Economy

Established in August 1995, Weifang Binhai Economic & Technological Development Area (BEDA) is a national economic and technological development area approved by the State Council. Covering an area of 677 km2 (261 sq mi), BEDA has a population of 100,000. BEDA possesses a large state-owned industrial land for use with an area of 400 km2 (150 sq mi). The land can be transacted conveniently which would guarantee the demand of any project construction and provide broad development space for the enterprises in the area. Continuously, BEDA has been accredited as National Demonstration Zone invigorating the Sea by Science and Technology, National Innovation Base for Rejuvenating Trade through Science and Technology and National Demonstration Eco-Industry Park.The city is home to the large diesel engine company and factory Weichai. The village of Yangjiabu in Hanting District is famous for folk wood-block print (nianhua) and kite production.In the 1980s, a large sapphire mine was discovered in Changle (昌乐县). According to released information, billions of carats of sapphire are estimated to lie under the 450 km2 mine territory. It has become one of the top four sapphire mines in the world. The main feature of this sapphire is the dark blue or close to black color because of the high iron content.

Geography

Nearby major cities include Jinan and Zibo to the west, Yantai to the northeast and Qingdao to the southeast.Weifang has a monsoon-influenced, four-season climate, on the very borderline between humid continental and humid subtropical (Köppen Dwa/Cwa, respectively), with hot, humid summers, and cold but dry winters. Monthly daily average temperatures range from −2.9 °C (26.8 °F) in January to 26.2 °C (79.2 °F) in July, and the annual mean is 12.49 °C (54.5 °F). More than 70% of the annual precipitation occurs from June to September, and sunshine is generally abundant year-round. A majority of the annual precipitation occurs in July and August alone. With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 47% in July to 62% in April, the city receives 2,536 hours of bright sunshine annually, sunshine is abundant except during the summer months.

History

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (August 2016)