History of Shandong in Timeline

Shandong is a coastal province in East China with a significant role in Chinese civilization and culture. It has been a vital cultural and religious hub for Taoism, Chinese Buddhism, and Confucianism. Mount Tai, Shandong's most revered mountain, is central to Taoism and has a long history of religious worship. Buddhist temples south of Jinan were prominent Buddhist sites. Qufu, Confucius's birthplace, became the center of Confucianism.

1900: Yueshi Culture

Around 1900 BC, the Yueshi culture existed in Shandong. This culture was one of several Neolithic cultures that thrived in the region.

August 1910: Establishment of the Office of the Judicial Commissioner

In August 1910, Shandong established the Office of the Judicial Commissioner (提法使司), marking a step towards modernizing its judicial system during the late Qing dynasty.

January 1911: Establishment of Shandong Provincial High Court and High Prosecutor's Office

In January 1911, the Shandong Provincial High Court and the High Prosecutor's Office were established, along with local courts and prosecutor's offices, further developing the province's judicial system.

1912: Shandong Retains Qing Administrative System in 1912

After the founding of the Republic of China in 1912, Shandong Province initially retained the Qing administrative system.

1913: Abolition of Prefectures and Sub-prefectures in 1913

In 1913, the Beijing government abolished the prefectures and sub-prefectures in Shandong, instituting the dao–county system.

1919: Treaty of Versailles and the Shandong Problem

In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles transferred ownership of German holdings in Qingdao and Shandong to Japan instead of restoring Chinese sovereignty, leading to popular dissatisfaction known as the Shandong Problem and the May Fourth Movement.

1922: Shandong reverts to Chinese control

In 1922, Shandong reverted to Chinese control after the United States' mediation during the Washington Naval Conference, resolving the Shandong Problem.

1924: Fengtian clique takes control of Shandong

In 1924, following the Second Zhili–Fengtian War, the Fengtian clique, based in northeast China, took control of Shandong during the Warlord Era of the Republic of China.

April 1925: Zhang Zongchang becomes military governor of Shandong

In April 1925, the Fengtian clique installed Zhang Zongchang, nicknamed the "Dogmeat General", as the military governor of Shandong Province. He was known for his brutal rule.

1927: Abolition of Dao Level in 1927

In 1927, the Nanjing government abolished the dao level in Shandong, placing counties directly under provincial jurisdiction.

1928: Zhang Zongchang ousted, Han Fuju takes over

In 1928, Zhang Zongchang was ousted in the wake of the Northern Expedition, and Han Fuju succeeded him as the ruler of Shandong. Han Fuju eventually aligned with Chiang Kai-shek's Nanjing government.

1930: Weihai reverts to Chinese control

In 1930, Weihai reverted to Chinese control, further consolidating Chinese sovereignty in the Shandong region.

1932: Establishment of Administrative Inspectorates in 1932

In 1932, administrative inspectorates were established below the provincial level in Shandong, functioning as provincial extensions, marking the formal establishment of administrative inspectorate districts.

1937: Japanese invasion of China and Han Fuju's execution

In 1937, Japan began its invasion of China. Han Fuju, as Deputy Commander in Chief, abandoned his post in Jinan. He was subsequently executed for disobeying orders after Japanese troops crossed the Yellow River.

1941: Township-level Divisions of Shandong

The 16 prefecture-level cities of Shandong are subdivided into 137 county-level divisions which are in turn divided into 1941 township-level divisions.

1945: Communist forces gain control in Shandong

By 1945, during the Japanese occupation, communist Chinese Red Army forces held some parts of Shandong, with resistance continuing in unoccupied areas.

May 1947: Menglianggu Campaign

In May 1947, during the Menglianggu Campaign in the Yimeng Mountains, the Chinese Communist East China Field Army annihilated the Nationalist 74th Corp, considered the most elite unit of the National Revolutionary Army.

