Shandong

Shandong (山东 Shāndōng) is a province in China, historically known as Qilu (齐鲁 Qílǔ) and associated with the philosopher Confucius.

The name means "east of the mountains." Shandong is a coastal province bordered by the Bohai Sea to the north and the Yellow Sea to the east and south. The Yellow River flows through the province.

Major attractions include Qufu, known for its connection to Confucius; Mount Tai, a mountain of historical and religious importance; Qingdao, a coastal city known for its beaches and historic architecture; and Yantai, a coastal city on the Shandong Peninsula. The capital, Jinan, is famous for its natural springs and serves as an important transport hub.

• 36.666667116.9833331 Jinan 济南 — the capital
• 34.82652115.53652 Caoxian 曹县 — a small commercial town in southwestern Shandong
• 37.45127116.310463 Dezhou 德州 — transportation hub city in northwestern Shandong
• 37.45118.4666674 Dongying 东营 — a coastal wetland city in the northern part of Shandong Province
• 35.233333115.4333335 Heze 菏泽
• 35.4116.5666676 Jining 济宁
• 36.866667120.5333337 Laixi 莱西
• 36.975833120.7136118 Laiyang 莱阳
• 35.10408118.350199 Linyi 临沂
• 36.696667118.47972210 Qingzhou 青州
• 36.116667120.411 Qingdao 青岛 — or Tsingtao the largest city, former German concession, home of Tsingtao Brewery
• 35.6116.98333312 Qufu 曲阜 — the birthplace of Confucius
• 35.416389119.43305613 Rizhao 日照 — seaport city south of Qingdao
• 34.79023116.079314 Shanxian 单县
• 36.2001117.080915 Tai'an 泰安 — a town established because of Mt. Tai
• 36.716667119.116 Weifang 潍坊
• 37.5122.117 Weihai 威海 — or Port Edward a seaside resort at the eastern end of the peninsula. Formerly, a British naval base.
• 37.464444121.44777818 Yantai 烟台 — or Chipoo, holiday city with beaches
• 36.783056118.04972219 Zibo 淄博
• 34.866667117.5520 Zaozhuang 枣庄
• 36119.41666721 Zhucheng 诸城 — home to the largest dinosaur museum in northern China
• 35.366667116.4522 Zoucheng 邹城 — the birthplace of Mencius

• 36.266667117.11 Mount Tai (泰山 Tàishān)

Shandong has a temperate climate: humid continental (Köppen Dwa); it is bordering humid subtropical (Cwa under the Köppen climate classification) in the south. Generally, summers are hot (typical max 35°C) and rainy (except for eastern parts of Jiaodong Peninsula (typical max 28°C) and Mount Tai (typical max 20°C)), while winters are cold and dry. Average temperatures are −9 to 1 °C (16 to 34 °F) in January and 18 to 28 °C (64 to 82 °F) in July. Annual precipitation is 550 to 950 mm (22 to 37 in), the vast majority of which occurs during summer, due to monsoonal influences.

There are a few major international airports including Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, Qingdao Jiaodong Airport, Yantai Penglai Airport, and Weihai Dashuipo Airport.

• High-speed trains provide regular service from Beijing and Shanghai to cities including Jinan, Tai'an, Dezhou, Qufu, Qingdao and Zaozhuang.
• Regular train services provide links between pretty much anywhere else in China to almost any city and town in Shandong Province.

Long-distance buses are another useful way to travel around Shandong, especially for reaching smaller cities and towns that are not conveniently connected by high-speed rail. Most major cities have long-distance bus stations with services to other parts of the province. Buses can also be a convenient option for travelling to some smaller tourist destinations.

Shandong's major cities are connected by high-speed and conventional rail services. When travelling between cities such as Jinan, Qingdao, Qufu and Tai'an, check the train route and departure and arrival stations before booking. See Rail travel in China for information about train tickets and railway travel.

For smaller towns and attractions not directly served by rail, consider taking a long-distance bus. Check departure times in advance, as services may be less frequent on some routes. Within cities, public buses and taxis are widely used, while metro systems are available in some urban areas. See the individual city articles for local transport information.

• Mount Tai (泰山 Tàishān): A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mountain scenery, historic temples, stone inscriptions and sunrise views from the summit.

• Qufu: The Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion form a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with Confucius and the history of Confucianism.
• Qingdao: Known for its beaches, coastal scenery and historic European-style buildings.
• Penglai: A coastal destination known for Penglai Pavilion and views over the sea.
• Taierzhuang: Known for its reconstructed historic town, canals, bridges and traditional architecture.
• Linyi: A city in southern Shandong associated with the calligrapher Wang Xizhi.

Climb Mount Tai: Choose to hike or take the cable car for a pilgrimage-like experience.

Qingdao Beach Activities: In summer, enjoy swimming, beach volleyball, and strolling along the coast.

Shandong pancakes: a local breakfast specialty, thin, crispy and delicious.

Shandong cuisine classics: sweet and sour carp, nine-turn large intestine, Dezhou braised chicken.

Tsingtao Beer: Famous both at home and abroad, best enjoyed chilled in summer.

Jinan spring water: Jinan is famous for its natural springs, which are an important part of the city's identity.

When climbing Mount Tai or other scenic areas, pay attention to safety railings and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

Be mindful of personal belongings, especially at popular scenic spots and beaches.

Jiangsu Province: Such as Nanjing and Suzhou, experience the ancient cities and gardens of Jiangnan.

Henan Province: Such as Luoyang and Shaolin Temple, explore the history and culture of the Central Plains.

Mountain-sea route: Qingdao → Weihai → Yantai, drive along the coast or take a train to enjoy the coastal scenery.