Past, present converge in Zibo

Located in the center of East China's Shandong province, Zibo is an important business hub in Shandong because the city is included in the Shandong Peninsula Economic Zone as well as the Yellow River High-Efficieny Economic Zone, two zones approved by the State Council as national strategies for regional development.

Zibo administrates five districts and three county-level cities, covering a total area of 5,965 square kilometers, and it is home to a population of 4.23 million.

With a history dating back 3,000 years, Zibo was the capital of the Qi Kingdom (386-221 BC). Throughout its long history, the city has given rise several national-class intangible cultural heritages and relics, such as the birthplace of football and the Qi Kingdom ancient city.

In addition to its ancient cultural wealth, the time-honored city seeks industrial development through innovation. Zibo now hosts national-class bases for new materials, biological medicine, advanced ceramics and colored glass products.

While developing industry, the city is also working to green its landscape. The city's forest area reached 3.2 million hectares, covering 36 percent of its total area, and its urban green coverage rate has reached 42.6 percent.

The gross domestic product of Zibo reached 328 billion yuan last year and the local fiscal revenue hit 20.3 billion yuan.

City honors

National Civilized City

Renowned Ceramic City of China

New Material City of China

History and Culture City

Excellent Chinese Tourism City

National Model City for Environmental Protection

Top 10 Harmonious Development City

Excellent Chinese City in Public Safety

Zhao Ruixue / China Daily

(China Daily 08/22/2012 page24)