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Linyi

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Linyi is a large prefecture-level city in southern Shandong province, China. It is the largest city in Shandong by both land area and total population. The city's name literally means "close to the Yi River."

Linyi television tower
Linyi television tower

Linyi sits in a transition zone between different landscapes. To the north, the terrain is high and rugged. This area contains the Yishan, Mengshan, and Nishan mountain ranges. Moving south, the land becomes lower and flatter. It transforms into the Yishu River alluvial plain. Three major rivers—the Yi, Shu, and Surabaya—begin in the Yimeng Mountains. These rivers flow through the region and eventually reach the East China Sea.

The climate in Linyi is influenced by monsoons. This means the weather patterns are driven by seasonal wind shifts. The city experiences four distinct seasons with plenty of sunshine. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry. Most of the annual rainfall occurs during July and August. The city enjoys a long frost-free period of over 200 days. This climate type is a transition between humid subtropical and humid continental zones. This environment supports various types of agriculture and natural growth.

Linyi possesses a deep history spanning 2,400 years. It was the home of many famous historical figures. These include the strategist Zhuge Liang and the calligrapher Wang Xizhi. In 1972, archaeologists made a major discovery in the region. They found ancient handwritten bamboo slips in local tombs.

Yinqueshan Han tomb museum
Yinqueshan Han tomb museum

These slips contained the *Sun Tzu's Art of War*. This discovery provided a rare look at ancient texts. The city has also survived significant natural and human challenges. In 1668, a massive earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.5 occurred nearby. It was one of the largest land-based earthquakes in history. In 1938, the city was also a site of fierce fighting during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

The population of Linyi is very large and growing. According to the 2020 census, the resident population was 11,018,400. This number accounts for 10.85% of the total population in Shandong province. The majority of residents, 99.45%, are Han Chinese. There are also 52 different ethnic minority groups living in the city. The Hui are the most numerous minority group. The age structure shows that 56.91% of the people are between 15 and 59 years old. Additionally, 14.12% of the population is aged 65 or older. The population grew by 9.75% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses.

Linyi's economy is centered around massive wholesale markets. The Linyi Wholesale City is ranked third in its category in China. It has an annual trade volume of approximately 40 billion RMB. The region has developed over 1,500 specialized villages and 80 specialized towns. Many industrialized agricultural enterprises also operate here. The city produces many different goods, such as textiles, machinery, and electronics. Machinery from Linyi is exported to Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia. The economy has grown rapidly since the reform and opening up period. In 2023, the GDP reached 610.5 billion yuan. This is 3,591 times larger than the economy was in 1949.

Modern development is changing the look of the city. Linyi is expanding into the Beicheng New Area along the Yi River. This expansion includes new school campuses and several recreational parks.

临沂奥体中心东体育场主入口俯瞰
临沂奥体中心东体育场主入口俯瞰

The municipal government also relocated to stimulate economic growth. Transportation is a major part of this modern infrastructure. The city is served by the Linyi Qiyang International Airport. There are also plans for a Linyi Metro system. By 2030, this network is expected to have five lines. It will cover about 166.6 kilometers and include 138 stations.

Visitors to Linyi can experience unique local traditions through food. One famous dish is the Linyi pancake, which is as thin as paper. Another popular meal is Mengshan roasted whole lamb. The lamb is marinated with dozens of Chinese herbs before grilling. This process makes the meat crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. People also enjoy Linyi grain soup. This traditional dish is made by refining beef, wheat, and various seasonings. These culinary traditions reflect the local culture and history of the region.

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File:临沂奥体中心东体育场主入口俯瞰.jpg
临沂奥体中心东体育场主入口俯瞰.jpg
File:Yinqueshan Han tomb museum.jpg
Yinqueshan Han tomb museum.jpg
File:Linyi television tower.jpg
Linyi television tower.jpg
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