Shandong

Shandong 山东省
Province
Location of Shandong Province in China Location of Shandong Province in China
Country	China
Capital	Jinan
Area
• Total	157,100 km2 (60,700 sq mi)
Population  (2020)
• Total	100,700,000
• Density	640/km2 (1,700/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+8 (China Standard Time)
ISO 3166 code	CN-SD

Shandong (Chinese: 山东; pinyin: Shāndōng ) is a coastal province of the People's Republic of China, located in the eastern part of the country. It is bordered by the provinces of Hebei to the north, Henan to the west, Anhui to the southwest, and Jiangsu to the south. The province also has a coastline along the Yellow Sea to the east.

History

Shandong has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is considered one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. The region was home to the ancient State of Qi and the State of Lu, which were significant during the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period. The philosopher Confucius was born in the town of Qufu, which is located in Shandong.

During the Qin dynasty, Shandong was incorporated into the Chinese empire. The province played a crucial role in the development of Chinese culture, philosophy, and politics throughout various dynasties, including the Han dynasty, Tang dynasty, and Song dynasty.

Geography

Shandong is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes mountains, plains, and a long coastline. The Shandong Peninsula extends into the Yellow Sea, and the province is known for its fertile agricultural land. The Mount Tai (Taishan) is one of the most famous mountains in China and is considered a sacred site in Chinese culture.

Economy

Shandong is one of the most economically developed provinces in China. It has a strong industrial base, with key industries including machinery, electronics, chemicals, and textiles. The province is also a major producer of agricultural products such as wheat, cotton, and peanuts. The coastal cities of Qingdao and Yantai are important ports and economic hubs.

Culture

Shandong has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites and cultural landmarks. The province is known for its traditional Chinese opera, calligraphy, and painting. The Confucian heritage is particularly strong in Shandong, with many temples and academies dedicated to the teachings of Confucius.

Education

Shandong is home to several prestigious universities and research institutions. Notable institutions include Shandong University, Ocean University of China, and China University of Petroleum.

Transportation

The province has a well-developed transportation network, including highways, railways, and airports. The Qingdao Liuting International Airport and Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport are major airports serving the region. The Qingdao–Jinan High-Speed Railway is an important rail link that connects the provincial capital, Jinan, with the coastal city of Qingdao.

Administrative divisions

Shandong is divided into 16 prefecture-level divisions, which include 17 prefecture-level cities and 1 sub-provincial city. These are further divided into 140 county-level divisions, including 52 districts, 27 county-level cities, and 61 counties.

Notable people

• Confucius - Ancient Chinese philosopher and educator.
• Mencius - Chinese philosopher who was a follower of Confucius.
• Pu Songling - Qing dynasty writer, best known for his collection of supernatural tales, Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio.

See also

• List of cities in Shandong
• Geography of China
• Economy of China