Baotu Spring, or Jet Spring, the symbol of Jinan, is known not only as the first of the 72 springs in Jinan but as the "First Spring under Heaven". With its earliest account in "Spring and Autumn Annals", it has a long history of more than 2,600 years. Baotu Spring was formed because of Jinan's special geographical position and geological structure. Because it is both pure in quality and mellow in taste, the natural spring water could be directly used for drinking. When water bursts out through the three outlets, the spring gives thunderous sounds, and water columns surge upward, looking like spinning wheels. The spring keeps its temperature at about 18 degree Celsius all year round. In the cold winter, mist rises from and hangs over the spring pond, and the clear, deep spring water reflects the ancient-styled buildings with colorful carvings and upturned eaves. The landscape presents a picturesque view of a paradise on earth. Poems and prose have been written for the spring view. Together with its environs, it has been turned into a park of the same name that is now one of the three major places of interest in Jinan.

Baotu Spring is located in Baotu Spring Park southwest of the old Jinan City. The spring pool is rectangular with water 30 meters long, 18 meters wide and 2.2 meters deep. It used to occupy an area only of 4 mu (two thirds of an acre), but since liberation, the People'sGovernment has expanded the grounds to over 50 mu, or about 9 acres. All the old buildings and relics there have been restored. The springs and ponds have been thoroughly dredged, and the banks lined with stone. Lawns and rockeries have been built and numerous trees and flower planted.