Linyi, an ancient city with a 2,500-year history, is a transportation hub in East China's Shandong province due to its ideal location.

Linyi borders Rizhao to the east, Weifang to the northeast, Zibo to the north, Tai'an to the northwest, Jining to the west, Zaozhuang to the southwest, and the province of Jiangsu to the south. The name of the city Linyi literally means "close to the Yi River".

A sculpture of a flying phoenix adds charm to a square in downtown area of Linyi, East China's Shandong province. [Photo by Li Ruisheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Automobiles speed in an endless stream along the Yimeng Road, a major thoroughfare in the downtown area of Linyi, East China's Shandong province. [Photo by Li Ruisheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The pedestrian bridge crosses Beiyuan Road in Linyi, East China's Shandong province. [Photo by Li Ruisheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]