Chinese Name: 临沂市 (lín yí shì)

Population: 10,227,000  

Area: 17,184 square kilometers (6,635 square miles) 

Nationalities: Han 

Administrative Division: 3 districts (Lanshan, Luozhuang, Hedong); 9 counties (Tancheng, Cangshan, Junan, Yishui, Mengyin, Pingyi, Feixian, Yinan, Linshu)

Seat of the City Government: 57, Jinqueshan, Lanshan District, Linyi City

Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Complaints: 0539-8303678 
                                          Weather Forecast: 121
                                          Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Linyi Branch: 228, Yimeng Lu, Lanshan District, Linyi City  

China Post Linyi Branch: middle section of Haiguan Lu, Lanshan District, Linyi City 

Location: Located in the southeast of Shandong Province, Linyi borders on Jining and Tai'an to the west, Rizhao to the east. It is adjacent to the Yellow Sea and is in the neighborhood of Jiangsu Province to the south.       

History: Linyi was an ancient source of Chinese civilization. The area was inhabited as early as four or five hundred thousand years ago. Five thousand years ago, people had mastered the craft of wine-making. It was the territory of Qi, Lu and Chu State before the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC).     
 
Physical Features: Situated in the hilly and low mountainous area of eastern and south-central Shandong, Linyi slopes from northwest to southeast. Four mountains line up from north to south stretching northwest-southeast through the city. Centered on the Yihe and Shuhe river systems, the city is surrounded by mountains to the north, east and west.                 

Climate: Linyi enjoys a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and rich rainfall. Its annual average temperature is around 14 degree centigrade (57.2 degree Fahrenheit).  
     
When to Go: Generally speaking, Linyi can be visited all the year round. However, note that the temperature in winter may fall to -11 degree centigrade (12.2 degree Fahrenheit).

Special Local Products: 
Foods: bean sauce, battercake, pear, apple, gingko, Yimeng tea
Handicrafts: Xugong Inkstone, Jinxing Inkstone, Tian Jing Shi (Heaven Scenery stone), eggshell black pottery 

 Attractions:
Mengshan Mountain in southern Mengyin County is a famous historic and cultural mountain in Northern China. Its main peak is the second highest peak of Shandong. Mengshan was regarded as a sacred mountain and sacrificial place of the emperors in ancient times. The mountain faces Mt. Taishan across a distance of 120 kilometers (75 miles). Relying on its spectacular mountain scenery and rich flora and fauna, a national forest park has been established on the mountain.

Underground Grand Canyon at the foot of Longgang Mountain 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of Yishui County is the core underground spectacle of the city. It was named one of the top ten beautiful scenic spots of Shandong. In addition to the fascinating karst landscape, the underground drifting in the subsurface stream forms the longest karst drift cave in China.

Yinqueshan Han Tomb and Bamboo Slips Museum (present No.219, Yimeng Lu) in southeastern Linyi City is a classical building consisting of exhibition halls of Han Dynasty tombs, bamboo slips from the tombs and other cultural relics. It is the first museum for Han tombs and bamboo slips in China.

Other Scenic Spots: Natural Underground Gallery Scenic Area, Tianfo Scenic Area, Yishui Underground Fluorescent Lake 

Travel Tips:
1. Linyi Airport is in Hedong District, about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from downtown Linyi (Lanshan District). It operates flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Hangzhou and Chongqing. 

2. Linyi Bus Station is the central transport station of the city located in the south side of Shuangling Zhong Lu, adjacent to the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway. Linyi Wholesale Market is south of the bus station in western Linyi city proper. It is a large commodity distributing center for the region including Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan and Anhui.