Cities
[edit]Zhangdian District: the main urban area of Zibo, is the political, economic, and cultural center of the city. With prosperous business and convenient transportation, it is the administrative and commercial hub of Zibo.
Zhoucun District: with a long history, famous for its traditional commercial culture and “dry dock”, it has preserved many ancient buildings and streets from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, such as the Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City.
Zichuan District: rich in natural resources, with a long history and culture. Famous attractions include Tanxi Valley and Qishan Mountain, known for its combination of natural scenery and humanistic landscape.
Boshan District: Known for its ceramic industry and rich natural landscape, Boshan District is the center of Zibo's ceramic industry. Famous scenic spots include the Boshan Scenic Area and Mount Lu National Forest Park.
Linzi District: As the ancient capital of Qi, Linzi District has a long history and is the birthplace of Qi culture. Famous attractions include the ruins of the former city of Qi, Qi Culture Museum, and China Football Museum.
Huantai County: mainly focusing on agriculture and light industry, it is an important agricultural production base in Zibo. Huantai County is rich in lakes and wetlands, suitable for eco-tourism.
Gaoqing County: Located along the Yellow River, Gaoqing County has an excellent ecological environment with vast wetlands and aquaculture resources. Gaoqing County is famous for its agriculture and eco-tourism.
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]Located in the center of Shandong Province, Zibo has a history of more than 3,000 years. It was once the capital of the ancient state of Qi during the Zhou Dynasty (ca. 1046 BC to 256 BC). Qi was one of the most powerful states during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475 BC-221 BC), and it established its capital in Linzi (present-day Linzi District, Zibo City). During this period, Linzi became one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world, known for its thriving economy, vibrant culture, and advanced military and political affairs.
Rise of Qi: In the 7th century B.C., under the leadership of such luminaries as Duke Huan of Qi and his prime minister Guan Zhong, Qi undertook a series of reforms that fostered the development of agriculture, trade, and industry, and became the dominant force in the region. As one of the earliest academic institutions in China, the establishment of the Jixia Academy attracted scholars and philosophers from all over the country, contributing to the growth of knowledge.
Linzi lost its status as the capital city in 221 BC when Qi was conquered during Qin Shi Huang’s unification of China. However, throughout Chinese history, Zibo has been an important cultural and economic center, especially during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) and the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D. - 907 A.D.), when it became known for its ceramics and silk industries.
During the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1912) dynasties, Zibo, and especially the Zhoucun district, became a major center of commerce and silk production, hence the name “Silk City”. Zhoucun was a major commercial center, known as the “dry port” for its key role in connecting inland trade routes. This period of economic prosperity left behind a rich architectural heritage, much of which is preserved in the ancient city of Zhoucun.
In the 20th century, with the discovery of rich coal and mineral resources, Zibo transformed into an important industrial center. Zibo's industries expanded into coal mining, metallurgy, ceramics and chemicals, which remain important economic drivers in Zibo today. Zibo is known as the “Ceramic Capital” for its long history of ceramic production and the “Glass Capital” for its famous glass products.
Zibo has been a leading center of ceramic craftsmanship for centuries, with its porcelain and pottery being highly regarded in both domestic and international markets.”
Today, Zibo is a modern city that blends its industrial base with its historical and cultural heritage, attracting many tourists who come to explore the monuments, especially those related to the Qi state, and to experience its industrial prowess.
Climate
[edit]Zibo is located in the warm temperate region of China and features a typical semi-humid, semi-arid continental climate. Like other cities in Shandong Province, Zibo experiences four distinct seasons with significant temperature differences between winter and summer. January is the coldest month, while July is the hottest. Zibo has an annual growing season of about 180 to 220 days, offering excellent conditions for agricultural development and supporting natural ecosystems. The city receives abundant sunlight, with an annual average of 2,542.6 to 2,832.6 hours, providing ideal light conditions for a wide variety of vegetation. Meanwhile, Zibo's average annual precipitation is approximately 640.5 millimeters (or 25.2 inches), which is generally sufficient to meet the water demands of agriculture and urban life, though the seasonal distribution of rainfall varies.
The best time to visit Zibo is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer mild temperatures and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. In spring, the city comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, while autumn brings clear skies and cool, comfortable temperatures—ideal for exploring Zibo's rich historical and cultural heritage
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Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Zibo is a 90-minute 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, which make airport runs between 05:20 to 17:00. Jinan Yaoqiang Airport has also begun construction of the Luzhong Passenger Terminal in Zibo City which is located on the first floor of the Guomao Mansion in northern Liuquan Lu (Zhangdian District).
