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Jinan’s districts run east to west along the Yellow River’s south bank, with most visitor sights packed into the Lixia District old town and most transit hubs on the west and east flanks. Here is where to stay and what each area suits.
Lixia District (εδΈεΊ) is the historic core and the best base for first-time visitors. It contains Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Black Tiger Spring, Quancheng Square, and Furong Street, all within walking distance of one another. Hotel rates here run the full range, from 300 CNY for chain properties to over 1,000 CNY for five-star brands. It suits sightseers who want to walk between attractions and eat on Furong Street. Read the Jinan weather by month for more detail. See the best time to visit Jinan guide before you book.
Shizhong District (εΈδΈεΊ) sits just west of Lixia and is the city’s business and shopping center, anchored by Jingsi Road and the Wanda and Parc 66 malls. The Hyatt Regency is here. It suits business travelers and shoppers, and it is a short taxi or metro ride from the old town sights. Mid-range hotels cluster around the malls. Cross-check with the things to do in Jinan guide. For specifics, see the Jinan events and festivals.
Huaiyin District (ζ§θ«εΊ) in the west is home to Jinan West Railway Station, the hub for high-speed trains to Beijing (about 90 minutes) and Shanghai (about 4 hours). Staying here makes sense if you are passing through by rail or want a lower price than the center; the Grand Mercure Jinan Sunshine and several newer business hotels are here. It is a 20 to 30 minute metro ride from the old town.
Licheng District (εεεΊ) sprawls across the east of the city and holds the high-tech zone, the Olympic Sports Center, and the newer eastern suburbs. It is the most convenient base for Jinan Yaoqiang Airport and the Shandong Museum. Hotels are newer and often cheaper than the center, but the area has little of the old town’s character.
Zhangqiu District (η« δΈεΊ) is a satellite area about 40 km east of the center, known for the Baimai Spring group and as a quieter, cheaper alternative. It suits travelers on a budget or those using the eastern intercity rail, but it adds a long commute to the central sights.
For specific hotels in each area, see the where to stay in Jinan guide, and read Jinan travel tips and FAQ for how to get between the districts.
