Located in the central part of Shandong Province in north China, Zibo is a city with rich cultural heritages where taking a stroll is like going back in time.
With a population of four million, Zibo is laid out as a municipal complex. There are five districts, namely Zhangdian, Boshan, Zichuan, Zhoucun, and Linzi, and the three counties of Huantai, Yiyuan and Gaoqing. The Jinan-Qingdao Highway runs through the city from west to east. The downtown Zibo is 70 km from the Jinan Airport and 300 km from the Qingdao Port.
Apart from pleasant natural scenery, such as the karst caves in Boshan District and Yiyuan county and the rivers and lakes in Huantai County, Zibo has many sites filled with cultural heritages. Zichuan District, located in the middle section, is the home of Pu Songling, a well-known author of Strange Tales in the Make-do Studio.
The former residence of Pu Songling is one of the main attractions. In a secluded courtyard with simple beauty, is Pu's Study where Pu's family tree, his original manuscripts, life story and various works by Pu are on display, along with the exhibition of all kinds of works by researchers into his life and work.
As the birthplace of culture of the Qi State (BC 11th Century to BC 221), Zibo deserves the title of renowned historical and cultural city. Relevant tourist attractions include the Horse Pit of Eastern Zhou Dynasty (BC770-BC256), the Museum of Ancient War-Chariots, Jiang Taigong Ancestral Temple, Mausoleum of Guan Zhong, Mausoleum of Yan Ying, Historical Museum of Qi State and etc.
About 2.5 km from downtown Linzi District, and in an ancient castle fashion, the "Historic Museum of the Qi State" is one of the ten largest specialized museums in China. In the 15 exhibition halls, over 300 sets and pieces of cultural relics are on display, presenting the glorious history and splendid culture of the ancient Qi State that lasted for over 800 years.
The Museum of Ancient War-Chariots has two sections. One is the exhibition of buried carriage and horse pit in the Spring and Autumn Period (BC770-BC476). Altogether, there are 13 war carriages and 38 horses on show. And there is also a display of various restored ancient carriages in different dynasties.
And certainly, you should never miss the chance to visit the ongoing International Ceramics Exposition. Zibo porcelain production boasts a history of over 8,500 years, dating back to the Neolithic Period, and it has fostered many famous types of porcelain through the dynasties. Many exquisite Zibo porcelains have found a niche in Zhongnanhai (where the country's top leadership resides and works) and the Great Hall of the People.
Zibo's representative porcelain, the raindrop glazed porcelain, derives its name from scattered silver dots on a black glaze, which is highly prized in Japanese tea art and are cherished by collectors worldwide.
(china.org.cn by Gao Kun 04/28/2001)
