Shandong

Shandong is a coastal province in East China. It has been very important for Chinese culture and history. It is a key place for important religions such as Taoism, Chinese Buddhism, and Confucianism.

The famous Mount Tai in Shandong is special for Taoism and has been used for religious worship for a long time. The city of Qufu is where Confucius, an important teacher, was born. It later became a center for Confucianism.

Shandong is also a busy place for trade and business because of its location on many roads that connect different parts of China. Even though it faced hard times in the late 1800s, Shandong has grown quickly in recent years. With over 100 million people living there, it is one of the most crowded areas in the world. The economy of Shandong is very big, about as large as the whole country of Mexico.

Shandong is a great place for learning and discovery. It has many schools and universities, more than almost any other area in East China. Two of its cities, Jinan and Qingdao, are known around the world for important scientific work.

Etymology

The name Shandong means "east of the mountain." It started being used during the Jin Dynasty. Shandong is east of the Taihang Mountains, and its neighbor, Shanxi, means "west of the mountains."

Shandong is also called Qilu, after the ancient states of Qi and Lu. While Qi was a strong kingdom, Lu was smaller but famous because it was the home of Confucius. The abbreviation for Shandong is Lǔ. Older spellings like Shantung appear in names such as Shantungosuchus, Shantungosaurus, and Shantung fabric.

History

Ancient history

See also: Dawenkou culture, Longshan culture, Qi (state), Lu (state), and Hundred Schools of Thought

Shandong, on the edge of the North China Plain, was home to many ancient cultures, like the Houli, Beixin, Dawenkou, Longshan, and Yueshi cultures.

The Shang and Zhou dynasties controlled parts of western Shandong, while eastern Shandong was home to Dongyi people. Later, the state of Qi absorbed the Dongyi state of Lai.

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Shandong was home to the states of Qi and Lu. Lu was famous for being the home of Confucius.

Imperial history

The Qin dynasty united China, and the Han dynasty set up areas in Shandong. During the Three Kingdoms period, Shandong was part of the kingdom of Cao Wei.

Shandong saw many changes in rule over the centuries, including periods under the Later Zhao, Former Yan, Former Qin, Later Yan, Southern Yan, Liu Song dynasty, and Northern Wei dynasty.

In 412 AD, the Buddhist monk Faxian landed at Laoshan and traveled to Qingzhou.

The Sui dynasty and Tang dynasty brought unity to China. Later, during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Shandong was part of the Five Dynasties.

The Song dynasty reunified China. The novel Water Margin is set in Shandong during this time. In 1996, many Buddhist statues were found in Qingzhou.

The Song dynasty lost control of northern China to the Jurchen Jin dynasty in 1142. Shandong was named for the first time as Shandong East Circuit and Shandong West Circuit.

Early modern era

The modern province of Shandong was created by the Ming dynasty. In 1376, the capital moved to Jinan, where it stayed for centuries.

After the Little Ice Age, crop yields dropped, leading to famines and rebellions.

In 1633, some Ming generals from Dengzhou, Shandong, joined the Manchu Qing. By 1640, uprisings by the White Lotus Society grew worse.

An earthquake near Linyi caused great destruction in Dengzhou.

Late Qing era

See also: Boxer Rebellion, Juye Incident, British Weihaiwei, and Shandong Problem

After wars with Western powers, Shandong felt their influence strongly. Ports like Cheefoo opened for trade, and many foreign groups settled there.

Shandong became a base for the Beiyang Fleet, but it was defeated by Japan in 1894. Germany took control of parts of Shandong in 1898, building modern ports and railways.

Japan took over German areas after World War I, causing anger in China known as the Shandong Problem. This led to protests and eventually Shandong returned to Chinese control in 1922.

ROC era

See also: Republic of China (1912–1949), Jinan incident, Battle of Taierzhuang, and Second Sino-Japanese War

During a time of changing rulers in China, different leaders controlled Shandong.

In 1937, Japan invaded China, including Shandong. Many people fled Jinan when Japanese troops arrived.

During the Japanese occupation, some areas of Shandong resisted. By 1945, communist forces had taken some parts of Shandong. In the years that followed, they continued to grow, eventually taking full control of the province.

In People's Republic

Under new leadership, Shandong's borders changed a few times but mostly stayed the same.

Shandong faced hard times during a big famine from 1959 to 1962.

In 1996, Shandong became the first province in China where every home had electricity. By 2004, it became a leading province in industry.

In 2008, Qingdao hosted sailing events for the 29th Summer Olympic Games and the 13th Summer Paralympic Games.

