Daming Lake Travel Guide

Located in the center of Jinan City, Daming Lake Park is regarded as one of the three must-see tourist spots in Jinan (the others are Baotu Spring Park and Thousand-Buddha Mountain). Daming Lake Park is famous for Daming Lake (also known as the Lake of Great Light) which is a natural lake formed from many springs. Characteristically unique is its constant water level, unaffected by heavy rains or drought.

Daming Lake Park covers a total area of 860,000 square meters (about 212 acres) of which the lake itself comprises of 460,000 square meters (about 113 acres). The six islands in Daming Lake contain flowers, trees and other plants flourishing amongst the various pavilions. The lake is a center of activity and one can find fish leaping near yachts and boats. In summer, lotuses bloom uninhibitedly filling half of the park with its fragrant scent. At the same time, willows circle the lake on three sides and swing with the breeze, a scene for which Daming Lake is famous. The centerpiece of the lake is a great man-made hectometer fountain built in 1985. The fountain has 103 injectors, and the main injector can spout water as high as 100 meters (about 328 feet) in all its majesty.

At the northwest bank of the lake stands Tie Xuan Temple (Tie Gong Temple). Built in 1792, it is a memorial to an official of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tie Xuan. He was a loyal military officer leading the army fighting for his emperor and local people, finally was killed cruelly after the failure. Admiring his heroic spirit and loyalty, the later generations built the temple. Tie Xuan Temple is a traditional courtyard in square shape. In the courtyard are Tie Xuan Temple, Small Canglang Pavilion, etc.

The largest Taoist Temple in Jinan City, Beiji Temple (North Pole Temple), also called North Temple is located at the northeast bank of Daming Lake. First built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), it has been restored many times. This group of constructions consists of the Bell and Drum Tower, the Front and Back Halls, and two other rooms. In the Front Hall, one will find the gilded statue of Zhenwu in the center (a Taoist god), and other 18 mud statues to represent the divinity of wind, thunder, etc.

Because of both the exceptionally natural and man-made scenery, many festivals and activities take place here every year, including the Temple Fair in Spring Festival, the New Year Flower Exhibition, the Lotus Exhibition, different folk festivals, and a wonderful Stone Exhibition.