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.