population: 9.4 million

extension: 8,177.6 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Jinan and interested in visiting museums, the Shandong Museum is a must-visit. It's located in the city center and has an impressive collection of artifacts from the region, dating back thousands of years.

Other museums in Jinan that may interest you are the Shandong Provincial Museum, which focuses on the history and culture of the province, and the Jinan Municipal Museum, which has exhibits on the city's development over time.

If you're looking for similar museums outside of Jinan, you could consider visiting the Henan Museum in Zhengzhou or the National Museum of China in Beijing. Both have extensive collections covering Chinese history and art.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Jinan include:

1. Quancheng Lu Da Bing: a crispy fried pancake filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
2. Ji'nan Grilled Fish: a local specialty made with fresh fish marinated in spices and grilled to perfection.
3. Four-Joy Cake: a steamed cake made with rice flour and stuffed with red-bean paste, jujube paste, lotus-seed paste, and sesame paste.
4. Liangpi: a cold appetizer made from wheat gluten and served with chili oil, garlic, and vinegar.
5. Fried Pork Intestines: crispy fried pork intestines seasoned with spices.

In addition to these dishes, you may also want to try some of Jinan's famous street snacks, such as Jianbing (a type of Chinese crepe), Goubuli Baozi (steamed buns filled with pork), and Shui Jian Bao (pan-fried pork dumplings).

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Jinan:

1. Visit Baotu Spring Park: This park is one of the most popular destinations in Jinan and is known for its beautiful natural scenery and ancient architecture. You can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a cup of tea at a traditional teahouse, or watch a performance at the park's open-air theater.

2. Climb Thousand Buddha Mountain: This scenic mountain is located just outside of Jinan and is a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing. It's home to numerous temples and pagodas, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Try local cuisine: Jinan has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes like braised pork belly and crispy fried pancakes being local specialties. Head to one of the city's many restaurants or street food stalls to sample these delicious dishes.

4. Watch a performance at the Shandong Grand Theatre: This modern theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including traditional Chinese opera, modern dance, and international music acts.

5. Visit the Daming Lake: This lake is another popular attraction in Jinan and is an ideal spot for relaxing, boating, or walking around. There are also several pavilions and temples located on its shores that are worth exploring.