1948: Communist forces capture Weixian

In 1948, Communist forces captured Weixian, known as the "fortress of central Shandong," during the Battle of Weixian, furthering their control over the province.

February 1949: Establishment of the Shandong Military Region

In February 1949, the Shandong Military Region was established, playing a key role in military administration and defense.

June 1949: People's Liberation Army enters Qingdao

On June 2, 1949, after the Nationalist Army's withdrawal, the People's Liberation Army entered Qingdao and incorporated it into Shandong's jurisdiction. Communist forces were close to achieving full control of Shandong Province.

1949: Population of Shandong in 1949

By 1949, the population of Shandong had grown steadily, reaching 45 million people.

1950: Abolition of Administrative Regions in 1950

In 1950, three administrative regions were abolished in Shandong, reducing 16 prefectures to 11.

1952: Dissolution of Pingyuan Province in 1952

In 1952, Pingyuan Province was dissolved; its eastern part was incorporated into Shandong. Five counties from Hebei Province were transferred to Shandong, while some counties under Shandong's jurisdiction were reassigned to Hebei and Jiangsu.

August 1954: Establishment of Shandong Provincial People's Congress

On 17 August 1954, the Shandong Provincial People's Congress was established as the organ of state power in Shandong Province. It consists of provincial deputies elected from the prefecture-level cities and PLA units in the province.

1954: Establishment of PLA Navy's first destroyer unit

In 1954, the PLA Navy's first destroyer unit was founded in Qingdao, marking a significant development in China's naval capabilities.

1955: Reorganization into Jinan Military Region

In 1955, the Shandong Military Region was reorganized into the Jinan Military Region, overseeing military operations and administration in Shandong and Henan.

1959: Great Chinese Famine in Shandong

During the Great Chinese Famine of 1959–62, Shandong suffered heavily, with approximately six million people starving to death.

October 1961: Establishment of Shandong Provincial Military District

In October 1961, the Shandong Provincial Military District was established, based on the Mobilization Department of the Jinan Military Region. The militia system was widely implemented.

August 1966: Qingdao Incident marks the beginning of the Cultural Revolution

On August 25, 1966, the "Qingdao Incident," a confrontation between cadres/workers and university students, marked the beginning of the Cultural Revolution in Shandong Province.

1967: Renaming of Prefectures to Regions in 1967

In 1967, prefectures were renamed regions, and Shandong province then had 9 regions including Dezhou, Huimin, and Changwei, as well as four provincial cities: Jinan, Qingdao, Zibo, and Zaozhuang.

1976: Death of Mao Zedong

In 1976, Mao Zedong died, marking the end of a period of significant political movement in China. This led to subsequent reforms and economic development.

October 1984: Approval of Qingdao Economic and Technical Development Zone in October 1984

In October 1984, the State Council approved the Qingdao Economic and Technical Development Zone, with a plan of 12.5 km sq.

1985: Militia reserves in Shandong

By 1985, Shandong had approximately 1.6 million first-class reserve troops and about 6.4 million second-class reserve troops, highlighting its significant military reserves.

1986: Township and village enterprise output surpasses agriculture

By 1986, the total output value of township and village enterprises across Shandong Province surpassed that of agriculture for the first time, signaling a shift towards industrial development.

1988: Population Growth in Shandong by 1988

By 1988, following rapid population growth in the 1950s and 1960s and family planning policies in the 1970s and 1980s, the population of Shandong reached over 80 million.

March 1991: Approval of Weihai Torch Hi-Tech Science Park in March 1991

Weihai Torch Hi-Tech Science Park was approved as a state-level development zone by the State Council in March 1991. The park is located in Weihai's northwest zone of culture, education, and science.

1991: Founding of Jinan High-tech Industrial Development Zone in 1991

In 1991, the Jinan High-tech Industrial Development Zone was founded as one of the first of its kind approved by the State Council, located to the east of the city.

