Jinan has a new contender for most high end mall: Parc 66 across from Quancheng Square. This massive, modern mall has most of the most elegant brands as well as some affordable shops, though the accent is on designer goods. Juicy Couture, St. Johns, DKNY, Teenie Weenie, Uniqlo, Max Mara Weekend, Swatch, Nike, Coach, Hermes, the list goes on and on.

There are several restaurants with international and Chinese cuisine. Something for every budget from KFC and McDonalds to upscale dining options.

Although it's on the pricey side for China, the rooms are spotless and decorated in a pleasing style.  Cable with the BBC and CNN is available and there's a simple workout room and pool.

The staff at reception speaks good English as does the Business Center staff, who will help with ongoing travel arrangements such as buying train tickets.

The hotel is located right in the center of downtown, with dining possibilities on site and all around.

Stepsin the middle of the square lead customers down into an underground wonderworld also known as Quan Cheng Square Shopping Center. Besides a deluxe supermarket that sells both local and foreign goods, many stores sell everything from pantyhose and makeup to basketballs and shuttlecocks. Overall, and probably unsurprising to the experienced foreigner (Lao Wai), clothing is the most common item available here.  Quan Cheng Square is really an interesting experience. Since it is such a popular shopping locale for Jinan's residents, there is quite a bit of local flavor.  When you get a little weary from the shopping, just surface for a breathe of fresh air in Quan Cheng Square, a huge park in the center of everything!

Local bus routes: No. 70, 102, 89, 80, 44, 3, 5, 1, K50, 101, 102, 104.

Enjoying a hotpot meal at Hot Pot City is very interesting to say the least.  A huge copper bowl inlaid with classical Chinese designs is set in front of you into your table top. Then you determine every last ingredient for the hotpot. A variety of broths and raw veggies and meats to be cooked in the broth are displayed for you at your table. Choose anything from bullfrog broth to a more simple vegetarian broth.  Ingredients to be cooked in the broth range from simple spinach and lettuce to fishballs, intestines, beef, lamb, or (I'm afraid to admit) dogmeat.  It should be noted that I am a vegetarian, and have no difficultly eating a clean, simple, and lovely meal here.  Still, for those who are adventurous, there’s a plethora of cuisine to experiment with. 

The coolest part of this restaurant is that I translated their menu for them into English, so you’ll have no trouble choosing exactly what you like!