Shandong emerges as economic powerhouse in northern China

Shandong has reached a historic economic milestone, with its GDP hitting 10.3 trillion yuan ($1.49 trillion) in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 5.5 percent. This achievement makes the province the third in China, and the first in northern China, to reach 10 trillion yuan, highlighting its role as an economic powerhouse.

The province's industrial sector showed remarkable strength, with value-added industrial output of enterprises above designated sizes growing 7.6 percent, 1.7 percentage points above the national average. It is prioritizing advanced manufacturing as the backbone of its modern industrial system, aiming to reinforce its position as a key growth engine for northern China.

Digital transformation is advancing rapidly across Shandong. All 16 of the province's cities rank among China's top 100 digital cities. The province is also progressing with the construction of the National Data Element Comprehensive Pilot Zone, promoting the integrated development of the digital and real economies.

As a major agricultural province, Shandong continues to bolster its foundation. Liaocheng exemplifies this progress, having developed 6.43 million mu (about 428,667 hectares) of high-standard farmland. The city has achieved 23 consecutive years of grain harvests by last year, stabilizing total grain output above 5.75 billion kilograms.

The province is also fostering opportunities in the silver economy by developing an integrated elderly care framework. This framework combines government support, market activity, social involvement, and family participation to meet the needs of its aging population.

（chinadaily.com.cn）