A Late Bloom of the First Spring, Lost in the Shimmering Waters and Chrysanthemums
It's quite shameful and peculiar, initially learning about the 'Second Spring' and 'Spring Rain' songs. I first knew that 'Second Spring' referred to Wuchang's Hui Shan Spring, and the location of 'First Spring' was completely unknown to me. However, I was very curious about this question, and later learned that it specifically refers to Jinan's Baotu Spring. But for many years, it only remained an imprint in my mind, never having taken the opportunity to appreciate its charm. It wasn't until I attended a meeting in Jinan that I had the chance to enter Baotu Spring.
The location of Baotu Spring Park is very convenient, situated in the bustling downtown area of Jinan. Such a renowned 'First Spring' naturally wouldn't be an exception and became a national 5A scenic area.
Baotu Spring covers an area of over 150 acres. Besides its own beautiful scenery, the surrounding scenery is also very abundant. It is bordered by Daming Lake to the north and Qianfo Mountain to the south. It is connected to the Jinan Square to the east, enjoying a favorable geographical environment.
Baotu Spring is also known as '' (Kuanquan), which is the source of the Luo River. Three springs erupt together, not only creating a magical and spectacular scene, but also bringing a huge sound, as if thunder was rolling.
Due to its magnificent momentum, it was named 'Baotu Spring Soaring Up', and was included in Jinan's Eight Scenery. Figures like Zengo and Yuan Haoquan, and Pu Songling, have left poems praising this spring.
The water temperature of Baotu Spring always remains at 18 degrees Celsius. During the winter months when water drips and freezes, a layer of illusory mist fills the spring, reflecting the shimmering pool surface. Together with pavilions and towers in the front, it forms a breathtaking picture.
Jinan, known for its 'Spring City' reputation, owes its name in part to Baotu Spring. Therefore, Baotu Spring has become Jinan's most iconic symbol. Together with Qianfo Mountain, Daming Lake, it is known as Jinan's Three Major Gardens.
Jinan's title of 'Spring City' is due to Baotu Spring, as well as other springs such as Golden Line Spring, Running Horse Spring, Imperial Spring, Ox Bull Spring, Willow Flower Spring, and Worry-Free Spring, all of which constitute Jinan's Four Spring Clusters.
Baotu Spring has a history of over 3500 years. The Shuangdi Stele is also a significant attraction when visiting Baotu Spring. As the name suggests, the 'Double Emperor' refers to the reigns of Kangxi and Qianlong. It is rare for two emperors separated by decades to inscribe their names on the same stone tablet, isn't it?The 'First Spring' honor originated from Kangxi's inscription.
Yuquan Spring is adjacent to the memorial hall of the renowned Song Dynasty female writer Li Qingzhao. It is said that this famous female poet's surviving work 'Yuquan Collection' was derived from this spring.
It was quite by chance that I was able to visit Baotu Spring and happened to be during the Chrysanthemum Exhibition. While enjoying the scenery of the spring, I could also appreciate a variety of rare and beautiful chrysanthemums, which made the trip worthwhile.
Looking at the vibrant and colorful chrysanthemums blooming in clusters, I wandered through the pavilions and courtyards, recalling 'East of the Villa, Yellow Wine in the Sleeve'. It's said that even if there are sorrows, pulling back the curtain in the west, people are as thin as golden flowers. Although the expression in the poem is somewhat melancholy, I felt it matched the scene at that moment.
I don't really have any knowledge of flowers, but it didn't affect me from wandering around and returning, trying to capture beautiful shots with my amateur photography skills.
Borrowing a line from Mo Ci's poem: 'Not favoring chrysanthemums, this flower will wither and disappear completely.'
Currently in the spring equinox, with the revival of spring, let's step into nature again...
I'm a time traveler, and among the vast amount of articles, this article can be seen by you, which is our fate. Your attention is the best interpretation of this encounter. I look forward to seeing your future visits.
