Shandong people

The people of Shandong province or Shandong people (simplified Chinese: 山东人; traditional Chinese: 山東人; pinyin: Shāndōng rén) refers to those who are native to Shandong province, the majority (99%) are classified as Han Chinese. They speak mainly three forms of Chinese such as Jilu, Jiaoliao, and Zhongyuan.

Originating from a coastal province in eastern China that was home to ancient states like Qi and Lu, Shandong is regarded as the cradle of Confucianism, being the birthplace of Confucius and Mencius and many other scholars. Historically, Shandongese have been prominent in national migration movements, especially the Chuang Guandong migration into Manchuria, and many also became part of overseas Chinese communities. They made up 10% of Mainlanders in Taiwan, 90% of oversea Chinese in South Korea, and there is also a small Shandong community in Singapore and Malaysia. Shandong people are often stereotyped as physically strong, loyal, and straightforward, with a reputation for perseverance and fortitude, shaped by centuries of agricultural labor and frequent hardships like war, famine, and flood. As of 2010, 16- to 18-year-old male students in Yantai measured 176.4 cm (5'9.5), while female students measured 164 cm (5'4.5). Provincial average for both genders would be about 1 cm less.