Shandong

Shandong is a coastal province in East China that has been very important for Chinese culture and history. It has been a key place for important religions such as Taoism, Chinese Buddhism, and Confucianism. The famous Mount Tai in Shandong is a very special place for Taoism and has been used for religious worship for a very long time. The city of Qufu is where Confucius, an important teacher, was born, and it later became a center for Confucianism.

Shandong is also a busy place for trade and business because of its location on many old and new 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 also 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 the important scientific work that happens there.

Etymology

The name Shandong means "east of the mountain." It started being used during the Jin Dynasty when the land was split into Shandong East and West Circuit. 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 from the Spring and Autumn period. 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, located 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 administrative 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 located on the edge of the North China Plain and along the lower part of the Yellow River. The province stretches out to form the Shandong Peninsula and borders several areas, including the Bohai Sea, Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, and the Yellow Sea.

The western and northwestern parts of Shandong are flat and open, while the center is more mountainous, featuring Mount Tai, a very important mountain in Chinese culture. The eastern part of the province is hilly and includes many islands. The highest point in Shandong is Jade Emperor Peak, standing at 1,545 meters tall.

Shandong has a temperate climate with hot, rainy summers and cold, dry winters. The Yellow River flows through the western part of the province. The area also has many lakes and a very long coastline with many bays and islands. The capital city, Jinan, is a major cultural and economic center, and other important coastal cities include Qingdao, Weihai, and Yantai.

Climate

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

Geology

Shandong has a rich history of discoveries of ancient animal bones, including many dinosaur fossils found in the southeastern part of the province.

Resources

Shandong is rich in natural resources, with many different types of minerals found there. 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 a very important area 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 and reports its work regularly. 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 and 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, 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 covering Shandong and nearby areas. 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) accounted for 45.3% of Shandong Province's total economic output. In 2012, the value-added of the service sector accounted for 40% of GDP. The value-added of the financial sector reached ¥201.9 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 19%; the real estate sector contributed ¥201.6 billion, up 6.5%; total revenue from tourism was ¥451.97 billion; and software business revenue from large-scale software enterprises amounted to ¥173.79 billion. In 2015, the financial sector's value-added accounted for 5% of Shandong's GDP, and its contribution to local tax revenue reached 10.7%, making it one of the province's pillar industries. By 2018, the province's three-sector economic structure had adjusted to a ratio of 6.5:44.0:49.5 (primary:secondary:tertiary), with the service sector contributing 60% to overall economic growth.

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 and covers a total planning area of 83 km² (32 sq mi) that is divided into a central area covering 33 km² (13 sq mi), an export processing district of 10 km² (3.9 sq mi), and an eastern extension area of 40 km² (15 sq mi). Since its foundation, the Jinan High-tech Industrial Development Zone has attracted enterprises as LG, Panasonic, Volvo, and Sanyo. In 2000, it joined the world science and technology association and set up a China-Ukraine High-tech Cooperation Park. The Qilu Software Park became the sister park of Bangalore park of India.^{[citation needed]}

Jinan Export Processing Zone

The export processing zone is located in the eastern suburbs of Jinan, east of the Jinan High-tech Industrial Development Zone, and to the north of the Jiwang highway. The distances to the Jiqing Highway and the Jinan Airport are 9 and 18 km (5.6 and 11.2 mi) respectively.

Qingdao Economic & Technological Development Area

Approved by the State Council in October 1984, Qingdao Economic and Technical Development Zone has a plan of 12.5 km² (4.8 sq mi). In 2004 the local GDP was ¥27.51 billion, which increased by 28.9%; the total industrial output value is ¥60.6 billion, which increased by 31%. There have been 48 projects invested by companies listed among the Global Fortune 500 in the zone. With the fast development of reform and opening-up, Haier, Hisense, Aucma, Sinopec, CSIC, CNOOC, CIMC etc. are all located in the zone.

Qingdao Free Trade Zone

The State Council established Qingdao Free Trade Zone in 1992. The zone is 60 km (37 mi) away from Qingdao Liuting Airport. It is also close to Qingdao Qianwan Container Terminal. At present, more than 40 foreign-invested enterprises have moved in, and 2000 projects have been approved. It is one of the special economic areas which enjoys the most favorable investment policies on customs, foreign exchange, foreign trade, and taxation in China.^{[citation needed]}

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. Encouraged industries include electronic information, biotechnology, medicine, new materials, new energy, advanced equipment manufacturing, marine science & technology, national defense technology.

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. Covering an area of 677 km² (261 sq mi), BEDA has a population of 100,000. BEDA possesses a large state-owned industrial land for use with an area of 400 km² (150 sq mi). The land can be transacted conveniently, guaranteeing the demand of any project construction and providing broad development space for the enterprises in the area. Continuously, BEDA has been accredited as National Demonstration Zone invigorating the Sea by Science and Technology, National Innovation Base for Rejuvenating Trade through Science and Technology and National Demonstration Eco-Industry Park.