In 2011, plans were approved for the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone. In 2019, a free trade zone was established in Jinan, Qingdao, and Yantai.

Geography

Shandong is a coastal province in eastern China. It is next to the North China Plain and along the lower part of the Yellow River. The province reaches out to form the Shandong Peninsula and borders areas like the Bohai Sea, Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, and the Yellow Sea.

The west and northwest of Shandong are flat and open. The middle part is more mountainous, with Mount Tai, an important mountain in Chinese culture. The east is hilly and has many islands. The highest point is Jade Emperor Peak, which is 1,545 meters tall.

Shandong has a temperate climate with hot, rainy summers and cold, dry winters. The Yellow River flows through the west. The area has many lakes and a long coastline with many bays and islands. The capital city is Jinan, a major cultural and economic center. Other important coastal cities are Qingdao, Weihai, and Yantai.

Climate

Shandong has a mild climate with four seasons. Summers are hot and rainy. Winters are cold and dry. The temperature can range from about -9°C in winter to around 35°C in summer. Most rain falls during summer because of wind patterns that bring moisture from the ocean.

Geology

Shandong has a rich history of finding ancient animal bones, including many dinosaur fossils in the southeast.

Resources

Shandong is rich in natural resources, with many different minerals. It is especially known for its gold, sulfur, and gypsum. The province also has many forests, plants, and animals, both on land and in the sea. It is very important for agriculture and natural resources in China.

Politics

Party head and provincial government

Main article: Politics of Shandong

The Shandong Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party leads the government in Shandong Province. It follows directions from the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Lin Wu is the current leader of this committee.

The Shandong Provincial People's Congress is the main group that makes decisions for the province. It includes representatives from all areas of Shandong. Lin Wu also leads this group. The Shandong Provincial People's Government runs the day-to-day affairs of the province. It reports to the People's Congress and the State Council of the People's Republic of China. Zhou Naixiang is the current leader of this government.

Judicial system

Long ago, Shandong had a system where leaders handled both government work and court decisions. Later, separate courts were created. Today, the Shandong High People's Court is the top court in the province. It is supervised by the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China. There are many smaller courts and legal groups across Shandong.

Military

In 1949, a military area was set up in Shandong. It later became part of a larger military group. Today, Shandong is part of the PLA Northern Theater Command. Military bases and important units are located in cities like Jinan and Qingdao, including the navy and air force.

Economy

Shandong has been an important place for trade and farming for a long time. By 2021, its economy was very big, about as large as the whole country of Mexico. It makes a lot of things like cotton, wheat, garlic, gold, and diamonds. It also has lots of oil and makes products from the sea, like salt.

Shandong grows many crops, such as wheat, corn, and sweet potatoes. It is especially famous for vegetables from a place called Shouguang. The province also keeps many animals and fish. It makes wine too, with many wineries in areas like Yantai.

The service part of the economy, like banking and tourism, has grown a lot and now helps the province a great deal.

Agriculture

Shandong is very good at farming. It grows lots of grains, cotton, and vegetables. The land there is used for two rounds of planting each year. One big area, Shouguang, is known for its vegetables, which are sent all over China and to other countries.

The province also has many animals and fish. It has many types of plants and over 1,350 wild plants that people use for different things.

Fishery

Fishing is important in Shandong. The sea there gives lots of food like sea cucumbers, kelp, and crabs. Freshwater fishing also grows, with fish like softshell turtles and loach.

Wine industry

See also: Wine in China

Making wine is a big business in Shandong, second only to farming. The land there is good for growing grapes, and there are over 140 wineries. They make many kinds of wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Major producers

• Changyu Pioneer Wine Co.
• China Great Wall Wine Co. Ltd.

Service sector

In 2015, the tertiary sector (services) was a big part of Shandong Province's economy. The financial sector and real estate sector have grown, and tourism brings in money too. The software industry is also important.

Economic and technological development zones

Jinan High-tech Industrial Development Zone

Founded in 1991, the Jinan High-tech Industrial Development zone was one of the first of its kind approved by the State Council. The zone is located to the east of the city. Since its foundation, the Jinan High-tech Industrial Development Zone has attracted many big companies.

Jinan Export Processing Zone

The export processing zone is located in the eastern suburbs of Jinan.

Qingdao Economic & Technological Development Area

Approved by the State Council in October 1984, Qingdao Economic and Technical Development Zone has grown a lot. Many big companies are located in the zone.

Qingdao Free Trade Zone

The State Council established Qingdao Free Trade Zone in 1992. It is close to Qingdao Qianwan Container Terminal. It is one of the special economic areas with good investment policies.

