Population: 4,180,000 (urban area 2,770,000)

Area: 5,938 square kilometers (2,293 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 5 districts (Zhangdian, Zichuan, Boshan, Linzi, Zhoucun); 3 counties (Huantai, Gaoqin, Yiyuan)

Seat of the city government: No.8, Renmin Road

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0533-2187222
Tourist Inquiries: 0533-2169369
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Zibo Branch: No.49, Liuquan Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo City

China Post Zibo Branch: No.93, Xingxue Street, Zhangdian District, Zibo City

Location: Zibo is in the center of Shandong Province, neighboring Mt. Taishan in the south and backing the Yellow River in the north. It is also bordered by hot coastal tourist cities, Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai in the east, and the capital city of the province, Jinan, is just seated to its west. The city is a vital communication hub of Shandong.

History: Zibo was the capital city of Qi Kingdom, one of the five powers in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC). Cuju, a game regarded as the origin of ancient football, has risen since then, and Zibo is titled to be the birthplace of football by the FIFA. Zibo, as the name of the city, began in the early 1920s for the exploitation of coal mines in Zichuan and Boshan.

Physical Features: Zibo is located in the transition zone between mountainous area in central Shangdong and North China Plain. Its southern area is occupies by medium and low mountains, and hilly area is mainly distributed in the center, while the northern part of the city's territory is plain area.

Climatic Features: Lies in the warm temperate zone, bearing a semi-humid and semi-dry continental climate. January and July are respectively the coldest and hottest month during a year. Like major cities in North China, Zibo has four distinct season with an annual average temperature of 12-13¡æ (53.6-55.4F).

When to Go: Spring, summer and autumn

Special Local Products:
Handicrafts: inside painting, colored glaze, silk, ceramics, Zi Inkstone
Foods: apple, Jinsi (Golden threads) duck egg

Scenic Spots:
Yuanshan National Forest Park: Located southwest of the Boshan District, it is the only national level forest park in Zibo consisting of five scenic zones. The great Wall of the Qi Kingdom, grass skiing field, Dinosaur Valley and folk custom garden are all the attractions of the park.
However, as a time-honored cultural city, Zibo is much richer.
Museums: Linzi Museum of Ancient Chariots, Museum of the history of the State of Qi and Zibo City Museum, Zibo Museum of Ceramics
Scenic Spots: Qiaoqianling Scenic Area, Yiyuan Karst Caves, Lushan Forest Park

Tourist Tips:
1. Zibo is one and a half hours' drive from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. The airport bus is available in front of the Zibo Rose Hotel near the railway station. There are eight buses daily from 05:20 to 17:00 running to the airport in Jinan. Moreover, Jinan Yaoqiang Airport has built Luzhong Passenger Terminal in Zibo City which is located on the first floor of the Guomao Mansion in northern Liuquan Road of Zhangdian District. This terminal is expected to be work in the near future, and will make great convenience to passengers.
2. Zibo long-distance bus station stands in No.22, Xingyuan Road (West), Zhangdian District. Buses to Tai'an, where the Mt. Tai is located, will depart every 30 minutes. It is much cheap and convenient to Mt. Tai by train. There are about fifteen trains to the mountain making stops in Zibo. The whole journey will cost about two hours. And the ticket price ranges from CNY14-CNY87.