Jinan is the capital of Shandong province in eastern China. It is one of the largest cities in Shandong by population, with about 9.2 million residents, and has held sub-provincial administrative status since 1994. The city functions as a national administrative, economic, and transportation hub.
The area of present-day Jinan has played an important role in the history of the region since the earliest beginnings of civilization. Jinan is often called the "City of Springs" for its 72 artesian springs.