Jinan Yuanwu International Airport (IATA: TNA):
It is about 70 kilometers away from the center of Zibo, about 1 hour by car.
Jinan Airport is the main airport connecting Zibo with numerous domestic and international flights.
Transportation options from Jinan Airport to Zibo:
Airport Bus: There is a direct airport bus from Jinan Airport to Zibo, the running time is about 1.5 hours, and the terminal is Zibo Long-distance Bus Station, the fare is about CNY 50.
Cab or Internet taxi: you can book it through DDT or other Internet taxi platform, the driving time is about 1 hour, the cost is about CNY 200-300.
By bus
[edit]Zibo's long-distance bus station is at 22 Xingyuan Xi Lu, Zhangdian District. Buses to Tai'an, (where Mt. Tai is located) depart every 30 minutes.
By train
[edit]Trains provide the most convenient and inexpensive mode of transportation to Mt. Tai. About 15 trains run to and from the mountain, making stops in Zibo. The journey to Mt. Tai from Zibo takes about two hours, with tickets at ¥14-87.
- 1 Zibo Train Station (淄博火车站), ☏ +86 533 2582026. 06:00-22:00. Zibo Station is located in Zhangdian District Xingyuan Road No. 1.
- 2 Zibo North Railway Station (淄博北站), toll-free: +86 53112306. 06:00-20:10. Zibo North Railway Station is located in Qi Feng Avenue, High-tech Zone.
Local Transportation
[edit]There are convenient bus and cab services in Zibo city, which make it easy to go to the city center or various scenic spots from the railway station or long-distance bus station.
In addition, online taxis (such as DiDi chuxing, etc.) have been introduced in the city to make it easy for travelers to reach their hotels or attractions from the station.
Get around
[edit]Zibo has an extensive public transportation network that connects the city to all major attractions, train stations, bus stations and other areas. Public transportation is an affordable option for travelers who are not in a hurry.
- Buses:
Bus routes are densely packed in the city and fares are usually CNY 1-2, which may sometimes increase slightly depending on the route.
Operating hours: most bus lines operate from 6:00am to 9:00pm, with some lines running more frequently during peak hours.
Bus Card: Travelers can use Zibo City's transportation card “Zibo Tong” to pay for bus fares, or use mobile payment (such as WeChat, Alipay, etc.) to pay directly by scanning the code on the bus.
- Cab:
Cabs in Zibo start at RMB 8 (including a 2km trip) and about CNY 2 per kilometer thereafter.
Night Surcharge: from 10:00pm to 5:00am, cabs may charge a 10%-20% surcharge.
Cabs are common and easy to find, especially at train stations, bus stations and busy downtown areas, but may require a bit of a wait during peak travel times.
- Shared bicycle and shared motorcycle services are also available in Zibo, suitable for tourists traveling short distances. 1.Shared Bicycle: such as Harrow Bicycle and Green Orange Bicycle, have parking spots in the city center, major scenic spots, business districts and near the railway station. Bicycles are unlocked by scanning a code on a mobile app and generally cost RMB 1-2 per hour, making them ideal for tourists who want to explore the city at a slower pace, but please pay attention to traffic rules. 2.Shared Bicycle: Shared bicycles are faster than bicycles and are suitable for medium to long distance trips within the city, but there may be parking restrictions in some areas, so check the app for the nearest parking location.
- Self-driving Self-driving is a flexible and convenient way to travel in Zibo, especially suitable for families or tourists planning to visit attractions around the city.The roads in Zibo are well developed, and the main urban areas are in good condition, making it very convenient to drive to major scenic spots and suburbs.The main parking lots in the city are located around shopping malls, hotels and scenic spots, and the parking fee is generally CNY 2-5/hour.Suggested Route: It takes about 1 hour to drive from the city to the surrounding scenic spots, such as Zhoucun Ancient City or Boshan Scenic Spot.
See
[edit]- 1 Zibo Ceramics Museum (淄博市陶瓷博物馆), 153号 Shangchang W St, Zhangdian Qu, ☏ +86 533 218 3902. A large ceramics museum in central Zibo containing a number of galleries with many interesting examples of Chinese ceramics, both ancient and modern. The central hall has some particularly interesting ceramic figures of Chinese heroes, real and fictional.
- 2 Pusong Ling Ancient Home (蒲松龄故居), Liaozhai Rd, Zichuan Qu. Home of ancient author of famous horror stories.
