Best Places to Visit in Shandong | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat

Food & Drinks To Try In Shandong

1. Jianbing: This popular street food from Shandong is a savory pancake made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour. It is typically filled with various ingredients such as eggs, scallions, cilantro, and a crispy fried dough stick. Jianbing is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack option.

2. Braised Sea Cucumber: Shandong is known for its seafood, and one of the must-try dishes is braised sea cucumber. This delicacy is prepared by simmering the sea cucumber in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other spices. The result is a tender and succulent dish that is often served during special occasions.

3. Shandong Dumplings: Shandong is famous for its dumplings, which are larger and heartier compared to other regions in China. These dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of minced pork, scallions, and various seasonings. They are then steamed or pan-fried to perfection, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.

4. Shandong Roast Duck: Similar to the famous Peking duck, Shandong roast duck is a must-try dish in the region. The duck is marinated with a blend of spices and then roasted until the skin becomes crispy and golden. The meat is tender and flavorful, and it is often served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

5. Qingdao Beer: Qingdao, a city in Shandong, is renowned for its beer production. Qingdao Beer is a popular brand that is enjoyed not only in China but also worldwide. It is a refreshing and crisp lager that pairs well with the local cuisine. Visiting a local brewery or enjoying a cold bottle of Qingdao Beer at a restaurant is a great way to experience the local drinking culture.

6. Shandong Noodles: Shandong is also known for its wide variety of noodles. From hand-pulled noodles to knife-cut noodles, there are endless options to choose from. These noodles are often served in flavorful broths or stir-fried with vegetables and meat. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Shandong-style noodles during your visit.

7. Shandong Pancakes: Shandong pancakes are a popular street food that can be found throughout the region. These pancakes are made with a simple batter of flour, water, and salt, and they are cooked on a griddle until golden and crispy. They can be enjoyed plain or filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or seafood.

8. Shandong-style Braised Pork: Shandong-style braised pork, also known as "Hong Shao Rou," is a classic dish in the region. It is made by slowly braising pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and spices until the meat becomes tender and flavorful. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that is often served with steamed buns or rice.

9. Shandong-style Steamed Fish: Shandong cuisine is known for its delicate and flavorful seafood dishes, and one of the highlights is the Shandong-style steamed fish. The fish is typically marinated with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings before being steamed to perfection. The result is a tender and moist fish with a rich and aromatic flavor.

10. Shandong-style Scallion Pancakes: Scallion pancakes are a popular dish in Shandong cuisine. These pancakes are made with a dough that is layered with scallions and then pan-fried until crispy. They are often served as an appetizer or snack and can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in soy sauce or other condiments.

Flight Calendar For Shandong

Use our flight calendar to discover the Cheapest Days and Months to Book Flight to Shandong.

Transportation To Shandong

There are several transportation options to Shandong, China.

1. Airplane: The most convenient way to reach Shandong is by flying into one of its major airports, such as Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport or Qingdao Liuting International Airport. These airports have regular domestic and international flights connecting Shandong to other cities in China and around the world.

2. Train: Shandong has an extensive railway network, and there are high-speed trains that connect major cities in Shandong to other parts of China. You can take a train from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to reach Shandong.

3. Bus: There are long-distance buses that operate between Shandong and other provinces in China. These buses are a more affordable option compared to flying or taking the train, but the travel time can be longer.

4. Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and drive to Shandong. The major cities in Shandong are well-connected by highways, making it relatively easy to reach by road.

5. Ferry: If you are coming from South Korea or Japan, you can take a ferry to Qingdao, which has a ferry terminal that connects to these countries.

Once you are in Shandong, there are various modes of transportation available within the province, including buses, taxis, and subway systems in cities like Jinan and Qingdao.