I was born in Zaozhuang City, located in the south of Shandong Province, Qilu land, the hometown of Confucius and Mencius. Though as a small city, it has a long history and splendid culture.
   Known as the ‘South Gate’ of Shandong Province, Zaozhuang is the province's fourth oldest city, following Jinan, Qingdao and Zibo. It lies between Yimeng Mountain and Weishan Lake. The city has a monsoon climate with plenty of sunshine and an average temperature of 14 degrees centigrade. Thanks to these favorable weather conditions, Zaozhuang is a production base for many types of fruit, including pears, cherry peaches, grapes, pomegranates, Chinese dates and apples.
   Zaozhuang has a long history of growing pomegranates, but it's named after the many Chinese date, or jujube trees that were planted there during the Tang dynasty. However, a number of factors led to the decreasing number of date trees in the years that followed. Now, the local people have developed the Yicheng Pomegranate Orchard into a tourist spot which is approximately 20 kilometres from east to west and listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
   Zaozhuang comprises six districts, almost each of which has its own history.
   Taierzhuang District, the south gate of Zaozhuang City, became famous after the Battle of Taierzhuang in the Anti-Japanese War. The district is also the hometown of the contemporary poet He Jingzhi. The Grand Jinghang Canal changes its way through Taierzhuang, thus making it “The No. 1 Village Under Heaven.”
   Tengzhou Town, with a railway guerilla in history, is famous for its great cultural heritage. There are so many scenic spots and historical sites in Tengzhou. For example, Beixin Culture Site which is the Remains of New Stone Age of 7300 years ago, ancient Teng state and Xue state of Shangzhou Period. It is also the hometown of Mo-tse. And there are mausoleums of Mao Sui, Kuang Heng, Mengchangjun and so on. In addition, Tengzhou has an advanced agriculture, offering plenty of crops and vegetable home and abroad.
     Zaozhuang was rich in coal; however, it develops an all-around city. People here have witnessed great changes and been working hard for its construction.
     People in Zaozhuang are reputed for being very hospitable. A famous local custom is inviting guests to drink three glasses of liquor before dinner.
     Although it’s not a costal city, the climate here is quite mild. The weather is more comfortable than any other city inland. I assure you that you will find a more amazing city than you expect.
     Once you are here, don’t forget to taste the mutton soup, chili chicken, vegetable battercake, or the dog meat of the Zhangs, all of which are of great flavor.