Overview
Mingshui Ancient City is built around the Baima Spring system in Zhangqiu, Jinan, a region famed for abundant groundwater and the distinctive “spring culture” of Shandong. The resort draws from the historic Mingshui city and positions itself as a “spring + city + culture” destination, combining heritage preservation with modern hospitality, dining, and experiential tourism. Waterways flow through the townscape and become the organising element for streets, courtyards, and public squares.
The project is also known as Qingzhao Spring City, referencing Li Qingzhao, the celebrated Song-dynasty poet who was born in the area. Her literary legacy and the broader scholarship of Zhangqiu provide narrative depth for the destination. The result is not a single attraction but an integrated cultural resort: walkable historic streets, spring-fed parks, immersive theaters, and boutique lodging are woven into a cohesive environment for slow travel and cultural discovery.
As a tourism destination, Mingshui emphasizes the relationship between natural resources and daily life. Springs are not only scenic highlights; they represent the living infrastructure of the town. Visitors are encouraged to experience “spring life” through water-view promenades, tea houses, and performances that interpret local history in accessible, contemporary formats.
Cultural legacy
Mingshui’s cultural identity is anchored by Li Qingzhao and the broader intellectual traditions of the region. Her poetry, known for its subtlety and emotional depth, inspires exhibitions, storylines, and spatial design. The destination uses literature as a guiding theme, translating classical references into tangible experiences such as themed courtyards, poetry corridors, and performances that reference her life and works.
Beyond literature, the area’s heritage includes long-standing artisan trades and local family lineages that shaped Zhangqiu’s civic life. The resort’s design language echoes these legacies in courtyard typologies, traditional street sections, and craft workshops that invite visitors to learn about historical techniques. From textile weaving to metalworking, the curated craftsmanship programme supports cultural continuity while enriching the visitor experience.
Mingshui also engages with the broader “spring city” identity of Jinan, emphasizing the ecological value of groundwater systems and the cultural relationship between water and settlement. Educational interpretation focuses on water management, the role of springs in urban development, and the integration of ecological restoration with tourism programming.
Main attractions
Hongsheng Cloth Workshop - A textile museum and experience space that recreates traditional weaving and dyeing techniques. Visitors can observe demonstrations of looms and learn how local fabrics were historically produced and traded.
Wansheng Furnace Forge - A blacksmithing exhibition that showcases metalworking tools and the heat-intensive craft traditions of the region. The site combines artifact display with live demonstrations, providing a tactile link to historic industrial life.
Li Qingzhao Residence - A memorial site and cultural venue dedicated to the poet’s life. It hosts interpretive exhibits, poetry readings, and small performances that connect visitors to classical literature through contemporary storytelling.
Meng Family Courtyard - A grand historic compound with layered courtyards, performance spaces, and architectural detailing typical of northern courtyard houses. It offers insight into elite family culture while serving as a venue for events and cultural exhibitions.
Ancient County Office - A reconstructed administrative complex illustrating historical governance and civic order. The complex includes ceremonial spaces, offices, and public courtyards that frame how the old city operated.
Gui Lai Academy - A cultural bookstore and exhibition space celebrating scholarship and local educational traditions. It is a quiet retreat for reading, lectures, and small-scale cultural programmes.
Collectively, these sites present Mingshui as a destination where natural springs, literary heritage, and living culture converge. The balance of historical narrative and contemporary leisure facilities makes the town accessible to both heritage travellers and modern vacationers seeking immersive, story-driven experiences.