The Jinan World's Best Spring Scenic Area in Lixia district is preparing a two-week celebration for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, bringing moonlit scenery, cultural performances, traditional arts, and contemporary entertainment to some of the city's best-known springs and lakes.

Running from Sept 24 to Oct 7, the festivities will span four scenic areas – Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Wulongtan Park, and Huancheng Park – with a range of activities designed to blend traditional culture with modern leisure experiences.

The festival will offer several ways to enjoy the autumn moon. From Sept 25 to Oct 7, the third-floor platform of Chaoran Tower will open to visitors for a limited time, offering panoramic views of Daming Lake.

On Sept 25 and 26, evening sightseeing boats will set sail from Daming Lake, allowing visitors to take in the moonlit scenery while enjoying some tea.

Among the highlights is the return of the Daming Lake Barhop Carnival, which will bring together craft drinks, local food, lawn performances, and cultural and creative products along the lakeside.

Cultural performances will run throughout the holidays, including flash mobs, traditional Chinese costume parades, and folk arts. Performers portraying Li Qingzhao (1084–1155) and Xin Qiji (1140–1207), two renowned poets associated with Jinan, will interact with visitors through poetry games and other activities.

The program also caters to families and younger visitors. Wulongtan Park will host a shrimp-catching experience for children, while themed markets across the four scenic areas will feature local food, intangible cultural heritage products, and trendy goods.

Chaoran Tower stands beneath a bright full moon in Lixia district, Jinan. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong Museum]