The Black Tiger Spring is one of the biggest attractions in Jinan, Shandong province. It gets its name from the roaring sound of water that gushes out of tiger head-shaped stones. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Jinan protects and utilizes its water supply as gushing resource attracts admirers, Pan Zhongming and Zhao Ruixue report.

Thanks to abundant rainfall and the unremitting endeavor of the local government, Jinan, the provincial capital of Shandong that is dubbed the "city of springs", has seen a year of remarkable achievement.

The Baotu Spring, a renowned scenic spot in the city's Lixia district, saw its water table exceed 30 meters on Oct 11 to reach the highest level for that time of year since it started gushing again in 2003, according to the city's water affairs bureau.

Since early this year, the spring's water table has been on the rise, the bureau says.

Springs have long been cherished by Jinan residents. Over a century ago, author Liu E described Jinan in his novel, The Travels of Lao Can, as a place where "springs bubble in every yard, and weeping willows surround every household".

There are 1,209 artesian springs in Jinan, according to a list published in September last year.

The artesian wells bubble from the hydraulic pressure caused by the sharp geographical decline of the location on which the city is built, with Taishan Mountain to its south and the lower part of the Yellow River to its north.

In cold winters, the mist rises and floats over the springs, adding a mystic touch to the city. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The southern hilly area, which also collects and generates the spring water, is higher than the river plain to the north. The groundwater flows downward and gushes out at the foot of the hills.

Within the old city area alone, dozens of springs, including Black Tiger, Fairy, Agate and Lute, sit along a moat that encompasses the city.

In some springs, bubbles are seen rising from the bedrock. The spring water is so clear that tourists can see the bottom of the springs.

The Black Tiger Spring originates from a 3-meter-deep, 1.7-meter-wide natural cave. Its name comes from the roaring sound it makes when water gushes out of tiger head-shaped stones.

The water flows into the moat which runs into Daming Lake. The moat is the focal area where the city's elderly and the young like to gather.

In addition to taking a leisurely walk along the moat, tourists can opt for a boat. The trip along the moat stops at five scenic spots — Black Tiger Spring, Square of the Spring City, Baotu Spring, Five Dragons' Pool and Daming Lake, the major spring views in Jinan.