The most famous attraction of Jinan is undoubtedly Tai Mountain, the most revered of China's five sacred mountains, located about 75km southeast of the city. The ascent of the peak is an enormously popular activity, and its religious significance has drawn visitors (including many emperors) for centuries. In the same mountain range is Lingyan Temple, the most important of China's four great ancient temples.

In or near the town itself, Daming Lake, Thousand-Buddha Mountain and Baotu Spring are the main sites of interest. Baotu Spring sits in the centre of Jinan and has been written about for thousands of years. It is usually regarded as the most beautiful of Jinan's 700 natural springs and the water which bubbles up is clear and sweet to taste. Daming Lake was formed by springs and now covers an area in excess of 40 hectares (100 acres) to the north of Jinan. In the summer, half of the huge lake is taken over by thousands of fragrant lotus plants and beautiful weeping willows brush the surface of the water. Thousand Buddha Mountain (Qianfo Shan) is one of the most important religious sites in Jinan. For over one and a half thousand years, statues of Buddha have been carved into the rock. The mountain park is regarded as one of the seven most beautiful landscapes in the entire Shandong Province and also has a cemetery standing as a memorial to Martyrs of the Revolution of 1911.

Of course in a city nicknamed "Spring City" and home to over 700 springs, there are a good number that are worth visiting. Heihu Spring in Round-the City Park, Baimai Spring in the west of the city and Pearl Spring are fine examples of Jinan springs, each having their own distinct characteristics, mainly determined by the surrounding landscape.

Jinan Wildlife World is a sizable safari park stretched over a 12-kilometer route which takes advantage of the natural forest scenery to provide a huge range of experiences including Water Bird Lake and Crocodile Pond. Many museums and cultural parks are dotted about the city, and Jinan also has a a flourishing art scene. An estimated one-fifth of the urban population in Jinan are collectors, investors, artists or enthusiasts particularly in painting, calligraphy and the market for antiques. Rare stones, sculptures and any number of other craftworks can be found in the Hero Mountain Culture Market and surrounding markets.

The Jiuding Pagoda Park of Minority Customs can provide an insight into the cultures of Jinan. 16 villages have been constructed, demonstrating traditional architecture each of which offers performances of dance, sport, acrobatics and song. Visitors can also sample food, learn about tribal etiquette and take part in festivals.

The Jinan nightlife is nowhere near as hectic as the scene in larger cities like Beijng or Shanghai, but karaoke clubs, pubs, bars and coffee shops are springing up all over town, as are cinemas and bowling alleys. A variety of sports are on offer as are traditional entertainments such as Luju opera, Xiangsheng (comic dialogue) or even watching the world go by at one of the many Tea Houses.

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