Oct 1992: Approval of Weihai Economic and Technological Development Zone in October 1992

Weihai Economic and Technological Development Zone was approved as a state-level development zone by the State Council on October 21, 1992.

1992: Approval of Qingdao High-Tech Industrial Development Zone in 1992

In 1992, the State Council approved the Qingdao High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, located close to Qingdao Liuting Airport and Qingdao Harbor.

1992: Establishment of Qingdao Free Trade Zone in 1992

In 1992, the State Council established the Qingdao Free Trade Zone, located 60 km from Qingdao Liuting Airport and close to Qingdao Qianwan Container Terminal.

August 1995: Establishment of Weifang Binhai Economic & Technological Development Area in August 1995

In August 1995, Weifang Binhai Economic & Technological Development Area (BEDA) was established as a national economic and technological development area approved by the State Council.

1996: Full electrification of households

In 1996, Shandong became the first province in China to achieve full electrification of all households, marking a significant infrastructure milestone.

1996: Discovery of Buddhist statues at Qingzhou

In 1996, over two hundred buried Buddhist statues were discovered at Qingzhou. This was considered a major archaeological find, including early examples of painted figures believed to be buried due to Emperor Huizong's repression of Buddhism.

1999: Zhanhua County declared poverty-free

In 1999, Zhanhua County, the province's last officially designated impoverished county, was declared poverty-free, indicating progress in poverty alleviation efforts.

April 2000: Establishment of Weihai Export & Processing Zone in April 2000

In April 2000, the Weihai Export & Processing Zone (EPZ) was established with the approval of the State Council. It is located in the Weihai Economic & Technological Development Zone.

2000: Longshan Culture

Around 2000 BC, the Longshan culture existed in Shandong. This culture was one of several Neolithic cultures that thrived in the region.

2000: Projects Approved in Qingdao Free Trade Zone in 2000

By the year 2000, more than 40 foreign-invested enterprises had moved into Qingdao Free Trade Zone, and 2000 projects had been approved.

2000: International Partnerships of Jinan High-tech Zone in 2000

In 2000, Jinan High-tech Industrial Development Zone joined the world science and technology association and set up a China-Ukraine High-tech Cooperation Park. The Qilu Software Park became the sister park of Bangalore park of India.

2000: Average Life Expectancy in Shandong in 2000

In 2000, the average life expectancy in Shandong was 73.42 years.

2004: Christian Population in Shandong in 2004

In 2004, 1.30% of Shandong's population identified as Christian.

2004: Shandong becomes China's top province in industrial strength

In 2004, Shandong overtook Guangdong in both industrial output and profits, becoming China's top province in industrial strength for the first time.

2004: Economic Growth of Qingdao Development Zone in 2004

In 2004, the local GDP of Qingdao Economic and Technical Development Zone was ¥27.51 billion, which increased by 28.9%, and the total industrial output value was ¥60.6 billion, which increased by 31%.

2007: Religious Beliefs in Shandong in 2007

According to surveys conducted in 2007, 25.28% of the population of Shandong believes in ancestor veneration.

September 2008: Qingdao hosts sailing competitions of the Paralympic Games

In September 2008, Qingdao, as a partner city of Beijing, hosted the sailing competitions of the 13th Summer Paralympic Games, showcasing the city's capacity for international events.

2008: Discovery of dinosaur fossils in Zhucheng

In 2008, approximately 7,600 dinosaur bones from Tyrannosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and other genera were found in Zhucheng, Shandong, likely the largest collection ever discovered at one location, showcasing the region's paleontological richness.

2009: Religious Beliefs in Shandong in 2009

According to surveys conducted in 2009, 25.28% of the population believes in ancestor veneration, while 1.21% of the population identifies as Christian.

2009: Jinan hosts the 11th National Games

In 2009, Jinan hosted the 11th National Games of the People's Republic of China, promoting sports and development in the region.

