Shandong, China - Guide to the regions of China

Shandong, China

Situated in the east of China, Shandong Province is on the Yellow River and has a population of 90 million. Often affected by monsoons, Shandong dates back more than 5,000 years and is thought to be the birthplace of the Chinese people.

Confucius, the man of wise words, came from Shandong and his sayings have influenced much of the world. In Qufu there is the Confucius Temple & Mansion, and also the Confucius Cemetery.

There are numerous historical sites to see in Shandong including:

  • the clay pots found in Dawenkou which bear some of the earliest Chinese characters ever discovered;
  • Longshan City, which is an excellent place to visit as it is considered to be one of the oldest habitations in China; and

Natural, beautiful scenery and landscapes define Shandong and some of China’s most exquisite areas are in the Province such as Mount Taishan and the Jiaodong peninsula.

In the late 1980s, together with the Confucius Temple, Mansion and Cemetery, Mount Taishan was placed on UNESCO’s China World Cultural and Natural Heritage list of special sites.

Shandong’s capital city is Jinan and it has wonderful natural springs which have earned it the nickname, Spring City. Porcelain and silk are both synonymous with Shandong and throughout the region it is possible to see and buy fine examples. Other items that are produced in the region include clocks and watches, kites, carved shells and Shandong beer.

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