On July 5th, the launch event for the original song "Splendid Shandong," jointly organized by the Shandong Song and Dance Theater, Jinan Musicians Association, and Jinan International Communication Center, and supported by the Asian Philharmonic Orchestra, was held at the Jinan Daily Newspapering Group Building. 

The song, was written by Zhang Kehua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, and Wang Yong from the Asian Philharmonic Orchestra, with music composed by Wang Baowen, Deputy Head of the Asian Philharmonic Orchestra, and performed by soprano Zhang Lili of the China National Opera House, vividly portrays the beauty and charm of Shandong, the hometown of Confucius and Mencius, from a unique artistic perspective. The majestic Taishan and the azure sea seem to leap through time and space, allowing people to experience the magnificent landscapes and folk customs of Shandong, as well as the spirit of the new era, through beautiful and melodic tunes.

At the release event, the creators shared their inspirations behind the song and performed excerpts from "Splendid Shandong." Zhang Kehua expressed his emotions through calligraphy, writing phrases such as "Telling Jinan's Story to the World" and "Beautiful Shandong." Du Guangcai, Member of the Party Committee and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Jinan Daily Newspaper Group, presented the creators with certificates as "Jinan City Referrer."

Shandong, one of the major birthplaces of Chinese culture, has a long history and is renowned for its prominent figures. During an interview, lyricist Zhang Kehua stated that the purpose of creating "Splendid Shandong" was to let more people know about, understand, fall in love with, and support Shandong. "Qilu culture holds a significant place in traditional Chinese culture. Confucius was born here, Mount Tai rose here, and the Yellow River flowed into the sea from here. We hope more insightful people will come to invest, start businesses, and tour in Shandong." Zhang Kehua said he would continue to create, incorporating the beautiful moments he captures into his melodies, and hopes more people will join in telling Shandong's story, spreading Shandong's voice, and promoting Shandong's image, thereby continuously creating new musical symbols for his hometown and contributing to its development.

Composer Wang Baowen mentioned in the interview that although he is not from Jinan, he has been deeply influenced by Qilu culture. "Shandong is so beautiful. Today, in the provincial capital Jinan, there are green mountains, springs, willows, and lotus flowers. What was once only read about in books - 'lotus flowers on all sides, willows on three sides, a city of mountains, and half a city of the Daming lake' - now truly appears before my eyes. It is also indeed a sea of flowers, like a fairyland!" Wang Baowen exclaimed. He noted Shandong’s rich cultural heritage, being home to China's earliest city-states, the oldest Great Wall, and the birthplace of ceramics and silk. Shandong has so many cities, each with unique beauty. "I would feel ashamed not to create a song for such a beautiful Shandong!"

At the event, Zhang Lili performed "Splendid Shandong" live for the audience. She expressed that "Splendid Shandong" is another musical calling card from Shandong to the world. The creative team weaved dreams with notes and conveyed emotions through singing, inviting people worldwide to experience Shandong’s warmth and sincerity. "As the lyrics say, 'Beautiful Shandong welcomes you, welcomes you to step into the landscape gallery, hospitable Shandong awaits you. Let us fly our dreams together, take new steps, and march towards the glory of Shandong.’”

Splendid Shandong

Shandong, the hometown of Confucius and Mencius,

where culture nurtures people with sincerity and kindness.

The Yellow River flows into the sea from Dongying.

Mount Tai protects the people's peace and well-being.

Baotu Spring is acclaimed as the best spring in the world.

Qingdao beer spreads its fame.

Splendid Shandong welcomes you,

inviting you into this landscape of mountains and rivers.

Friendly Shandong awaits your arrival,

as we set forth to pursue new dreams,

towards the brilliance of Shandong.

Peonies and kites attract merchants.

Yantai boasts the fairyland of Penglai, while Rizhao shines in the east.

Dezhou and Binzhou are famous for their pastoral ecology.

Yimeng and Zaozhuang have a rich revolutionary culture.

Weihai and Liaocheng are places of romance.

The barbecue in Zibo is exceptionally delicious.

Splendid Shandong welcomes you,

inviting you into this landscape of mountains and rivers.

Friendly Shandong awaits your arrival,

as we set forth to pursue new dreams,

towards the brilliance of Shandong.

(Li Yong; Liu Qintao; Liang Ruxiao; Lei Youting; Li Xiaotong; Hua Shan; Yuan Yuhua; Gong Lili; Liang Ruixin; Chen Tianyu; Gang Yongchao; Wang Zhiming; Feng Shulong; Hou Yawen; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hui Sheng; Dou Zhuoran; Huang Kaike; Wang Letian; Zhao Yongliang; Wang Zerun; Cong Lingfeng; Sun Xiaonan; Liu Xinyu; Tu Yangyang; Dong Jinyu)