Laiwu Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 莱芜区 (lái wú qū)
Population: 1,053,000
Area: 1,642 square kilometers (634 square miles)
Location: in the central area of Shandong Province, east China
Area Code: 0531
Zip Code: 271100
GDP (2019): CNY 59.351 billion (USD 8.603 billion)  

Laiwu is located in the center of Shandong Province at the south foot of the Taishan Mountain, neighboring Zibo to the east and Tai’an to the west. Laiwu was originally a prefecture-level city in Shandong Province, later being revoked, and became a district of Jinan in 2019. It has not only beautiful and spectacular natural scenery but also well-preserved cultural landscapes. There are many ancient sites, ancient buildings, tombs and stone carvings. If you have enough time, you can also visit Taishan Mountain featuring grand natural views and ancient building complex. It only takes 30 minutes from Laiwu to Taishan Mountain, 2.5 hours to Qingdao by bullet train and 1.5 hours to Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport by shuttle bus.

 Qilu Great Canyon Scenic Area: It covers an area of 27 square kilometers (10 square miles) and rewards visitors with a spectacular valley landscape. Jiulong Canyon, Jiutian Canyon and Jiumen Canyon, together with nearby forests and brooks constitute the largest valley grouping in Shandong, and even in the whole East China. 

 Other Scenic Spots: Fanggan Ecological Scenic Zone, Xueye Lake

The distance between Laiwu and Jinan is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) as the crow flies. However, shuttling between the two cities should pass through Tai'an, where the great Mt. Taishan stands. The actual distance may reach 120 kilometers (75 miles), about two hours' drive. With the Qingdao-Laiwu expressway being completed at the end of 2007, it now takes only forty minutes' to drive to Jinan. 

Laiwu Bus Terminal is situated at the convergence of Daqiao Lu and Wenhe Avenue.

Bearing a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, the area has four distinct seasons with an annual average temperature falling around 12.5 degree centigrade (54.5 degree Fahrenheit). The coldest and hottest Laiwu weather usually occurs in January and July. Visitors can visit the city at any time of the year.

 History: During the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), this area was ruled by the Lu and Qi kingdoms. In the Han Dynasties (206BC-240AD), Yingxian, Muxian and Laiwu counties coexisted there, and the name of Laiwu was derived from the Laiwu Valley in the county. Laiwu County was later abolished, but then restored again in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Since then, the administration of Laiwu County has been dispensed from present Laiwu City.

 Physical Features: Laiwu is surrounded by mountains in the north, east and south, with the terrain being gentler in the south and steeper in the north. The central area of the city is made up of gently undulating plains. Relatively, its western region is occupied by vast open land.

 Special Local Products: Agricultural products: ginger, garlic, shallot, honey peach, chestnut, persimmon
Handicrafts: Xidiao (Tin Carving), sallow stone (trilobite) articles