Location: Lying in the central part of the Shandong
Peninsular, Weifang is halfway between Jinan
and Qingdao. To its
north is the Laizhou Bay of Bohai Sea.
History: Historic relics of more than 7,000
years ago were unearthed in this time-honored city. During the
Xia and Shang dynasties (21st - 11th century BC), small kingdoms
lay scattered all over the domain of Weifang. After the Qin (221BC-206BC)
united China, the central government of the successive dynasties
all set counties and shires to administrate this region.
Physical Features: The terrain of the city slopes
downward from the south to the north with the land types changing
from the southern mountain and hilly area, the central plain,
to the northern coastal area. Weifang boasts a 113 kilometers
(70 miles) long coastline.
Climatic Features: Located in the temperate
semi-humid monsoon climatic region, the city is hot in summer
and chilly in winter. The temperature in spring ascends rapidly,
and it may have a big drop in autumn. The annual average temperature
is about 12.3
C
(54
F).
When to Go: Generally speaking, all the four
seasons are pleasant for visiting, especially in spring for the
kite festival.
Local Highlights: Weifang International Kite
Festival (April)
Special Local Products: kites, woodcut New Year
pictures
Scenic Spots:
Mount Yi: It has an old name, the East Mt. Tai.
This grand mountain is in the south part of the Linqu County at
an altitude of 1,032 meters. Encompassing its highest peak are
twenty-nine astonishing peaks. Apart from the breath-taking natural
sights, the Dongzhen stone stele groups and the dumping waterfall
hundreds of meters high are the most attractive spots in the mountain.
Old Dragon Lake: It is a fascinating scenic spots
boasting springs, pools, bridges and many other historic buildings.
The numerous springs in this region bring the attraction wide
fame.
Yunmen Mountain: Favored by Taoists and Buddhists,
the mountain boasts many religious buildings. Visitors can also
admire the cliffside inscriptions and grottoes in the mountain.
Weifang World Museum: Weifang is praised to be
the 'kite capital of the world'. The museum has collected more
than one thousand delicate kites from around the world, plus hundreds
of pieces of materials for visitors to learn kite skills.
Tourist Tips:
1. Weifang Airport is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the downtown
area, operating flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The
transport to the airport is very convenient. Visitors can take
both taxis and city bus.
2. Buses from Weifang to Jinan and Qingdao will depart every 30
minutes taking 2 to 3 hours. Mt. Yi is 140 kilometers (87 miles)
east of Tai'an. About three hours and a half is needed to reach
it.