Reputed as a "City of Springs"; the capital city of Shandong province with a history of more than 2,600 years; an ancient city and ranked among "China`s Distinguished Historical and Cultural Cities" by the State Council

Location:in the mid-west of Shandong province, with Mt. Tai to the south and the Yellow River to the north

Neighboring Areas: Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, and Hebei provinces

Population: 5.49 million
Urban Population: 2.54 million
Area: 8,227 sq km

Nationalities: Han

Climatic Features: located in the warm temperate continental monsoon climate zone with distinct seasons; dry and rainless in spring, hot and rainy in summer, crisp in autumn and dry and cold in winter

Average Temperature: 14.2 C
Rainfall: average annual of 650-700 mm

Products: grain, vegetables, fruits and herbs

Local Highlights: donkey-hide gelatin from Dong'e County, Longshan Black Pottery, Licheng Thin Pancakes, Changqing Stoneware and Lu Embroidery