Touring Jinan

Chinese Word: 家 Jia
Family

(Can you find the French Harry Potter?)

(Three Chinese student hosts and fellow international students)
All the international students at Jinan, myself included; through the same experiences we have become our own little family. We have all approached china with the same open attitude. As a result we have not only learned about China, but also we have learned about each other. We cook, study, clean, and travel together!

I truly believe that not many foreigners come to Jinan because everywhere we venture the citizens of Jinan stare (especially on my morning run). There have been many occasions when children will stop and yell “外国人！” (Foreigner) We went to a restaurant located on the local food street and the son of the shop owner became very excited! His sister asked him what he was doing and he literally said “我看外国人 I am watching the foreigners.” Then he crafted hats and airplanes from newspaper as gifts for us! The people of Jinan are very nice and helpful. I can’t even count how many people on the street have helped me! Excluding the hospitality I have received here, Jinan just has a great atmosphere.
(The local food street)

Jinan is known as the "City of Springs" because of the large number of natural artesian springs. Yesterday we visited spring square and the black tiger spring (黑虎泉). 
Spring Square

Black Tiger Spring (黑虎泉)

(People collecting fresh water from the spring, this water is drinkable without boiling)

Old Jinan

People often swim and do laundry in the spring behind me in the picture.

When touring Old Jinan, the guide told us that a long time ago, after the slabs of stone were laid on the roads, you could lift a stone slab and find a natural spring.

Learn more about Jinan from this website!
http://whatsonjinan.com/