Baotu Spring, known as the best spring in the world, is located in Jinan. [Photo/VCG]

Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, is gearing up to kick off its annual spring water festival this August. Known as the "City of Springs", Jinan's vibrant celebration will blend traditional culture with modern festivities.

The event, set to feature a range of engaging activities both online and offline, includes flower boat parades, poetry contests, and spring water markets. This year's event aims to bolster Jinan's bid for a UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination by showcasing its unique cultural landscape.

Reflecting on the city's journey towards UNESCO recognition, Jinan first expressed its intention to pursue heritage status for its springs in June 2006. In 2009, Jinan's springs were included in China's National Natural and Cultural Heritage preliminary list, marking the initial step towards heritage designation. In 2016, Jinan refocused its nomination efforts from a dual natural and cultural heritage to a purely cultural heritage designation.

The exploration brought about by this shift emphasizes that the "spring and city" heritage model transcends superficial aspects, advocating for a deeper integration of conservation and development into modern societal frameworks.

The coexistence of tradition and modernity, the interplay between history and contemporary life, and the harmonious interaction between nature and culture all underscore the essence of the Jinan Festival of Springs.

The festival embodies a vision of urban governance that intertwines cultural richness with community engagement, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development rooted in heritage preservation and societal participation. As the festival unfolds, it will serve as a testament to Jinan's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while embracing the evolving dynamics of modern urban life.