Jinan
Capital of Shandong, known as the City of Springs.
Ermell · CC BY-SA 4.0
Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in Eastern China, is home to 9.2 million people, making it one of the province’s most populous cities. It has long been a key center for administration, economics, and transportation at the national level. Since 1994, the city has held sub-provincial administrative status. Known as the "City of Springs," it boasts 72 famous artesian springs.
Globally, Jinan ranks 27th in scientific research according to the Nature Index 2025 Science Cities. It hosts several major universities, including Shandong University, Shandong Normal University, Shandong Jianzhu University, the University of Jinan, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Shandong University of Finance and Economics. Shandong University, a member of the Double First-Class Construction initiative, is one of China’s most prestigious institutions. In the 2020 GAWC ratings, Jinan was classified as a Beta- (global second-tier) city.
The name "Jinan" means "south of the Ji," referring to the old Ji River that flowed north of the city until the mid-19th century. Similar names appear in Jiyuan ("source of the Ji River") and Jiyang ("north side of the Ji River"). The Ji River vanished in 1852 when the Yellow River shifted north and took over its channel. The character "Ji" was pronounced with the fourth tone (jì) until the late 1970s, when the third tone (jǐ) became standard. Older Western texts spell the name as "Tsinan" (Postal romanization) or "Chi-nan" (Wade-Giles). In ancient times, Jinan was called the "estate of Luo," with "Luo" referring to Baotu Spring, a name found in oracle bone scripts from the reigns of Di Yi and Di Xin. The Battle of An, fought in 589 BCE during the Spring and Autumn period between the states of Qi and Jin, took place near the ancient city of An, which lay within modern Jinan’s boundaries. Marco Polo briefly described Jinan as "Chingli" or "Chinangli."
From the Zhou dynasty (1045–256 BCE) through the Western Jin dynasty (266–316 CE), the main settlement of Jinan Commandery was the "city of East Pingling," located in present-day Zhangqiu. During the Western Jin, the administrative center moved west to Licheng, which remained the seat until the Qing dynasty. Nineteenth- and early twentieth-century texts often refer to the city as "Tsinan Fu," where "Fu" means prefecture. The current district of Lixia was once the major settlement; its name means "foot of Mount Li," referencing the mountain south of the city. The nickname "City of Springs" comes from the many artesian springs in the urban center and its surroundings.
The area has been inhabited for over 4,000 years. The Neolithic Longshan culture was first identified at Chengziya, east of Jinan in Zhangqiu District, in 1928. Its hallmark is intricate wheel-made pottery, especially black "egg-shell pottery" with walls less than one millimeter thick. During the Spring and Autumn (722–481 BCE) and Warring States (475–221 BCE) periods, the region was split between the states of Lu in the west and Qi in the east. In 685 BCE, Qi began constructing the Great Wall of Qi across Changqing County; portions remain today as open-air museums. Bian Que, considered the earliest Chinese physician and active around 400–300 BCE, is said to have been a native of present-day Changqing County. Zou Yan (305–240 BCE), from Zhangqiu City, developed the concepts of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. British sinologist Joseph Needham called Zou "the real founder of all Chinese scientific thought."
After Qin Shi Huang conquered Qi and unified China, he established Qi Commandery, which later became Jinan Commandery and the Kingdom of Jibei during the early Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Under the Han, Jinan served as the capital of the feudatory Kingdom of Jibei and grew into a cultural and economic hub. In 1995 and 1996, archaeologists from Shandong University excavated a Han dynasty tomb at Shuangru Mountain, the burial site of Liu Kuan, the last king of Jibei. Over 2,000 artifacts—including jade swords, masks, and pillows—were recovered from the 1,500-square-meter site, highlighting the city’s wealth. Cao Cao (155–220 CE) served as an official in Jinan before becoming the de facto ruler of the Han dynasty. His son, Cao Pi, deposed the last Han emperor and founded the Wei Kingdom (220–265 CE) during the Three Kingdoms period.
From the 5th century CE, Buddhism thrived in Jinan. The Langgong Temple (later renamed Shentong Temple, now in ruins) in southern Licheng County was one of northern China’s most important temples at the time. This period also saw extensive construction of Buddhist sites in Licheng and Changqing counties, including Lingyan Temple and the Thousand-Buddha Cliff, with many cave temples carved into the hills south of Jinan. The city remained the region’s cultural center during the Song dynasty.
- Population
- 9.2 million
- Province
- Shandong
- Nickname
- City of Springs
- GAWC Rating (2020)
- Beta- (Global second-tier city)
- Nature Index 2025 Rank
- #27 in the world for scientific research
Lore & Background
Bian Que, considered the earliest Chinese physician, is said to have been a native of present-day Changqing County, while Zou Yan of Zhangqiu developed the concepts of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. During the Han dynasty, Jinan was the capital of the feudatory Kingdom of Jibei. Cao Cao served as an official in Jinan before becoming de facto ruler of the Han dynasty. Buddhism flourished from the 5th century CE, with temples such as Langgong Temple (later Shentong Temple) and extensive cave temples built in the hills south of Jinan. After a decisive battle, Li Tan retreated to Jinan, tried to drown himself in Daming Lake, but was rescued and executed by trampling. During the Ming dynasty, Jinan replaced Qingzhou as the capital of Shandong province.