Weihai Economic & Technological Development Zone

Weihai Economic and Technological Development Zone is a state-level development zone approved by the State Council on 21 Oct 1992. The administrative area has an area of 194 km² (75 sq mi), including the programmed area of 36 km² (14 sq mi) and an initial area of 11.88 km² (4.59 sq mi). Its nearest port is Weihai Port, and the airport closest to the zone is Wuhai Airport.^{[citation needed]}

Weihai Export Processing Zone

Weihai Export & Processing Zone (EPZ) was set up by the approval of the State Council on 27 April 2000. Weihai EPZ is located in Weihai Economic & Technological Development Zone with programmed area of 2.6 km² (1.0 sq mi). Weihai EPZ belongs to comprehensive export & processing zone. The EPZ is located 30 km (19 mi) to Weihai Airport, 3 km (1.9 mi) to Weihai railway station and 4 km (2.5 mi) to Weihai Harbor.^{[citation needed]}

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. Located in Weihai's northwest zone of culture, education and science, the Park has the total area of 111.9 square kilometers (43.2 sq mi), the coastal line of 30.5 kilometers (19.0 mi) and 150,000 residents. It is 3 km (1.9 mi) away from the city center, 4 km (2.5 mi) away from Weihai Port, 10 km (6.2 mi) away from Weihai railway station, 30 km (19 mi) away from Weihai Airport and 80 km (50 mi) away from Yantai Airport.

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. It now has planned area of 10 km² (3.9 sq mi) and a population of 115,000. It lies on the tip of the Shandong Peninsula facing the Yellow Sea. It adjoins to downtown Yantai, merely 6 km (3.7 mi) away from Yantai Port, 6 km (3.7 mi) away from Yantai railway station, and a 30-minute drive to Yantai International Airport.

Yantai Export Processing Zone

Yantai Export Processing Zone (YTEPZ) is one of the first 15 export processing zones approved by the State Council. The total construction area of YTEPZ is 4.17 m² (44.9 sq ft), in which the initial zone covers 3 km² (1.2 sq mi). After developing for several years, YTEPZ is completely constructed. At present, the infrastructure has been completed, standard workshops of 120,000 m² (140,000 sq yd) and bonded warehouses of 40,000 m² (430,000 sq ft) have been built up. Up to now, owning perfect investment environment and conditions, YTEPZ has attracted investors both from foreign countries and regions such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sweden, the United States, Canada, etc., and from the domestic to invest and operate in the zone.

Zibo National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone

Demographics

See also: Shandong people

Shandong Province in China has a big population. Records of the population began during the Han dynasty. By the year 2 AD, more than 12 million people lived there. By 1830, the population grew to over 30 million. By 1949, it reached 45 million. In the 1950s and 1960s, the population grew quickly, but slowed in the 1970s and 1980s due to family planning. 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, many people had different levels of education. Some had gone to university, some to high school, and others to primary school. A small number had no education at all. Most children went to school, and many people lived longer lives. By 2014, there were people over 80 years old, and some even over 100.

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 also known to have the tallest average height of any Chinese province. As of 2010, 16-18-year-old male students measured 176.4 centimetres while female students measured 164 centimetres.

Ethnicity

As of March 2015, there were 55 ethnic minority groups in Shandong Province, with a total resident population of 720,000, accounting for 0.75% of the province's total population. Among them, the Hui ethnic group numbered 540,000, accounting for 75% of the total ethnic minority population in the province.

On 21 May 2021, the main data of in Shandong Province was released. The data showed that the total resident population was 101.527 million, of which 100.622 million were Han Chinese, accounting for 99.11%, and 905,000 were ethnic minorities, accounting for 0.89%.

In addition, there are considerable in Shandong; for example, has a Korean population of over 100,000, accounting for about 7.19% of total .

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, though they faced challenges in the past.

[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 has had many different ways of organizing its areas throughout history. During ancient times like the Qin and Han dynasties, Shandong was split into smaller parts called commanderies and counties. Over time, these areas changed and grew, with new names like Qing Province and Yan Province appearing.

Today, Shandong is divided into 16 large cities. These cities are further split into smaller areas, including districts, counties, and towns. As of 2023, about 64% of people in Shandong live in cities, which is a bit less than the rest of China but is growing. 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 is known for using 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 important railway connected Jinan, the capital, to the port city of Qingdao and is still a major east-west line today. Other important railways, like the Jingjiu and Jinghu lines, 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 very strong network of expressways, including several that start in the province. 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 from when Germans lived there, 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 from when Britain lived there, and Yantai is a port city with the Penglai Pavilion, linked to old stories and legends.

In the heartland, Jinan is the capital and known for its 72 famous springs, including the Baotu Spring, which people have admired for years. There are also many temples and old buildings to see, like the Thousand Buddha Mountain with many carved statues. Weifang has gardens, old pavilions, and even places where scientists found dinosaur bones.

In the southwest, Jining is closely tied to the famous teacher Confucius, and you can visit his home in Qufu. Shandong also has four 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 153 higher education schools, which is a lot for its area.

Long ago, Shandong was known for its strong education. Famous teachers like Confucius started private schools there. Later, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, many schools and learning centers grew. Even after big changes in China, Shandong kept growing its schools and universities. 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 and has many experts in that field.

Sports

Before the 20th century, people in Shandong mainly enjoyed traditional games for fun and exercise. Modern competitive sports became more popular later on. 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 was founded as a new nation, sports grew stronger in Shandong. In 1953, the area created 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 also 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, Japan, became sister cities, Shandong has built many friendships with places around the world. By 2016, it had over 200 sister provinces, states, and cities internationally, showing its strong global connections.

Today, Shandong works closely with regions like South Australia and Bavaria, Germany, as great examples of international teamwork. Some of its sister regions include 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, Bavaria in Germany, and many more around the world.