Daming Lake

Historical Overview
First mentioned in the Shui Jing Zhu (Water Classic) during the Northern Wei Dynasty (467–500 CE), Daming Lake has been a focal point of Jinan’s identity for millennia. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty praised its beauty, leaving inscriptions that still adorn its pavilions. The lake expanded in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) after local governor Li Gongyu dredged its waters to prevent floods. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE), it became a retreat for scholars, who built villas and gardens along its banks. Today, it remains a living museum of China’s hydrological and cultural history.

Geographical Layout
The lake is divided into three sections connected by bridges and causeways:

• Northern Shore: Home to the iconic Lixia Pavilion (Pavilion of the Setting Sun), where poets gathered to admire autumn sunsets.
• Central Area: Features the Iron Cormorant Temple (Tielao Temple), dedicated to a Tang Dynasty general, and the North Pole Temple, a Taoist sanctuary.
• Southern Bank: Hosts the Xiaoxing Garden, a Qing Dynasty-style garden with rockeries, lotus ponds, and a replica of the Historic Jinan City Wall.
  Key structures include the Nine-Turn Bridge, Thirty-Six-Meter Corridor, and Fishing Platform, all reflecting classical Chinese garden design.

Major Attractions

1. Lixia Pavilion: A Ming Dynasty structure offering panoramic lake views, immortalized in Li Bai’s poem "Autumn Thoughts at Lixia Pavilion."
2. Iron Cormorant Temple: A Tang Dynasty temple housing a 1,000-year-old iron statue of a cormorant, said to predict floods if it rusts.
3. North Pole Temple: A Taoist temple with a 7.5-meter-tall statue of the Goddess of the North Star.
4. Xiaoxing Garden: A recreated Qing Dynasty garden with a 300-year-old ginkgo tree and a "lotus-shaped" pavilion.
5. Boat Tours: Rowboats and electric vessels cruise past reed beds, heron habitats, and the Historic Daming Lake Gate.
6. spring Garden: Showcases Jinan’s famous springs, including the bubbling Ma Spring and Gong Spring.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2 hours):
   Southern Gate → Xiaoxing Garden → Nine-Turn Bridge → Lixia Pavilion → Iron Cormorant Temple → Boat Tour.
   Highlights: Core pavilions and a lakeside cruise.

2. Cultural Route (3–4 hours):
   Southern Gate → Xiaoxing Garden → North Pole Temple → Thirty-Six-Meter Corridor → Lixia Pavilion → Spring Garden → Iron Cormorant Temple.
   Highlights: Taoist temples and Qing Dynasty gardens.

3. Full Experience (5–6 hours):
   Southern Gate → Xiaoxing Garden → North Pole Temple → Lixia Pavilion → Boat Tour → Spring Garden → Iron Cormorant Temple → Historic Jinan City Wall → Northern Shore tea House.
   Highlights: In-depth exploration of all sections, including a tea break at a lakeside pavilion.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via the official website (www.daminglake.com) or WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Purchase at the Southern Gate ticket office.
• Prices:
  • Peak Season (April–October): ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (November–March): ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

• By Subway: Line 1 to Daming Lake Station (Exit D), 5-minute walk to Southern Gate.
• By Bus: Routes 5, 11, 41, or 66 to Daming Lake Stop.
• By Taxi: Direct to Southern Gate (address: 271 Daminghu Road, Jinan).
• Self-Drive: Use Jinan Inner Ring Expressway and exit at Daming Lake North.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–3 PM; visit early (7:00 AM opening) or late (after 5 PM).
• Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
• Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for lotus blooms and autumn foliage.
• Essentials:
  • Wear comfortable shoes (10,000+ steps possible).
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen (limited shade in central areas).
  • Photography allowed (no drones).
  • Prohibited items: Outside food, fishing gear, and bicycles.