Shandong Travel Guide, How to Plan a Trip to Shandong

Shandong, historically known as the land of Qi and Lu and abbreviated as "Lu", has Jinan as its capital. Located on the eastern coast of China at the lower reaches of the Yellow River, the province encompasses both a peninsula and an inland area. The Shandong Peninsula extends prominently into the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, while the inland part borders Hebei, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu from north to south. It is also an important part of the Bohai Economic Rim.

The central region of Shandong is marked by rising mountains, with Mount Tai being the highest peak in the province. As one of the cradles of traditional Chinese culture, Shandong is celebrated as the "Hometown of Confucius and Mencius, the Land of Etiquette", and is renowned worldwide for its profound Qi and Lu culture.

History and culture, what should know

Shandong is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. The earliest human remains discovered in the region—the Yiyuan people—date back 400,000 to 500,000 years ago. The Beixin culture of the early and middle Neolithic period in Tengxian County goes back some 7,000 years. The world-renowned Dawenkou Culture and Longshan Culture, both from the late primitive society, were first discovered in Shandong. Before the Shang Dynasty was founded, Shandong was a central area of Shang activities, and among the five capital relocations of the Shang clan, three were within Shandong. After the establishment of the Shang Dynasty, Shandong remained an important core region of its rule. During the Western Zhou Dynasty's policy of "enfeoffment", Jiang Ziya was granted the State of Qi, and the Duke of Zhou was granted the State of Lu. Other states such as Cao, Teng, and Wei were also established. Qi thrived on commerce and industry and benefited from the resources of fish and salt, attracting large populations, while Lu blended Zhou culture with the local traditions of the East, earning the title "Land of Rites and Courtesy".

Shandong was not only one of the cradles of ancient Chinese culture but also a major cultural center in antiquity. It produced numerous outstanding thinkers, scientists, statesmen, military strategists, writers, and artists. In philosophy, there were Confucius, Mencius, Mozi, Xunzi, and Zhuangzi. In politics and military affairs, there were Guan Zhong, Sun Tzu, Wu Qi, Sun Bin, Zhuge Liang, and Qi Jiguang. In literature, there were Kong Rong, Li Qingzhao, Xin Qiji, and Pu Songling. In the arts, Wang Xizhi and Yan Zhenqing were renowned calligraphers. In science and technology, there was Lu Ban; in medicine, Bian Que. Their ideas, theories, wisdom, and achievements formed an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, exerting a profound and far-reaching influence on the development of Chinese civilization.

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Top attractions, what must see

Here you can find relics from four to five thousand years ago, dating back to the Dawenkou and Longshan cultures, including stone tools, jade artifacts, pottery, and primitive scripts, as well as numerous historical sites and cultural relics. This land is also the hometown of great sages such as Confucius and Mencius. It is home to cultural treasures like Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and the Penglai Pavilion; magnificent natural landscapes such as Mount Tai, the Yellow River, and the seaside; and furthermore, Shandong is the birthplace of the Yimeng Spirit, with revolutionary relics left from the years of war.

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Food and restaurants, what and where to eat

Shandong cuisine can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period, and after the Song Dynasty it became the representative of northern Chinese cuisine. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was the mainstay of imperial court banquets, greatly influencing the food culture of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Northeast China. Among its well-known branches are Jinan cuisine, Jiaodong cuisine, and Confucius Mansion cuisine. Jinan cuisine excels in quick-frying, braising, deep-frying, and stir-frying, with a preference for strong flavors. Jiaodong cuisine, originating from Fushan (a district of Yantai), is popular in Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, and Dalian, specializing in seafood, with fresh and tender tastes that lean toward lightness and authenticity. Confucius Mansion cuisine is renowned worldwide for its refined ingredients, meticulous preparation, distinctive style, and unique flavors.

Shandong's traditional signature dishes include Sweet and Sour Carp, Braised Trepang with Scallions, Braised Intestines in Brown Sauce, and Four Joy Meatballs. Whether it's the freshness of fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood, the rich texture of chicken, lamb, duck, and goose, or the delicate clarity of soups and broths, the essence of Shandong cuisine lies in one word—freshness.

Shandong snacks are also varied and beloved: braised pork, lamb soup, vegetable pancakes, seaweed jelly, the famous Dezhou Braised Chicken, and Zhoucun Sesame Cakes, all leave visitors craving for more. Especially on summer evenings, crowding into a small, unassuming eatery for a plate of spicy stir-fried clams, paired with a cold Tsingtao beer, is a simple yet unforgettable pleasure.

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Best things, what to do in Shandong

Climb Mount Tai and feel the lofty spirit of overlooking all the mountains below; travel to Nishan and immerse yourself in the Confucian culture passed down for millennia; sail across Daming Lake and savor the tenderness of the Spring City; drink Qingdao beer and embrace the passion of a coastal city. Fly a kite in Weifang, enjoy a meal of mackerel dumplings in Weihai, then feast on pancakes in Linyi… On this vibrant land of Shandong, walk through the sceneries where its people have left their footprints, and experience the warmth and passion they have poured out.

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Weather, the best time to visit Shandong

In terms of climate, the best time to visit Shandong is from May to October. In Shandong, summer, especially after the May Day holiday, brings warmer seas, with July and August being the golden season for swimming and surfing. In August, the grand Qingdao Beer Festival kicks off, attracting crowds of visitors who gather with locals to drink and celebrate under the lively midsummer night.

As September ushers in autumn, it also marks the peak season for seafood, with crabs and mantis shrimps coming into market, tempting visitors with their rich flavors. Around this time, climbing to the summit of Mount Tai offers the chance to witness its magnificent sunrise. In Jinan, the Red Leaves Valley enchants travelers with its dazzling scenery, immersing them in a sea of blossoms and colorful foliage.

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Customize Your Qi-Lu Shandong Tour

If you are interested in the Shandong itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Shandong Tour, please visit our Shandong Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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