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Based on a good industrial foundation, Weifang’s industry has a fast growing, formularizing five pillar industries, namely mechanical equipment, textile clothing, marine mechanical industry, food processing and paper packaging. In addition, some infant industries such as electronic information and biological medicine are developing at a fast rate.

The policy of opening up has a remarkable impact on Weifang, who has established cooperative relationship with more than 50 countries in terms of economy and technology. Weifang has seen great improvement in the construction of railway, highway, airplane, communication, city water and gas supply and commerce facilities. The road traffic mileage reaches 140thousand kilometers.

Weifang is well known worldwide as the World Capital of Kites. On April 1st, 1984, the first International Kite Meeting was held successfully in Weifang. Since then, Weifang became the host city for the annual International Kite Meeting. It was in April, 1987 that Weifang was elected as the World Captical of Kites. The International Kite Association made another decision, that is, setting its headquarter in Weifang. Holing International Kite Meeting has greatly enhanced the reputation of Weifang city, opening the door to the world thus entering the world.

As a famous historic and cultural city, Weifang is plentiful of tourist resources. As early as 7000 years ago, in the New Stone Age, there has been clan living in this region. The rather long history left Weifang a cultural belt of various periods: over 1800 historic relics of archeological sites, ancient architectures, ancient carvings and deadee, among which there are 3 national state-level key heritage conservation units, 27 provincial-level units. There are plenty of world famous historic resorts, Qingyun Mountain, Fangong pavilion, Shanwang fossile, dinosaur fossile and Yinshan Mountain National Forest Park, to just name a few. Nine non-tangible cultural heritages are listed in the national catalogue, including Weifang kite and the woodcut New Year picture in Yang Jiabu.

In the year of 2008, the total output value of Weifang reached RMB 249.18billion with an increase of 13.2%; the total investment in fixed assets realized RMB 152.34billion, with an increase of 26.1%; the total consumers’ retail sales reached RMB 83.03billion, increased by 23.1%. Above-scale industries realized RMB 531billion by main business income, profit and tax with RMB 42.5billlion and profit RMB 27.8billion, increased by 24.3%, 16.6% and 18.8% respectively. The general financial revenue reached RMB 26billion, with an increase of 158%. Urban per capita disposable income was RMB 15,691, rose by 14.4% and rural per capita disposable income was RMB 7,702, rose by 12.6%.

By Shen Hong (Shandong Bureau)