From its logistics hub and smart port to dynamic coastal cities which have seen tourism boom, East China's Shandong province has showcased its dynamic development through the dedication of its people and technological innovation. 

On Jan 1, the first 2026 TIR truck from Shandong departed for Moscow. Driver Peng Hanzhu set off from Linyi on New Year's Day, safely transporting a full load of carpets. In 2025, the logistics company Peng working for completed 467 TIR shipments, carrying goods worth over 390 million yuan ($55.78 million) to regions including Russia and Central Asia.

Meanwhile, a group of South Korean tourists, led by 62-year-old Mr Park, celebrated New Year's Day in Qingdao. The South Korean tourist group is the first of the year to visit the province. They enjoyed harbor views, visited the Tsingtao Beer Museum, and experienced Laoshan Mountain via visual reality devices. The city's tourism bureau enhanced services with bilingual guides and plans further upgrades to facilitate international visits and deepen cooperation with South Korean partners.

The free-visa policy makes inbound travel more convenient. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Li Ziyue, a newly graduated metro driver, operated the first train of 2026 on Lines 4 and 8 in Jinan. "Knowing passengers rely on our punctual and safe services is what motivates me," she said, representing the skilled young professionals fueling the province's growth.