- 3 Yuanshan National Forest Park (southwest of the Boshan District). This is the only national forest in Zibo. The park consists of five scenic zones: the great wall of the Qi Kingdom, the grass skiing field, the Dinosaur Valley, and the folk custom garden.
- 4 [formerly dead link] Zibo Art Museum (淄博艺术博物馆), 23 Yinzishi Street, Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City, Zhoucun District (周村区周村古商城银子市街23号) (near the south gate of Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City), ☏ +86 533 666666, +86 533 6401968, [email protected]. Free.
- 5 Haidai Tower Zhongshuge Bookstore (海岱楼钟书阁), Qisheng Lake Park, Zhangdian District, Zibo City, Shandong Province, China (山东省淄博市张店区齐盛湖公园), ☏ +86 533 3181677. 09:30-21:30 (summer hours from May 1). Haidai Tower is a cultural landmark that embodies the essence of Shandong's traditional culture. For the best daytime photos, head to the peak of Shangxian Bridge, where you can capture stunning views of the tower. Haidai Tower lights up around 18:30 and turns off at 23:00. If you’d like to capture the moment it lights up, be sure to arrive a bit early. The light show starts after 20:00 and is truly impressive. For souvenirs, head to the B1 level of Haidai Tower. Free.
- 6 Zibo China Ceramics and Glazed Glass Museum (淄博中国陶瓷琉璃博物馆), 320 Huaguang Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo City, Shandong Province, China (山东省淄博市张店区华光路320号). 9:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30), closed on Mondays except public holidays. The Zibo China Ceramics and Glazed Glass Museum is a large, modern museum dedicated to ceramics and glassware, showcasing a comprehensive range of exhibits. It presents ceramic artworks dating from the Neolithic era to today, along with glassware masterpieces from around the world and cutting-edge technology in the field. The museum covers a large area, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Visitors are encouraged to bring a water bottle, as free drinking water is available inside. Free (requires advance reservation, up to 7 days in advance including the reservation day).
- 7 Zhengjue Temple (正觉寺), Anshang Village, Boshan District, Zibo City, Shandong Province, China (淄博市博山区安上村) (on Lianhua Mountain (near the south gate of Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City)), ☏ +86 0533 4201541, fax: +86 0533 4208918, [email protected]. Zhengjue Temple in Boshan is a serene and charming spot, ideal for a calm break amidst travel. The temple’s traditional Buddhist architecture and peaceful setting make it a worthwhile visit, especially since it’s free to enter. After exploring the temple, head to Qingmei Residence Boshan Halal Restaurant nearby, a local favorite known for its crispy beef jerky and sesame beef. It’s an authentic taste of Boshan, where the flavors truly stand out, adding a tasty finish to a cultural day out. Free.
- 8 Qi Heritage Museum (齐文化博物馆), No. 308, Linzi Avenue, Linzi District, Zibo City, Shandong Province, China (淄博市临淄区临淄大道308号) ((Bus routes 84, 200, 237, and k237)), ☏ +86 533-6292898, toll-free: Team Reservation: 0533-6074566, [email protected]. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30，Closed on Mondays (except for Chinese public holidays).. This museum contains galleries about the ancient Qi State that once controlled half of modern Shandong Province. A second paid-for gallery contains relics from an ancient royal tomb; very much like the Terracotta Warriors in miniature. There is also some information about China's ancient football-like sport 'cuju' and a confirmation from FIFA that Zibo was the origin of professional soccer (really!). The Qi Heritage Museum in Zibo’s Linzi District offers a fascinating dive into the ancient Qi culture, one of the most influential in Chinese history. Please note that if you are a group, you have to make a reservation at least three days in advance and arrive at the appointed time for the visit. If you do not arrive after 20 minutes please call and the reservation will be automatically canceled. Reservations are not available for casual guests. Only the Dongsun Warring States Tomb Museum charges an admission fee, which is CNY10.
- 9 Linzi Ancient Chinese Vehicle Museum (中国古车博物馆), Qiling Town, Linzi District. This museum, which is constructed on both sides and underneath of a motorway, has galleries containing information about and full-scale replicas of chariots from various periods in Chinese history. The chariots are impressive. An archeological site displaying slain horses from an ancient Qi State royal tomb sits directly under the motorway and is the reason for the rather isolated location of this interesting museum.
