Destination overview

Located in China’s East, the coastal province of Shandong is home to some of China’s most spectacular destinations. Considered the birthplace of Chinese civilization, Shandong is rich with history as well as breathtaking scenic landscapes and UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage listed sites.

The hometown of Confucius, Qufu is filled with captivating sites that pay homage to the famous Chinese philosopher – including the Confucius Temple featuring nine courtyards and countless paintings and carvings depicting his life; the 560-room Confucius Mansion; and the Confucius Forest – a peaceful, 200 hectare burial ground of Confucius and more than 100,000 of his descendants.

The jewel in Shandong’s crown is the seaside city of Qingdao. A mix of ancient and modern, Qingdao has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, driven by a diverse food scene, historic architecture and European cultural influences. Under the control of Germany for much of the 20th century, it was during this time that the city’s namesake beer, Tsingtao, was founded. The Tsingtao Beer Museum is one of the city’s biggest attractions, where you can see the history of the brewery on display alongside the modern brewing practices.

Being a coastal province, it’s no surprise that seafood is a staple of Shandong cuisine. Qingdao’s restaurants and food streets all serve up an array of seafood dishes worth trying. However it’s the diversity of Shandong that excites – from mountain peaks to fertile flood plains and wild coastline, this province holds something special at every turn.