Jinan

Jinan (also Chi-nan or Tsinan), city in eastern China, capital of Shandong Province. It is an industrial and transport centre situated near the Huang He (Yellow River). Factories here produce steel, machinery, tools, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles, and processed food. Noted mineral springs, and religious and historical sites are here. Mount Tai, one of ancient China's holiest mountains, is nearby, as are the Thousand Buddha Cliff, the Four Door Pagoda, and the Valley of the Buddhas temple.

Founded in the 8th century bc, Jinan was part of the Lu state (750-450 bc) and an early religious centre. Modern development began in 1852, when the Huang He shifted its course to just north of the city, thus providing an important transport artery. Jinan was occupied from 1937 to 1945 by Japanese forces, and developed as an industrial city after 1949. Population 5,974,000 (2005 estimate).