Chinese Name: 日照市 (rì zhào shì)

Population: 2,800,000  

Area: 5,310 square kilometers (2,050 square miles) 

Nationalities: Han  

Administrative Division: 2 districts (Donggang, Lanshan); 2 counties (Juxian, Wulian) 

Seat of the City Government: 198, Beijing Lu, Donggang District, Rizhao City
   
Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Complaints: 0633-8336603
                                         Weather Forecast: 121
                                         Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Rizhao Branch: 23, 3rd Haibin Lu, Donggang District, Rizhao City 

China Poat Rizhao Branch: 24, 1st Huanghai Lu, Donggang District, Rizhao City

Location: Situated in the southeast of Shandong Province, Rizhao is adjacent to the Yellow Sea in the east, and bordered by Linyi in the west, and Qingdao and Weifang in the north. It also shares a boundary with Lianyungang of Jiangsu Province.

History: The script on pottery discovered in Rizhao is said to be 1,000 years earlier than the oracle bone script. In olden days, this area was inhabited by an ancient tribe of East China. It wasn't until the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD) that county level administrative organs were first established by the central court. The first county set up at that period was named Haiqu County. 

Physical Features: Rizhao is seated in the hilly region of eastern Shandong, and hills occupy over half of the city's territory. Its terrain is higher in the center and on the whole, the city slopes southeastwards. Within the city, there are in total 18 larger rivers crisscrossing, and the seashore of Rizhao is situated along the middle stretch of the Yellow Sea with a length of 100 kilometers (62 miles).            

Climate: Rizhao's eastern part belongs to warm humid monsoon climatic area and the weather is moderate without summer heat and winter chilliness. However, the western part enjoys a warm temperate continental climate. On the whole, the annual average temperature is about 12.5℃ (54.5℉).  

When to Go: at any time of a year

Special Local Products: black pottery, green tea, pancakes, sea products, gingko, peanuts, apples, chestnuts

  Attractions:
Wanpingkou Scenic and Historic Interest Area: Located in the new district of Rizhao City in Shandong Province, Wanpingkou Scenic and Historic Interest Area is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination on China's golden coastline. It has moderate climate with an average temperature of 12.6C (54.7 F). Ideally located near the National Ocean Forest Park of Rizhao, it is in close proximity to Shanhaitian Holiday Resort (to the north) and Rizhao Arboretum (to the west). 

Blessed with blue skies, brilliant sunshine, blue seas, golden sandy beaches and fresh air, visitors to the area may truly experience the fun of returning to nature. Visitors can participate in many outdoor activities including: beach volleyball, fishing and sea-bathing, sun bathing and even yachting. The Zoo, which is strategically located in the scenic area, emphasizes the concept of human beings living harmoniously with nature. This concept captures the essence of Rizhao City. Wanpingkou Lagoon is a natural port which has served as a center of commerce for dynasties. Wanpingkou means that ships arrive safely at the port, bestowing good wishes on people who sail from far away. 

Wanpingkou Scenic and Historic Interest Area, continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors from home and abroad. It is also a popular location for competitions. In 2006, the World Sailing Championship was held here and in 2007, it was the location of the first China Aquatic sports meet. 
 
Shanhaitian Tourism & Vacation Zone: Located in the golden ocean line in the northeast of Rizhao City, Shanhaitian Tourism and Vacation Zone borders the base of World Sailing Championship in Wanpingkou in the south and National Ocean Forest Park of Rizhao in the north. It is a picturesque land blessed with fresh air, blue sea, clear sky and gold sandy beach. Lying in the deep and calm harbor, it is rich in negative oxygen and free of the industrial pollution and typhoon attack. Environmentalists have honored it as one of the best places to live.

The 17.5 kilometers (10.9 miles) of coastline extends linearly across the zone along which reefs and beaches are distributed. Many rocks have been carved into lifelike statues by sea such as "The Shrine Set Sail on the Sea" and "To Rein up the Horse and Listen to the Waves". Along the coastline, there are plantations where locust trees, pines and poplars screen out the sun, forming into a splendid view. The nearby sea areas are dotted with countless islets. The Taigong Islet and Taohua (Peach Blossom) Islet are the most famous. Visitors can take speedboats to pay a visit on the islets.

Shanhaitian Tourism and Vacation Zone brings visitors a precious opportunity to embrace nature. Come here, you will not regret having this wonderful trip!

Travel Tips:
1. A direct airport bus route has been open between Rizhao and Qingdao. The whole journey takes two hours beginning from the air service company to Qingdao Liuting International Airport. Visitors can also go to the Rizhao Shanfu Hotel in Haiwu Road (Middle) and pick up the special bus to Qingdao Liuting International Airport. 

2. Visitors can use Weifang Airport, too. Weifang is 2 to 2.5 hours' drive from Rizhao.  

3. Main long-distance bus stations of Rizhao are:
Rizhao Central Bus Station: 15, 2nd Huanghai Lu, Donggang District, Rizhao City
East Bus Station: 21, Rizhao Nan Lu, Donggang District, Rizhao City