, the springs will cease to exist in the future if they keeps developing the city at the breakneck pace it has been.

The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is situated in Talmage, Mendocino County, about 110 miles north of San Francisco. It occupies an area of 488 acres, of which about 80 acres are presently been used. The rest of the land includes meadows, orchards, and forests. Large institutional buildings and smaller residential houses are scattered over the west side of the property. The main Buddha hall and monastic facilities, the educational institutes, the administrative offices, the main kitchen and dining hall, the vegetarian canteen, and supporting structures are all located in this complex.

Day 03: Jinan/ Tai’an

Summary:Take car to Tai’an and transfer to the hotel. Climb the Mt. Tai and visit the Dai Temple. (B+L)

MT.TAI
Mt. Tai is one of the most famous mountains in China. When an emperor ascends the throne, he must climb the mountain and pray to the gods. This year’s program included Mt. Tai as a weekend trip. We took Friday off and took a train there. After finishing dinner, we started climbing at 8:00 pm. Reached the peak at 12:30/2:30, depending on which group you’re in. After a few hours of rest, we saw the sunset and started our climb down.

Day 04: Tai’an/ Qufu

Summary:Take car to Qufu and transfer to the hotel. Visit the Confucius Mansion, the Confucius Temple and the Confucius Forest. (B+L)

CONFUCIUS MANSION

Qufu is the site of the Confucian Mansion, Confucius’ Temple and the Confucian Graveyard, which are world famous tourist attractions. The Confucian Mansion, also known as the Mansion of the Sacred Lord of Yan, was where the great educator’s scions lived. The buildings that have remained to this day were erected during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The garden behind the mansion is a typical residential garden.

Day 05: Qufu/ Jinan/ Exit

Summary:Transfer back to Jinan. Tour ends. (B)