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Weihai

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Weihai is a major seaport city located in China. It sits on the northeastern shore of the Shandong province. The city occupies the easternmost tip of the Shandong Peninsula.

Wei-Hai-Wei (1906)
Wei-Hai-Wei (1906)

Weihai is surrounded by the Yellow Sea on three sides. This coastal position makes it a vital center for maritime trade. It is also the closest mainland Chinese city to South Korea. Specifically, it is near Chengshan to Yeonpyeongdo.

The climate in Weihai is a northern temperate monsoon continental climate. This weather pattern is heavily influenced by the Yellow Sea and the Siberian high. Because of the ocean, the weather is more moderate than inland areas at the same latitude. Summers are hot and humid, with an August average of 26.1 °C. Most of the annual rainfall occurs between June and September. Winters are cold and dry, but the January average of 2.3 °C is warmer than inland regions. The city receives about 2,508.5 hours of sunshine every year.

Weihai has a history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The Dongyi tribes originally inhabited the area. In 567 B.C., the state of Qi annexed the region into China proper. During the Qin dynasty, the area belonged to Qi Commandery and later Jiaodong Commandery. Before the 14th century, Weihai was only a minor fishing settlement. In 1398, it became a military stronghold known as Weihaiwei. This was done to defend the coast against pirate raids.

The city experienced significant political changes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1895, Japanese forces occupied the area during the Battle of Weihaiwei. The British later occupied the territory after the Japanese returned it in 1898. The core of the city, now the Huancui District, was under British rule from 1898 to 1930. During this time, Port Edward served as the capital. The British also built a Royal Navy base on Liugong Island. Weihai became part of the Republic of China on October 1, 1930.

Wei-Hai-Wei (1906)
Wei-Hai-Wei (1906)

Today, Weihai is a large and growing prefecture-level city. The 2020 census recorded a population of 2,906,548 people. The Huancui District contains 1,164,730 of these residents. The city administers four county-level divisions. These include the Huancui and Wendeng districts, plus Rongcheng and Rushan cities.

Weihai Railway Station 2020
Weihai Railway Station 2020

The city is also home to several national-level development zones. These zones focus on high-tech industry and economic growth.

The economy of Weihai is diverse and relies on its coastal location. It serves as a commercial port and a major fishing center. The city is a key production area for fruit and peanuts. Many residents work in mechanical, electronic, and chemical industries. There are also specialized zones for biotechnology, new materials, and food processing. Because of its proximity to South Korea, Weihai has a large Korean business community. It also hosts many Korean tourists.

Transportation in Weihai connects the city to much of China and beyond. Weihai Dashuipo International Airport provides service to Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul–Incheon. The Qingdao–Rongcheng intercity railway offers high-speed service to major hubs like Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao. Weihai Railway Station is a first-class station that handles many passengers daily.

Weihai Railway Station 2020
Weihai Railway Station 2020

Inside the city, over 50 bus routes assist local travel. For history enthusiasts, a replica of the battleship Dingyuan is anchored in the water. It serves as a museum and a memorial for veterans of the First Sino-Japanese War.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Aankomst van Chinese krijgsgevangenen te Weihaiwei The landing of Chinese prisoners at Wei-Hai-Wei (titel op object), RP-F-2001-7-1637B-26 (cropped).jpg
Aankomst van Chinese krijgsgevangenen te...
File:Wei-Hai-Wei (1906).jpg
Wei-Hai-Wei (1906).jpg
File:Chinese sub on display (53992232692).jpg
Chinese sub on display (53992232692).jpg
File:Weihai Railway Station 2020.jpg
Weihai Railway Station 2020.jpg
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