Qingdao High-tech Industrial Zone

The State Council approved Qingdao High-Tech Industrial Development Zone in 1992. The zone is located close to Qingdao Liuting Airport and Qingdao Harbor.

Weifang Binhai Economic & Technological Development Area (BEDA)

Established in August 1995, Weifang Binhai Economic & Technological Development Area (BEDA) is a national economic and technological development area approved by the State Council.

Weihai Economic & Technological Development Zone

Weihai Economic and Technological Development Zone is a state-level development zone approved by the State Council.

Weihai Export Processing Zone

Weihai Export & Processing Zone (EPZ) was set up by the approval of the State Council on 27 April 2000.

Weihai Torch Hi-Tech Science Park

Weihai Torch Hi-Tech Science Park is a state-level development zone approved by the State Council in March 1991.

Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area

Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area is one of the earliest approved state level economic development zones in China.

Yantai Export Processing Zone

Yantai Export Processing Zone (YTEPZ) is one of the first 15 export processing zones approved by the State Council.

Zibo National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone

Demographics

See also: Shandong people

Shandong Province in China has a large population. Records of the population began during the Han dynasty. By the year 2 AD, more than 12 million people lived there. Over time, the population grew. By 1988, over 80 million people lived in Shandong. In 2010, the population was about 95.8 million. By 2020, it had grown to over 101 million, making it the second most populous province in China.

In 2010, people had different levels of education. Some had gone to university, some to high school, and others to primary school. Most children went to school, and many people lived longer lives.

Two cities in Shandong, Linyi and Qingdao, each had more than 10 million people. Overall, there were slightly more males than females. Many people lived in cities, while others lived in the countryside.

Shandong citizens are known to have the tallest average height of any Chinese province.

Ethnicity

As of March 2015, there were 55 ethnic minority groups in Shandong Province. On 21 May 2021, data showed that the total resident population was 101.527 million, of which 100.622 million were Han Chinese, and 905,000 were ethnic minorities.

Religion

Religion in Shandong

1. (25.3%)
2. (1.21%)
3. (0.55%)
4. Other religions or not religious people (70.0%)

Shandong has many important religions and philosophies. It is the birthplace of Confucius, a famous teacher and thinker. Many people visit Shandong to learn about his teachings. Taoism, a religion that focuses on harmony with nature, is also strong in Shandong, especially on Mount Tai, a sacred place for Taoist ceremonies. There are also places for Christian and Muslim worship.

Shandong is where Confucius was born in 551 B.C. Each year, many people visit to learn about his culture and teachings. Taoist traditions are also strong, especially on Mount Tai, where ceremonies have been held for centuries. There are also mosques because of the Hui people, and Christian churches.

[Temple of Guandi](/wiki/Guandi_Temple) in [Guangrao](/wiki/Guangrao); built in 1028, making it the oldest extant wooden building in the province

Temple of [Mazu](/wiki/Mazu_\(deity\)) in [Shinan](/wiki/Shinan)

Statue of [Bixia Yuanjun](/wiki/Bixia_Yuanjun) of [Mount Tai](/wiki/Mount_Tai), a Taoist goddess

[Penglai](/wiki/Penglai,_Yantai), where [Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea](/wiki/Eight_Immortals) said to take place

[South Mosque of Jinan](/wiki/Jinan_Great_Southern_Mosque), an Islamic place of worship

[Hongjialou Catholic Church](/wiki/Hongjialou_Cathedral) in [Licheng](/wiki/Licheng,_Jinan)

Buddhist Banruo Temple in [Pingdu](/wiki/Pingdu)

[Temple of Confucius](/wiki/Temple_of_Confucius,_Qufu) in [Qufu](/wiki/Qufu) during a sacrificial ceremony

Temple of Zengzi in [Jiaxiang](/wiki/Jiaxiang_County), which is dedicated to [Zengzi](/wiki/Zengzi)

Administrative divisions

Main articles: List of administrative divisions of Shandong and List of township-level divisions of Shandong

See also: List of cities in China

Shandong's areas have changed a lot over time. In the past, during the Qin and Han dynasties, it was split into smaller parts called commanderies and counties. These areas grew and changed, with new names like Qing Province and Yan Province appearing.

Today, Shandong is divided into 16 large cities. These cities are split into smaller areas, including districts, counties, and towns. In 2023, about 64% of people in Shandong lived in cities. Important cities include Jinan, the capital, and Qingdao, a busy port city.

Culture

Main article: Qilu culture

Shandong is a place with rich culture and traditions. People there speak different kinds of Mandarin, such as Ji Lu Mandarin in the northwest, Zhongyuan Mandarin in the southwest, and Jiao Liao Mandarin in the Shandong Peninsula.