Reader's Guide
Jinan's significance stems from its long history as a cultural, economic, and administrative center in Eastern China. Jinan is home to several major universities, including Shandong University, a member of the Double First-Class Construction, and is ranked #27 globally for scientific research by the Nature Index 2025. Historically, Jinan was a hub for Buddhism, poetry, and art, with figures like Li Qingzhao, Xin Qiji, and Zhao Mengfu associated with the city. The German-built Jiaoji railway and the Boxer Rebellion's local discontent over its construction highlight Jinan's role in modern Chinese history. Today, Jinan remains a key transportation hub and a center for education and research.
Did You Know?
- Jinan is called the 'City of Springs' because of its 72 famous artesian springs.
- The poet Li Qingzhao, the most renowned female poet in Chinese history, was born in Jinan.
Founding & Early Fleet Development
Shandong Airlines was formally established on 12 March 1994, with its first commercial flights taking off just months later in September of that same year. The carrier launched with a remarkably modest fleet of a single Xi'an Y-7-100 turboprop, a far cry from the operation it would eventually become. Within a year, the airline placed orders for three Boeing 737-300 aircraft, with deliveries staggered across late 1995 and into 1996, a move designed to support roughly 60 weekly flights across ten destinations. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw further fleet experimentation: a 1997 letter of intent for three Saab 2000s, a 1999 agreement with Bombardier for five CRJ200s that made Shandong the first Chinese carrier to fly the type in scheduled revenue service, and a 2002 order for two CRJ700s, again a national first. The airline also briefly dabbled in Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft for regional routes before eventually placing them for sale in 2007.
Strategic Alliances & Industry Consolidation
The late 1990s and early 2000s were a period of intense consolidation in Chinese aviation, and Shandong Airlines navigated it through a series of strategic partnerships. In September 1997, it joined five fellow provincial carriers—Hainan, Shenzhen, Sichuan, Wuhan, and Zhongyuan—to establish the New Star (Xinxing) Aviation Alliance, a defensive coalition intended to strengthen finances and ward off absorption by larger rivals. That collaborative instinct carried into 2001, when Shandong became part of the China Sky Aviation Enterprises grouping alongside China Postal, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Sichuan, and Wuhan Airlines, a partnership focused on codesharing and reducing direct competition. The airline also explored aggressive expansion through acquisition, announcing plans in late 2000 to absorb Shanxi Airlines, though that deal ultimately fell through. In 2002, Shandong further deepened its industry ties by purchasing an 8% stake in Sichuan Airlines alongside China Southern and Shanghai Airlines.
International Expansion & the Boeing Fleet
For years Shandong Airlines operated almost exclusively within China's borders, but that changed in June 2004 when the carrier launched its maiden international service, linking Jinan to Singapore with a stop in Shenzhen. That single route marked the beginning of a broader international network reaching regional Asian destinations. A defining characteristic of the airline's growth strategy was its unwavering commitment to Boeing aircraft. Starting with the 737-300s of the mid-1990s, the fleet evolved through 737NG and 737 MAX variants, and by April 2014 the airline committed to a sweeping order of 50 Boeing 737s—16 NG models and 34 MAX aircraft. This all-Boeing philosophy has earned Shandong a unique global distinction: it ranks as the world's fifth-largest operator of exclusively Boeing aircraft. Domestically, it holds the eighth-largest position among Chinese carriers, with its primary hubs in Jinan, Qingdao, and Yantai feeding a network of major cities across the country.
Corporate Structure & Industry Position
Shandong Airlines is headquartered in the Shandong Airlines Center in Jinan, the provincial capital, and operates under the nickname SDA or simply Shānháng. Its ownership structure reflects the broader pattern of state-backed consolidation in Chinese aviation. The controlling shareholder is Shandong Aviation Group, which holds a 37% stake, while Air China—the nation's flagship carrier—sits as a strategic partner with a 51% share. Air China's involvement was formalised in March 2004, when it acquired a 22.8% stake in the airline and over 40% of Shandong Aviation Group, a deal that had been in the works since 2003. Beyond its core passenger operations, the airline's history includes a brief foray into freight services with two 737 freighters announced in 2001, a charter subsidiary called Rainbow Jet that operated Bombardier Challenger 604 business jets before ceasing operations in 2006, and a 2005 partnership with the Spartan School of Aeronautics to open a flight academy in Qingdao.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jinan?
Jinan is the provincial capital of Shandong in eastern China, functioning as a major administrative, economic, and transportation hub. It is home to approximately 9.2 million residents.
Why is Jinan nicknamed the City of Springs?
The city earns this title from its abundance of natural hot springs that have shaped local culture, daily life, and tourism for centuries.
How large is Jinan compared to other Chinese cities?
At roughly 9.2 million people, it is one of the largest urban centers in Shandong province and a significant node in China's eastern economic corridor.
What is Jinan's global city rating?
The 2020 GAWC assessment placed Jinan at Beta-, classifying it as a global second-tier city. It also ranked 27th in the world on the Nature Index 2025 for scientific research output.
Why is Jinan important to Shandong?
As the seat of provincial government and a key transportation crossroads, Jinan anchors the region's political, commercial, and logistical infrastructure.
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