Overview

A city view of Linyi. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Linyi, located in the southeastern part of Shandong province in East China, is home to a rich history, fascinating culture, and thriving economy.

With a registered population of 12 million and spanning 17,200 square kilometers, it administers three districts, nine counties, two national-level development zones, and one provincial-level new area. It is the most populous and has the largest land area of any city in Shandong. It is also known as China's Town of Market, China's Logistics Capital, and China's Calligraphy City.

A city view of Linyi. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Linyi's history can be traced back to nearly 3,000 years. It was part of the Langya Commandery during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and became Linyi county in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Notable historical figures such as Xunzi, a Confucian philosopher; Zengzi, a Chinese philosopher and disciple of Confucius; Zhuge Liang, a strategist during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280); and Wang Xizhi, a legendary calligrapher and scholar of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), have ties to Linyi. The city is also renowned for the discovery of the bamboo slips of The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

Linyi played a crucial role during China's revolutionary period, with former Chinese leaders like Liu Shaoqi and Chen Yi working here. The city is the birthplace of the Yimeng Spirit, referring to the unity and resilience of its people.

Economically, Linyi is a powerhouse with a thriving agricultural industry and abundant mineral resources. It leads the nation in dolomite reserves and ranks second in diamond deposits. The city is a commercial hub, home to 136 wholesale markets and a burgeoning e-commerce sector, making it a major player in logistics and trade.

Linyi also enjoys a healthy tourism sector, with 147 A-rated scenic spots, including the 5A-rated Mengshan Mountain, Firefly Stream Cave and Underground Grand Canyon. The city boasts historical sites like the Yinqueshan Han Bamboo Slips Museum and the Former Residence of Wang Xizhi. Its natural beauty and rich culture make it a top tourist destination in Shandong.

A city view of Linyi. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As a transportation hub, Linyi is well-connected by rail, road, and air, offering easy access to major ports and cities. Its comprehensive logistics network underscores its role as a national transportation and trade center.

In the industry, Linyi's private sector is robust, with over 1.54 million market entities and a diverse industrial base. The city is advancing in high-end engineering, biomanufacturing, and new energy vehicles, contributing to its status as a top manufacturing and innovative city in China.