'Qīng quán' literally combines two characters: 'qīng' (clear, pure, limpid) and 'quán' (spring, fountain, or natural source of water). Together, they form a poetic and descriptive noun meaning 'clear spring'—a naturally occurring body of clean, fresh water emerging from the ground, often associated with mountainous or rural landscapes. The term evokes imagery of purity, tranquility, and natural beauty.

This word is commonly used in literature, poetry, travel writing, and place names (e.g., Qingquan Village or Qingquan Mountain). It rarely appears in casual spoken Mandarin; instead, it carries a refined, literary tone and is often employed to express serenity, renewal, or environmental harmony. While 'quán' alone can refer to any spring (including man-made fountains), adding 'qīng' specifically emphasizes the water’s clarity and natural purity—making it unsuitable for describing polluted or murky springs.