With a history of more than 2,000 years, Zibo is one of the outstanding historical and cultural cities in China. It is also known to the world for being the birth place of football. Early in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period (770BC - 221 BC), Cu Ju, considered to be the earliest football, was played in the capital of Qi State, Linzi (in the east of today's Zibo). It is also the hometown of Pu Songling, who was the author of the famous ghost story Liao Zhai in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Now the city is an important transportation hub in Shandong Province.
Physical Features: In the south of Zibo lies the Taishan Mountain and in the north the Yellow River flows by, so the land slopes down from south to north.
Area: 5,965 sq km (2,303 sq mi)
Zip Code: 255000
Area Code: 0533
Products: Zibo ceramics, Linzi Lace, Boshan Inside Painted Bottle, Zi Ink Stones, Zhoucun Silk, Pugong Wine, sauced beef, Zhoucun Sesame Seed Cake, Xihe Pancake, Gong's Chinese Yam, Yellow River Rice, Wangcun Vinegar, Boshan Tofu.
Climate
Zibo has a temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 13.9°C (57.02°F) and the yearly mean precipitation is 678.3 mm. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 26°C (78.8°F), while the coldest month is January when the temperature averages -2°C (28.4°F).
Attractions
Thousands of years' history has endowed Zibo rich cultural relics and historical sites. Zhangdian District is the political and cultural center of the city, which is also a hot destination for touring, enjoying delicious food, and shopping. The Chinese Ceremics Museum in Zhangdian District exhibites ceramics of 8,000 years ago. Linzi District in east of the city had been the capital of ancient Qi State during the Spring and Autumn Period for more than 800 years. There are many famous attrctions in Linzi District, including China Ancient Chariots Museum, History Museum of Qi State, Linzi Football Museum, Eastern Zhou Dynasty Horses Pit. In additiona, there are Qi State Great Wall, Lushan Forest Park, Former House of Pu Songling, Yiyuan Karst Caves, Zibo Liaozhai City, and Zhoucun Ancient Mall.
Transportation
Airport: There is no airport in Zibo City, but visitors can complete check-in procedures and take a shuttle bus at the Luzhong City Terminal Building to Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. The bus departs from the terminal building at 05:20, 05:40, 06:40, 07:50, 08:40, 09:30, 10:10, 10:50, 11:40, 12:30, 13:30, 14:20, 15:00, 15:40, 16:20, 17:00, 18:10 and 19:00. From the airport to the terminal building the bus departs at 08:00, 10:00, 10:40, 11:30, 12:10, 13:00, 13:40, 14:30, 15:00, 15:50, 16:30, 17:10, 17:50, 18:30, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00. The time for a single trip is 80 - 90 minutes.
In addition, shuttle buses between Luzhong City Terminal Building and Linzi are available. The departures are:
Luzhong City Terminal Building to Linzi: 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 11:50, 13:50 and 16:00;
Linzi to Luzhong City Terminal Building: 06:50, 09:00, 10:50, 12:40, 14:40 and 17:00.
Railway Station: Zibo Railway Station is located in Zhongxin Road, Zhangdian District. Being an important transportation hub, the station operates trains to Qingdao, Weihai, Taishan, Jinan, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou. Bus routes to Zibo Railway Station: Buses No. 2, 7, 35, 89, 108, 123, 125, 132, 139 and 222.
Long-distance Bus Station: Zibo Long-distance Bus Station is located at No. 21 West Xinyuan Road, Zhangdian District, which is next to the railway station. There are regular buses to/from Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Xuzhou, Jining, Yanzhou, Ningbo and Yuyao.
Buses: Public buses are very easy to get in the city. Most of the buses are automated and the fare is CNY 1. Bus No. 6 between Zhangdian District and Linzi District is a tourist special and the fare for the whole journey is CNY 4.
Visitors to Jinan City can take the free shuttle bus between Jinan and the Zhoucun Ancient Mall. The bus runs at weekends in July and August from the north gate of the Sports Center in Jinan City. A reservation is needed before you go. Reservation numbers: +86 1 335 665 6106 & +86 0533 66661808.
Travel Tips
Luzhong Hub of Tour Dispatch was put into use in April 26th, 2011. Six one-day tour packages in and around Zibo City are available. Visitors can go to the west gate of the Zibo Museum Square to take the tourist bus. The one-day tour packages are: (Note: the fare only covers the round-trip bus tickets and the entrance fee of the tourist attractions)
a. Luzhong Hub of Tour Dispatch – Lushan National Forest Park (Boshan Mountain): CNY 70 per person; departure time: 07:30 on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
b. Luzhong Hub of Tour Dispatch – Yiyuan Jiutian Cave, South Lushan Scenic Area: CNY 120 per person; departure time: 07:00 on Saturday.
c. Luzhong Hub of Tour Dispatch – Zichuan Tanxishan Scenic Area: CNY 140 per person; departure time: 07:00 on Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday.
d. Luzhong Hub of Tour Dispatch – Qingdao Polar Ocean World: CNY 210 per person; departure time: 06:00 at weekends.
e. Luzhong Hub of Tour Dispatch – Tai'an Fantawild Adventure: CNY 260 per person; departure time: 06:00 at weekends.
f. Luzhong Hub of Tour Dispatch – Jiuru Mountain Waterfalls: CNY 17 per person; departure time: 06:00 at weekends.
Food: Boshan Sisi Banquet, Zhoucun Sesame Seed Cake, Boiled Mutton, Boshan Tofu, Boiled Duck Piece in Sauce, Boshan Barbeque.
Shopping:
Famous souvenirs in Zibo: Zhoucun Silk, Boshan Ceramic and Colored Glaze, Zichuan Carved Porcelain and Inside Painted Bottle. Visitors can find the souvenirs in many shopping malls and commercial streets, such as the Taoli Garden Market in Boshan District, Aikejia Supermarket, Zibo New World Pedestrian Commercial Street and Yanhuang Collection Market.
