Integrated gravitational, electrical-magnetic surveys and data processing carried out in the Sanshandao–Jiaojia area, Eastern Shandong Province, northeast China, aim to illuminate the geological characteristics of this shallow-covered area and delineate deep-seated gold prospecting targets. In this region, altogether 12 faults exert critical control on distribution of three types of Early Precambrian metamorphic rock series, i.e. those in the metamorphic rock area, in the granitic rock area underlying the metamorphic rock, and in the remnant metamorphic rock area in granites, respectively. Additionally, the faults have major effects on distribution of four Mesozoic Linglong rock bodies of granite, i.e. the Cangshang, Liangguo, Zhuqiao-Miaojia and Jincheng granites. The Sanshandao and Jiaojia Faults are two well-known regional ore-controlling faults; they have opposite dip direction, and intersect at a depth of 4500 m. Fracture alteration zones have striking geophysical differences relative to the surrounding county rocks. The two faults extend down along dip direction in a gentle wave form, and appear at some steps with different dips. These steps comprise favorable gold prospecting areas, consistent with a step metallogenic model. Six deep-seated gold-prospecting targets are delineated, i.e. Jincheng-Qianchenjia, Xiaoxizhuang-Zhaoxian, Xiyou-Wujiazhuangzi, Xiangyangling-Xinlicun, Panjiawuzi and Miaojia-Pinglidian.