Shandong

Qingdao-banner2.jpg|1280px|Qingdao Shandong Province

Shandong (山东; Shāndōng) is a province in China. Also referred to as Chiloo (齐鲁, Qilu), The Giant State (Shandong people are known to be the tallest in the nation), and the hometown of Confucius.

The name means east of the mountains. Shandong is a coastal province situated by the Bohai Sea to the north and the Yellow Sea to the south. The Yellow River runs through the province.

Main attractions are Qufu (the birthplace of Confucius), Mount Tai (holy mountain in Chinese belief and the most climbed mountain in China), Qingdao (nice port city with beaches and German buildings) and Yantai (holiday city with lots of European buildings). The capital, Jinan (a city of springs where water and willows are famous), is renowned for its artesian springs and serves as a transport hub for the region.

Cities in Shandong

Jinan 济南- the capital
Tai'an 泰安- the town established because of Mount Tai|Mt. Tai
Qingdao 青岛- or Tsingtao the largest city, former German concession, home of Tsingtao Brewery
Qufu 曲阜 - the birthplace of Confucius
Weihai 威海 - or Port Edward a seaside resort at the eastern end of the peninsula. Formerly, a British naval base.
Yantai 烟台 - or Chipoo, holiday city with beaches
Zoucheng 邹城 - the birthplace of Mencius
Dezhou 德州
Dongying 东营
Heze 菏泽
Jining (Shandong)|Jining 济宁
Laiwu 莱芜 - smallest city in Shandong Province
Laixi 莱西
Laiyang 莱阳
Linyi 临沂
Qingzhou 青州
Rizhao 日照 - seaport city south of Qingdao
Weifang 潍坊
Zibo 淄博

More Destinations in Shandong

Mount Tai (泰山)
Penglai (蓬莱) — Coastal resort, home to Penglai Pagoda, one of the Four Great Towers of China.

Islam in Shandong

Shandong Province is a beautiful region in China that has a rich Islamic history. The Jinan Great Southern Mosque is a testament to this history, as it is the oldest mosque in the city of Jinan, dating back to the Yuan dynasty in 1295.

The mosque's construction and renovation over the centuries are a reflection of the importance of the Islamic faith in the region. The Ming dynasty expanded the mosque in the 1400s, and further renovations were undertaken during the reigns of the Jiajing, Wanli, Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Tongzhi Emperors of the Qing dynasty.

The mosque's layout is unique, as it integrates Chinese temple elements with those required for it to function as a mosque. Its architecture is a testament to the adaptability of Islamic culture, which has grown and flourished in various regions around the world.

Today and the Jinan Great Southern Mosque stands as a reminder of the rich Islamic history of Shandong Province, and its importance in the cultural legacy of China. It is a symbol of the adaptability and resilience of Islamic culture, and its ability to thrive and grow in diverse environments.

Travel to Shandong

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Shandong

There are a few major international airports including Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, Qingdao Liuting Airport, Yantai Penglai Airport, and Weihai Dashuipo Airport.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Shandong

High-speed trains provide regular service from Beijing and Shanghai to cities including Jinan, Taian, Dezhou, Qufu and Zaozhuang. An average travel duration is 2 hours.
Regular train services provide links between pretty much anywhere else in China to almost any city and town in Shandong Province.

What to see as a Muslim in Shandong

Jinan Great Southern Mosque, Jinan

Halal Food in Shandong

China has a rich and diverse culinary tradition, and one of the most interesting aspects of it is the halal food scene. As a country with a significant Muslim population, China has developed its own halal cuisine, which combines traditional Chinese flavors and cooking techniques with Islamic dietary laws. And nowhere is this fusion more evident than in the city of Qingdao, where Chinese halal food is thriving.

One of the most popular halal restaurants in Qingdao is the Muslim Majia Hotpot Restaurant. Located on 111 Yian An First Road in the Shinan Qu neighborhood, this restaurant specializes in one of China's most beloved dishes: hotpot. For those unfamiliar with hotpot, it's a communal meal where diners cook their own food in a boiling pot of broth on the table. At Muslim Majia and the broth is halal and the ingredients include lamb, beef, seafood, and vegetables. The restaurant also offers a variety of side dishes and appetizers, such as fried Rice cakes and steamed dumplings. The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant makes it a perfect place to enjoy a delicious and authentic Chinese halal meal with friends and family.

Another great place to try Chinese halal food in Qingdao is Xinghzau Beef Noodles. This restaurant is located on Lianyungang Road and serves up some of the best beef Noodles in the city. The Noodles are made fresh daily and are cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful broth. The beef is also of the highest quality and is cooked until it's tender and juicy. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, making Xinghzau Beef Noodles a great option for a quick and satisfying halal meal.

For those looking for a taste of (Pakistani) cuisine in Qingdao, Khan Baba is the place to go. Located on Yanerdao Road, this restaurant serves up some of the most authentic (Pakistani) dishes in the city. From biryani to Kebabs to curries, Khan Baba has something for everyone. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, making it a popular spot for both local residents and tourists alike. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere of the restaurant also make it a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious halal meal.