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Rizhao

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Rizhao is a prefecture-level city located in southeastern Shandong province, China. It sits directly on the coastline of the Yellow Sea. The name Rizhao literally translates to "sunshine." This name refers to its eastern coastal location, which allows it to receive sunlight early. The city serves as an important economic and cultural hub in the region. It borders Qingdao to the northeast and Weifang to the north. Linyi borders the city to the west and southwest. Looking east across the Yellow Sea, one can see Korea and Japan.

The city is highly recognized for its commitment to sustainable development. Since 1992, Rizhao has mandated the use of solar-water heaters in all new buildings. It also requires these heaters in renovated public buildings. The city government oversees the construction process to ensure correct installation. This long-term effort has led to impressive results. By 2007, 99% of households in the central districts used solar water heaters. Because of these green efforts, the United Nations recognized Rizhao as one of the most habitable cities in the world in 2009.

Rizhao's climate is a temperate, four-season system influenced by monsoons. It exists in a transition zone between two different climate regimes. These are the humid subtropical regime, known as Köppen Cwa, and the humid continental regime, known as Köppen Dwa. The annual mean temperature is 15.3°C. The city receives an average of 2,310 hours of bright sunshine every year. Because Rizhao is located on a peninsula, it experiences a delayed spring. Spring typically arrives one month later here than in much of the Shandong province. Conversely, the fall season is milder than in inland areas.

The history of this region spans thousands of years. The area was once home to the ancient Dawenkou and Longshan cultures. During the Xia and Shang dynasties, between 2070 and 1046 BC, the land belonged to the Dongyi people. It later became part of the Ju and Yue States during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. During the Qin dynasty, it was part of the Langye Commandery. The Western Han dynasty named the area Haiqu County. Under the Eastern Han, it was known as Xihai County. In 1087, during the Northern Song dynasty, Rizhao Town was established. This event originated the name meaning "the place that first receives the sunshine."

Transportation and trade are vital to the city's economy. The Port of Rizhao is a major seaport located north of Shanghai. It is also southwest of Qingdao and north of Lianyungang. This port is a critical site for loading and unloading heavy materials. It handles large amounts of iron ore and coal. Other products passing through the harbor include cement, nickel, and bauxite. In 2011, the port joined a strategic alliance with Busan in the Republic of Korea. This alliance includes the cities of Qingdao, Weihai, and Yantai. Their goal is to build a major shipping and logistics center in Northeast Asia.

As of the 2020 Chinese census, the population of Rizhao was 2,968,365 people. A large portion of these residents, 1,172,205 people, live in the urban Donggang District. The population has shown steady growth over the last decade. Between 2010 and 2020, the population increased by 167,352 people. This represents a total increase of 5.97%. The average annual growth rate during this period was 0.58. Estimates for 2024 place the resident population at approximately 2,929,000 people.

Visitors to Rizhao can explore various landmarks and cultural sites. The Zaishui Art Museum is a notable recent addition. It was completed in December 2023 and sits on an artificial lake. The Spanish firm SelgasCano designed the museum, a promenade, and a café. Architect Jun'ya Ishigami also designed a hotel, a horseback-riding center, and a concrete church that is 148 feet high. Several locations hold a 4-star rating for scenic spots. These include Wulian Mountain, Daqing Mountain, and Wanpingkou Beach. Other popular areas are Rizhao Beach National Park, Longmengu, Liujiawan Park, and the Tiantai Mountain Tourism Area.

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