Location: Located in the south of Shandong, Zaozhuang is neighbor to Linyi, Jining and Tongshan, Pizhou counties of Jiangsu Province.

History: Zaozhuang belonged to the Chu State in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC). During the following dynasties, it was divided into several parts belonging to different states. In the Three Kingdom Period (220-280), it was combined and controlled by the Wei State. After 550, Zaozhuang was divided into two counties in the north and south which were finally called Tengxian and Yixian after the new Republic of China was established. In 1960, Yixian was changed into a county-level city Zaozhuang, which then became a prefecture-level city in 1961. Tengxian was turned over to Zaozhuang in 1978.

Physical Features: Zaozhuang is mainly covered with low mountains and hills. It is high in the north and east while low in the south and west. Several plains are among the hills. The west part along lakes and the south part along the Grand Canal are low and marshy ground.

Climatic Features: Zaozhuang belongs to the warm temperate monsoon climate zone. It is mild with four distinctive seasons. Winter is dry and cold while summer is rainy and hot. April and May are the rainy season. The annual average temperature is about 15C (59F).

When to Go: Spring and autumn are best time to visit Zaozhuang, especially when the Pear Flower Festival is held on March 12th in Chinese lunar calendar.

Local Highlights: Zaozhuang is the hometown of a famous Chinese philosopher Mozi of the Warring States Period (476BC-221BC). Mozi's influential work 'Mohist Canon' enlightened the following generations greatly. Zaozhuang is also a revolutionary base of Chinese Anti-Japanese War. It is where the railway guerilla was organized. Tai'erzhuang Battle in 1938 was an important turning point of Chinese Anti-Japanese War. In addition, Zaozhuang also boasts of its Chinese dates and megranates. It has the largest megranates orchard in China.

Special Local Products: Chinese dates and megranates

Famous Spots:
Railway Guerilla Red Tourism Sites: Located in Xuecheng District, it is composed of two parts: Railway Guerilla Monument and Railway Guerilla Memorial Garden. It is among the 100 key red tourism sites in China.

Tai'er zhuang Battle Sites: Located in Tai'erzhuang District, it is restored on the site where the famous battle happened. The memorial hall shows films, photos and other battle material which reappear the scene of the battle.

Wanmu Megranates Orchard: Located in the Yicheng District, it is China's largest megranates orchard with 100 thousand mu (about 26 square miles) area. The ancient sites including temples and pavilions add more cultural flavor there.

Other Spots: Xiong'er Mountain National Geologic Park, Baodugu National Forest Park, Red Chinese Dates Orchards in Shanting District, Mozi Memorial Hall

Tourist Tips: Zaozhuang has no airport but only 60 kms (37 miles) south to Xuzhou Airport. Jinghu Railway (Beijing to Shanghai) go across west Zaozhuang, providing convenient way to Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao, Jinan, Nanjing, Hangzhou and other big cities. Highways are well constructed in Zaozhuang. It almost covers all the counties and towns. Long distance bus can reach Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and cities in other provinces such as Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. No.2 city bus has stops at the bus station.