2009: Laizhou Recognized as Longevity Town in 2009

In 2009, Laizhou was recognized by the China Gerontological Society as a "Longevity Town of China", the tenth such town in China, the first in Shandong Province, and also the first in Northern China.

July 2010: Establishment of the Sino-German Ecopark

In July 2010, German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited China, and both sides agreed to support the establishment of the Sino-German Ecopark within the Qingdao Economic and Technological Development Zone to promote sustainable development.

2010: Muslim Population in Shandong in 2010

According to a survey of the year 2010, Muslims constitute 0.55% of Shandong's population up from 0.14% in 1949.

2010: Education Levels in Shandong in 2010

According to the 2010 national census, 8.3287 million people in Shandong had attained a university level of education, 13.3226 million had a high school education, 38.4682 million had a junior high school education, and 23.9124 million had a primary school education. The illiterate population was 4.7573 million, with an illiteracy rate of 4.97%.

2010: Shandong's Population in 2010

According to the 2010 national census, the permanent population of Shandong was 95.7931 million.

2010: Average Height in Yantai in 2010

As of 2010, 16-18-year-old male students in Yantai measured 176.4 centimetres (5 ft 9.4 in) while female students measured 164 cm (5 ft 5 in).

2010: Average Life Expectancy in Shandong in 2010

In 2010, the average life expectancy in Shandong was 76.46 years.

2011: Development plan for Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone approved

In 2011, the development plan for the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone was officially approved, focusing on marine-based economic activities.

2012: Service Sector Value-Added in 2012

In 2012, the value-added of the service sector accounted for 40% of Shandong's GDP. The value-added of the financial sector reached ¥201.9 billion, the real estate sector contributed ¥201.6 billion, total revenue from tourism was ¥451.97 billion, and software business revenue from large-scale software enterprises amounted to ¥173.79 billion.

2012: Integrated land-sea control system construction

Since 2012, Shandong's border defense has advanced the construction of an integrated land-sea control system, achieving notable results in border security.

2013: "Top 10 Geographical Indication Trademarks of Shandong"

In 2013, several agricultural products were awarded the title of "Top 10 Geographical Indication Trademarks of Shandong": Zhanhua winter jujubes, Zhangqiu scallions, Rizhao green tea, Yantai apples, Jinxiang garlic, Rongcheng kelp, Pingyi honeysuckle, Jiaozhou cabbage, and Feicheng peaches.

June 2014: Establishment of Qingdao West Coast New Area

On June 3, 2014, the State Council formally approved the establishment of the national-level Qingdao West Coast New Area in Huangdao District to boost regional development.

2014: Elderly Population in Shandong in 2014

By the end of 2014, there were 2.615 million people aged over 80 in Shandong Province, and 5,932 people aged over 100.

2014: Shandong's Fishery Output in 2014

In 2014, Shandong's total aquatic product output exceeded 9 million tons, with a total fishery output value of ¥360 billion, and over 12 million mu of aquaculture area. Dominant marine aquaculture industries included sea cucumbers, kelp, prawns, flounder, sole, clams, and Chinese mitten crabs. Inland aquaculture was rapidly developing local specialties such as softshell turtles, Siniperca chuatsi, loach, and icefish.

March 2015: Ethnic Minority Groups in Shandong in March 2015

As of March 2015, there were 55 ethnic minority groups in Shandong Province, with a total resident population of 720,000, accounting for 0.75% of the province's total population. Among them, the Hui ethnic group numbered 540,000, accounting for 75% of the total ethnic minority population in the province.

2015: Shandong's Population in 2015

In 2015, 1.2358 million people were born in Shandong, and the year-end permanent population reached 98.4716 million. The 0–14 age group accounted for 16.62% of the total population, the 15–64 age group accounted for 71.17%, and those aged 65 and over accounted for 12.21%.

2015: Land area and soil types in Shandong

In 2015, Shandong had a total land area of 237 million mu, including 173 million mu of agricultural land. The province featured six major soil types, with fluvo-aquic, brown, and cinnamon soils occupying the largest areas.

