Marking the 30th anniversary of the longstanding friendship between East China's Shandong province and the German state of Bavaria, a photography group with members from both sides visited Shandong's capital Jinan from May 10 to 11, in a bid to deepen mutual cultural exchanges.

During their stay in Jinan, the photographers traveled the city's abundant avenues and alleys and visited a number of renowned scenic spots, such as the iconic Baotu Spring, the Daming Lake, the Spring City Square and the Qushui Pavilion Street, to explore and experience the essence of the city.

Jinan is commonly known as the "Spring City", with several hundred fresh water springs dotting the landscape of and a local saying that "each family in Jinan has spring water and weeping willows".

The German photographers were enchanted by this beautiful landscape of gurgling springs, lush weeping willows, softly shimmering lakes and verdant mountains as well as its unique folk customs and the hospitality of local people.

More people around the world will discover the city's excellent culture, landscape and life of local people through the lens of German photographers.

Accompanied by Hou Heliang, honorary president of the Shandong Photographers Association, the team will stay in Shandong for a week and visit the province's major cities including Tai'an, Jining, Weifang and Qingdao. Selected images from the tour will be displayed in a joint exhibition to be held in both Shandong and Bavaria.

The German photographers walked Jinan's avenues and alleys from May 10 to 11 to explore the most authentic urban images. [Photo by Hou Heliang/sdchina.com]

The German photographers sample local drinks at a street stall in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo by Hou Heliang/sdchina.com]