Shandong is a province on the east coast of China, a prominent spiritual area that developed religions like Taoism and Chinese Buddhism, and home to some of the oldest temples in the world. The capital city is Jinan, known for its natural springs, and, as well as the origin of Chinese civilisation, is considered the province and birthplace of pottery, silk, and porcelain. Located in beautiful Taihang Mountain scenery and translating to “East of the Mountains”, superb nature is the heart of the area, where the picturesque Yellow River runs through it.
The main attractions of Shandong reveal its earliest civilisation history, for example, visitors can see the clay pots of Dawenkou and Dinggongcun, which have the oldest versions of Chinese language written upon them. Longshan City is a derelict, old town in Shandong, believed to be the first city in the country, and portions of the Great Wall exist in the province, one of the most ancient ruins in China. Visitors can explore the famous Confucius Temple on Mount Tai, one of the “Five Great Mountains,” or visit the birthplace of the great Chinese philosopher, Confucius, in the city of Qufu. The natural beauty of Shandong is captivating, with the land is full of small temples and remote communities, ranging from the mountains of Taishan and Laoshan to the coastal splendour of the Jiaodong Peninsula.
High-speed rail links connect Shandong to the major Chinese cities of Shanghai and Beijing, which arrive into Jinan. Alternatively, drivers can take the exceptionally well-connected Shandong Highway. There are numerous airports around the province, including those in Jinan, Yantai, and Qingdao, all of which serve international flights and have connections to other cities within the region.
The ancient history of Shandong dates back to 6500 BC when Neolithic cultures inhabited the well-located land before the earliest dynasties controlled the province 6,000 years later. Confucius lived in the area around 500 BC, and his principle of Confucianism still stands as a pillar of Chinese culture, tradition and influence.