Since the beginning of this year, which marks the beginning of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), Shandong has been steadfastly promoting regional high-quality development, said local officials.

Employees work at a production line of a company in Shandong province. [Photo/Dazhong News]

In the first three quarters, the added value of new driving forces, "top 10" industries and "Four New" economies increased by 16.3 percent, 18.3 percent and 17 percent respectively in Shandong, 6.4, 8.4 and 7.1 percentage points higher than the province's GDP growth rate.

A new high-speed railway section entered service on Dec 26 in Shandong, bringing the city of Heze into the high-speed rail network.

The line shortens travel time between Heze and Beijing to three hours, saving at least two hours for passengers, and enhances connectivity within the southern part of Shandong and the plains area of central China. It will promote regional economic and social development, Shandong officials said.

The Fenghuang Yellow River Bridge in Jinan, Shandong province [Photo/Dazhong News]

The province has been promoting the protection of the Yellow River, also known as China's "Mother River" and the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Shandong has carefully drawn up a plan for environmental protection and high-quality development along the Yellow River basin, as well as nine special plans for environmental protection and water conservancy, and carried out 390 major annual projects.