Do
[edit]- 1 Zibo Red Leaf Persimmon Rock Tourism Area (山东文旅红叶柿岩旅游区), ☏ +86 4006045799, toll-free: +86 5334983883. 08:00一16:30. Zibo Red Leaf Persimmon Rock Tourism Area,Autumn is the most beautiful time in this tourist area. You can enjoy autumn well.The best autumn viewing time is from Sep 1 to Nov 30. Lushang Red Leaf Persimmon Rock Tourist Area is located in Heshangfang Village, Boshan District, Zibo City, Shandong Province (Binlai Expressway Boshan Exit 100 meters westbound), in the ancient valley, mountains embrace, with a unique primitive rural atmosphere. The scenic buildings are built in the mountains, with blue stone masonry and red tiles covered, and there are still well-preserved Qing ancient buildings. 10$.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Zibo Fried Pork (淄博炸肉): A traditional delicacy in Zibo, this dish involves slicing pork and deep-frying it to a crisp, complemented by a special sauce for a delightful and crunchy taste.
Zhangdian Sesame Cake (张店烧饼): A local specialty snack in Zibo, Zhangdian Sesame Cake is known for its crispy crust and rich fillings.
Jinxiang Big Steamed Bun (金乡大馒头): Originating from Jinxiang County in Zibo, the large steamed bun is characterized by its voluminous size and soft texture, making it a traditional breakfast choice for locals.
Zibo Beef Offal Skewers (淄博牛杂): A distinctive grilled snack in Zibo, beef offal is skewered and grilled until golden and crispy, then coated with a special sauce.
Zhangqiu Meatballs (章丘肉丸): A specialty in Zhangqiu District of Zibo, these meatballs are made from high-quality pork and seasoned with traditional spices.
Zibo Bean Sprouts (淄博豆芽): The bean sprouts produced in Zibo are crunchy, tender, and fragrant, making them a commonly used ingredient in local cuisine.
Zichuan Sugar Fire Cake (淄川糖火烧): A traditional pastry from Zichuan District, Zibo, Sugar Fire Cake boasts a sweet and soft interior encased in a crispy outer layer.
Zibo barbecue(淄博烧烤): “small skewers + small cakes + small onions” soul eating. Barbecue is still the barbecue, but when the barbecue and have a unique Shandong flavor of small onions, small cakes together, Zibo barbecue characteristics are obvious!
Drink
[edit]- 1 48 Bar (四十八号酒巴), This bar is on Liuquan Lu (六泉路) next to Brazilian Barbeque (巴西烤肉). And is where Zibo's expats as well as locals head on Friday or Saturday Evenings to kick back. The beers are relatively cheap for a foreigner bar: large Qingdao bottles are ¥10. Liquor is a little more expensive at about ¥30 to ¥50 for a single shot of your favourite Vodka, Tequila or Jack Daniel's. Zibo's small expat population make most patrons usually very friendly and they will even let you play music from your phone over the sound system! There is also table football and draughts for those who love bar games.
齐王府-QiWangFu Night Club is a popular nightclub. Taxi drivers are all familiar so getting there should not be a problem. Entrance is usually free for ladies and ¥10-20 for men. Referred to as 'bouncy club' by foreigners in this city. It can be lots of fun if you like dancing. Bigger dance floor than the average Chinese nightclub lots of Chinese techno and drinks aren't too cheap but locals usually head there after they have already done most of their drinking. There are usually games or competitions in between the dancing hosted by the local emcees.
Sleep
[edit]The attractions in Zibo are relatively spread out, so if you plan to explore various areas, it’s recommended to stay in Zhangdian District. As the central area of Zibo, Zhangdian District is convenient for shopping, dining, and transportation, making it an ideal base for travelers. Whether for a short stay or a longer visit, Zhangdian offers a range of options from luxury hotels to budget accommodations, catering to different budget needs.
Starting in 2024, all licensed hotels in Zibo are legally required to accommodate foreign visitors (with exceptions for specific restricted areas). However, some small inns may be hesitant due to unfamiliarity with the registration process or the perceived hassle of handling foreign guests. In such cases, you could try showing the hotel front desk the relevant regulations in Chinese. High-end hotels generally won’t have these issues; their staff are usually more experienced in serving foreign travelers, whether in the city center or outlying areas.
During peak travel seasons or national holidays, such as the Spring Festival or National Day, accommodation prices in Zibo typically increase, and some popular areas may see rates double. Nevertheless, with ample hotel resources, early bookings usually secure available rooms, and even during peak seasons, travelers can generally find suitable accommodations.
Connect
[edit]- Zibo Public Security Bureau, toll-free: +86 533 2138900.
- Zibo Tourism Bureau, toll-free: +86 533-2187222.
- Zibo Public Service, toll-free: +86 533 2020-06-17.
Go next
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