The capital city of Shandong Province is a modern industrial city, and a transport hub for one of northern China's most attractive provinces. Built only a few years ago, the square is not blessed with beautiful architecture, though it does feature a collection of statues representing Shandong's illustrious alumni, who include Zhu Ge Liang, Mencius and Confucius.

Another cab headed northeast will take you to Daming Lake (entrance on Daming Lu), one of Jinan's more peaceful retreats. The 212-acre park includes the lake itself, which takes up around 114 acres. Located near the city's East Station, the park has several manmade, as well as natural attractions.

The lake itself contains six islands, with small gardens and pavilions reached by boat. Its most popular draw, however, is the billowing fountain, whose 103 jets send water shooting up to 328 feet in the air. On the northwest bank is the Tie Xuan Temple. Built in 1792, it was dedicated to an official of the Ming Dynasty court, Tie Xuan.

China's most famous defensive fortification—and now a symbol of the modern nation—is the Great Wall of China that meanders across a northern ridge and is most famously accessible at several sites near Beijing. Lesser known, however, is the Great Wall of the Qi State, stretching across what is now modern Shandong province. Archaeologists believe it may predate the more famous Great Wall, though much of the Qi version has been destroyed.

However, just beyond Jinan's city boundaries is a semi-ruined stretch of the original Qi Wall that compares very favorably with Beijing's rebuilt version. Here, parts of the Wall stand in their natural state with undulating, uncemented sections hugging the province's spectacular hills. It makes for uneven, energetic, but ultimately rewarding hiking. The surrounding mountain scenery is magnificent, and the tourism park (entry RMB30) in which this section of the Qi Wall is located is easy to access.