Wangshimen Scenic Area

Located in the central part of Shandong Peninsula, and blessed by a unique position as the confluence of Qi and Lu civilization—the two main branches of Shandong culture, the city of Laiwu enjoys distinct advantages throughout history. This city not only witnesses vicissitudes of time, but also serves a pivotal role in the present development of Shandong Province.

Laiwu, formerly a county, emerged as a city in 1983, and was upgraded to prefecture level in 1992. It occupies an area of 2246 square kilometers with a population of 1.26 million. The city has jurisdiction over two counties – Laicheng and Gangcheng, three provincial level economic development zones, one travel& holiday resort, 20 villages and towns, and 1070 administrative villages.

Hongshi Park

Profound History

As one of the major cradles of Shandong Civilization, Laiwu saw the start of bronze casting as early as in Shang ( 16th century-11th century BC) and Zhou (11th century-256 BC) dynasties. In Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), the city was leading in the smelting industry, and maintained its importance ever since for over 2,ooo years.

Laiwu’s reputation also lies in its Wenyang Culture—a key ingredient of Dawenkou Culture; the Qi Great Wall found here, well-preserved, precedes that of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) for about 400 years.

At the same time, Laiwu has always been a military fortress, highlighted with the Battle of Shangshao, where the Chinese idiom “Yi Gu Zuo Qi” (to get something done at a vigorous effect) originates, and the famous Laiwu Campaign during the China’s War of Liberation (1945-49).

This city also offers a lot of local specialties—ginger, pepper and peach, to name just a few. Apart from that, the 500-million-year-old trilobite fossils, some exquisite tin sculptures, and the time-honored Shunxiangzhai Sausages also find, in Laiwu, their home.

Molten Metal