Han Peng nearly put the home side ahead after 20 minutes when he rose high to meet a cross by Brazilian midfielder Luciano Ratinho only to see his powerful header stopped by Shenhua keeper Qiu Shengjiong.

Venezuelan defender Alejandro Cichero also went close with a header while Aleksandar Zivkovic converted a free-kick only to see the effort ruled out for a challenge by Han on goalkeeper Qiu.

Jiang Kun then put the visitors ahead five minutes into the second half, snapping up a half-clearance and curling in an effort from the right edge of the box.

Shandong stepped up the pressure and their efforts were finally rewarded in the 76th minute when Wang Yongpo knocked down a Jao Zhe cross into the path of the onrushing Han, who rifled the ball home.

With fourth minutes remaining, the hosts got a fortuitous but deserved winner as Du headed a Zhou Haibin free-kick into his own net.

"We showed great resolve to win the three points today," said Shandong coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic.

"Wang Yongpo and Zhou Haibin played well and I am pleased with the performance of the two youngsters."

Shandong have 12 points from six games and are in fifth place, one point behind third-placed Shenhua and two behind leaders Shaanxi Chanba, who meet defending champions Changchun Yatai on Sunday.

Beijing Guoan are sixth, a point behind Shandong after defeating Liaoning Zhongyu 2-0 with goals by Huang Bowen and Brazilian Tiago.

Guangzhou Guangyao moved up to second place, ahead of Shenhua on goal difference after trouncing Dalian Shide 3-0 while Tianjin Teda dropped to fourth following their 1-1 draw with Henan Jianye.

In other matches on Saturday, Changsha Ginde scored their first win of the season with a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Shenzhen Kingway, top flight newcomers Chengdu Blades held Qingdao Zhongneng 1-1 and Zhejiang Lucheng also enjoyed their first victory with a 2-0 win over last-placed Wuhan Huanghelou.