2015: Shandong's Tertiary Sector in 2015

In 2015, the tertiary sector (services) accounted for 45.3% of Shandong Province's total economic output. The financial sector's value-added accounted for 5% of Shandong's GDP, and its contribution to local tax revenue reached 10.7%, making it one of the province's pillar industries.

February 2016: Shandong under PLA Northern Theater Command

After the establishment of the Theater Commands on 1 February 2016, Shandong came under the jurisdiction of the PLA Northern Theater Command, influencing its military structure and administration.

2016: Compulsory Education in Shandong in 2016

In 2016, Shandong achieved a high level of compulsory education, with a net enrollment rate for primary school-age children of 99.97% and a retention rate for compulsory education of 97.2%.

2016: Projected Life Expectancy in Shandong in 2016

In 2016, the average life expectancy in Shandong was projected to reach 78 years.

2017: Establishment of Rocket Force NCO School

In 2017, the Rocket Force NCO School of People's Liberation Army Rocket Force was established in Qingzhou, Weifang, contributing to the training and development of missile personnel.

February 2018: Judicial System in Shandong

As of February 2018, Shandong has 18 intermediate courts, including 16 municipal intermediate people's courts, and two specialized courts: the Jinan Railway Transport Intermediate Court and the Qingdao Maritime Court. The province also has 156 basic-level courts and 633 grassroots tribunals.

December 2018: Administrative Adjustment of Laiwu in December 2018

On December 26, 2018, the State Council officially approved the administrative adjustment of Laiwu under Jinan's jurisdiction, abolishing Laiwu as a separate prefecture-level city and merging its territory into Jinan. As a result, the province now comprises 16 prefecture-level cities.

2018: Shandong's Three-Sector Economic Structure in 2018

By 2018, Shandong province's three-sector economic structure had adjusted to a ratio of 6.5:44.0:49.5 (primary:secondary:tertiary), with the service sector contributing 60% to overall economic growth.

January 2019: Annexation of Laiwu to Jinan in January 2019

On January 1, 2019, Laiwu was wholly annexed to Jinan.

August 2019: Establishment of China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone

In August 2019, the State Council approved the establishment of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, including areas in Jinan, Qingdao, and Yantai, to promote trade and investment.

December 2019: Commissioning of the aircraft carrier Shandong

On 17 December 2019, the aircraft carrier Shandong was officially commissioned, enhancing China's naval capabilities.

2020: Population projection for Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration

By 2020, the total population of the Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration was expected to exceed 103 million, with an urban population of 67 million, indicating significant urbanization.

2020: Shandong's Population in 2020

With a population of more than 101,527,453 at the 2020 Chinese census, the permanent population of Shandong exceeded 100 million, ranking second in China after Guangdong Province and slightly ahead of Henan.

May 2021: Shandong Population Census Data Released in May 2021

On May 21, 2021, data from the seventh national population census in Shandong Province was released. The data showed that the total resident population was 101.527 million, of which 100.622 million were Han Chinese (99.11%), and 905,000 were ethnic minorities (0.89%).

2021: Shandong's GDP and Population

In 2021, Shandong's GDP reached CN¥8.3 trillion (US$1.3 trillion), making it China's third-largest provincial economy, equivalent to Mexico's GDP. The province's population was over 100 million, ranking as the world's sixth-most populous subnational entity.

2021: Shandong's Economy in 2021

In 2021, Shandong's economy was China's third largest provincial economy with a GDP of CNY¥8.3 trillion or USD$1.3 trillion, equivalent to the GDP of Mexico. Its GDP per capita was around the national average, making it the 15th-largest economy and the 15th most populous entity if it were a country.

2024: Jinan and Qingdao ranked in the global top 40 cities by scientific research output

As of 2024, the Nature Index ranked two major cities in Shandong (Jinan #31 and Qingdao #38) in the global top 40 cities by scientific research output.

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