Weifang

Weifang is a prefecture-level city situated in the central part of Shandong province, People's Republic of China. Operating as an important economic center of Shandong Province, the city functions as a major hub for manufacturing, industrial development, and commercial activity.

The present-day economy of Weifang features prominent large-scale manufacturing enterprises and heavy industry. The city serves as the home base for the large diesel engine company and factory Weichai, alongside the Shengrui Transmission manufacturer. Additional notable enterprises headquartered in the municipality include Weichai Power, Shandong Weifang Runfeng Chemical, and the Bank of Weifang. Beyond heavy industry, traditional and cultural production remains active, notably with the village of Yangjiabu in Hanting District engaging in folk wood-block print (nianhua) and kite production.

Mineral resources also contribute significantly to the regional industrial footprint. During the 1980s, extensive sapphire deposits were discovered in Changle County. Released information estimates that billions of carats of sapphire lie underneath an area of 450 square kilometers (170 square miles). Local mining operations have established the area as one of the top four sapphire producers globally, characterized by dark blue or near-black stones resulting from high iron content.

Infrastructure and development zones further support commercial expansion. Established in August 1995, the Weifang Binhai Economic & Technological Development Area (BEDA) is a national economic and technological development area approved by the State Council. Covering 677 square kilometers (261 square miles) with a population of 100,000, BEDA possesses 400 square kilometers (150 square miles) of large state-owned industrial land for use. It has earned accreditation as a National Demonstration Zone invigorating the Sea by Science and Technology, a National Innovation Base for Rejuvenating Trade through Science and Technology, and a National Demonstration Eco-Industry Park. Commercial infrastructure includes major retail facilities such as Fangzi Taihua City in Fangzi District, constructed by Shandong Century Taihua Group with a construction area of about 130,000 square meters, which officially opened on September 17, 2021.