Zibo

Zibo is a prefecture-level city situated in the central region of Shandong province in China. Spanning 5,938 square kilometres, the city is a notable tourist destination and serves as the recognized birthplace of ancient Qi culture.

Historically, the area functioned as the core of the ancient State of Qi, whose capital Linzi stood as the most populous city in China during its peak. This deep historical foundation has left Zibo rich in cultural and historical relics, earning the region the designation of an underground museum. Beyond its ancient administrative significance, Zibo played a monumental role in historical global networks as one of the largest suppliers of silk products, contributing directly to the formation and prosperity of the Silk Road. Historical townships such as Zhoucun operated as major dry ports supported by well-preserved trade streets that remain standing to this day. Cultural exchange tied to the region also extends to sports history; a military manual dating back to the second century BC mentions Cuju, a football-like game originating from the area that represents the earliest known reference to the sport worldwide, an international connection underscored by a 2004 visit from FIFA president Sepp Blatter to celebrate the organization's centennial.

Administratively established in 1954 from the union of the prefecture's two major urban areas, Zichuan and Boshan, the modern city encompasses eight county-level divisions including five urban districts and three counties. According to the 2020 census, Zibo recorded a total population of 4,704,138 people, with the overwhelming majority identifying as Han Chinese alongside members of 44 minority nationalities. Economically, manufacturing remains central to the city, anchored by ceramics, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, construction materials, machinery, and textiles, alongside rapidly expanding high-technology sectors.