Shandong has its own special food, known as Shandong cuisine. It is famous for bread made from corn and dishes with fish. The food uses fresh seafood, hearty soups, and bold flavors. This style of cooking also influenced the food in Beijing.

The literature and arts of Shandong have deep roots in Confucianism. Many important writers and poets came from this area, and local folk songs and performances, like Shandong Bangzi and Lü opera, are popular. Famous modern performers and writers also come from Shandong.

Transport

Rail

The railway history in Shandong began with the Jiaozhou–Jinan Railway, built by Germans from 1899 to 1904. This railway connected Jinan, the capital, to the port city of Qingdao. It is still a major east-west line today. Other important railways also pass through Shandong.

High-speed rail started with the Qingdao–Jinan line in 2008, and many more have been added since. Jinan West Railway Station is the biggest hub, where several important rail lines meet.

Road

Shandong has a strong network of expressways. These roads connect Shandong to many other parts of China.

Sea

Shandong has many important ports along its coastline, such as Qingdao and Yantai. Ferries connect Shandong to nearby islands and even to South Korea.

Air

Shandong has several airports, with Jinan and Qingdao being the main ones. Other airports serve smaller cities across the province. Shandong Airlines operates many flights within China and to other places.

Tourism

Shandong is a beautiful place to visit with many interesting spots. On the peninsula, you can explore Qingdao, a beach city with old buildings, and visit the famous Tsingtao brewery. Nearby, Mount Lao is a special area for people who follow the Daoist way of life. Weihai has history, and Yantai is a port city with the Penglai Pavilion, linked to old stories.

In the heartland, Jinan is the capital and known for its famous springs, including the Baotu Spring. There are also many temples and old buildings to see, like the Thousand Buddha Mountain. Weifang has gardens and old pavilions.

In the southwest, Jining is tied to the famous teacher Confucius, and you can visit his home in Qufu. Shandong also has special places chosen by UNESCO, including the holy Tai Shan mountain in Tai'an.

Education

Shandong is one of China's top places for learning and research. It has many schools and universities, including some very important ones. The province has many schools for higher education.

Long ago, Shandong was known for its strong education. Famous teachers like Confucius started private schools there. Later, many schools and learning centers grew. Today, it has many kinds of schools, from kindergartens to big universities. Some well-known universities in Shandong include Shandong University, Ocean University of China, and China University of Petroleum (East China). The province is especially strong in studying the sea.

Sports

Before the 1900s, people in Shandong enjoyed traditional games for fun and exercise. Later, modern sports became more popular. In 1903, Yantai held the Hetan Games, one of China’s earliest big sports events. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, many sports activities stopped. After China became a new nation, sports grew stronger in Shandong. In 1953, the area made a group to manage sports.

Today, Shandong has many professional sports teams, like Shandong Taishan F.C., Qingdao Hainiu F.C., and Qingdao West Coast F.C.. The province has hosted big events such as the National Games, the World Table Tennis Championships, and the AFC Asian Cup. Qingdao was a host city for sailing in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Shandong began holding marathons in 2015. Cities like Dongying, Yantai, and Qingdao now host international races. Famous athletes from Shandong include table tennis champion Zhang Jike and Olympic shooting champion Du Li.

Events held in Shandong

• 2009 National Games of China
• 2002 Table Tennis World Cup
• 2004 AFC Asian Cup
• 2007 A3 Champions Cup
• Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics
• 2011 Sudirman Cup
• 2012 Badminton Asia Championships
• 2012 Asian Beach Games

Professional sports teams based in Shandong

• Chinese Basketball Association
  • Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin
  • Qingdao Eagles
• Chinese Super League
  • Shandong Taishan
  • Qingdao Hainiu
  • Qingdao West Coast
• China League One
  • Qingdao Red Lions

Former professional sports teams based in Shandong

• Jinan Xingzhou
• Qingdao Haisha
• Qingdao Sunrise
• Qingdao Hailifeng
• Qingdao Huanghai
• Jining Dranix
• Shandong Tengding
• Yantai Yiteng F.C.

Sister regions

Since 1979, when Qingdao and Shimonoseki in Japan became sister cities, Shandong has made many friends with places worldwide. By 2016, it had over 200 sister regions, showing its strong links across the globe.

Today, Shandong works closely with places like South Australia and Bavaria in Germany. Some of its sister regions are Yamaguchi Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, South Hwanghae Province in North Korea, Brittany in France, South Australia, Connecticut and Texas in the United States, and many more.