Study in baoji, Shaanxi Province
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Population: 3,760,000

Area: 18,200 square kilometers (7,027 square miles)

Administrative Division: 3 districts (Weibin, Jintai, Chencang); 9 counties (Fengxiang, Qishan, Fufeng, Meixian, Longxian, Qianyang, Linyou, Fengxian, Taibai)

Location: Located in the west of Shaanxi Province, Baoji is the joint point of Xian, Lanzhou, Yinchuan and Chengdu. Xianyang is to its east and Hanzhong is to its south.

History: Baoji is the birth place of Chinese ancestor Yandi and the cradle of Zhou (11th century BC-221BC) and Qin (221BC-206) dynasties. It was once called 'Chencang' in ancient times. It is said that in 757 of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a stone cock on a mountain crowed, hence the name of 'Baoji' (meaning precious cock). In 2003, Baoji turned into a city from a county and formed the present administrative division.

Physical Features: Baoji has complex geographic features. Mountains are in the south, west and north direction and Wei River is in the middle. Mountains and hills occupy about 83 % of the whole area while the left are plains.

Climatic Features: Baoji belongs to the warm and subhumid climate zone. Winter is dry and cold while summer is hot and rainy. In autumn, rains always last for several days. The city has the most rainfall among all the cities in middle Shaanxi.

When to Go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Baoji, when it is neither too cold nor too hot. Every year in April, many tourism festivals and temple fairs are held, providing a good opportunity to know about the local culture. However, due to the continuous rains, please remember to take an umbrella if you go there in autumn.

Local Highlights: As one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, Baoji has so many cultural and historical sites and relics that it is called 'Town of Bronze Wares' and 'Town of Folk Handicrafts'. Zhou and Qin cultures are well presented by such ancient sites such as Yongcheng Site, Zhouyuan Site, Zhougong Temple and Fishing Platform. It is also where Taoism and Buddhism mix. Famen Temple is famous for the discovery of the Buddha Sakyamuni's relics. Taibai Mountain is the peak of Qinling Mountain, which is the dividing line of China's north and south areas.

Special Local Products:
Handicrafts: colorful mud sculpture, shadow play, puppet, paper-cutting, embroidery, wooden painted face, straw knit, copied bronze wares
Foods: Fengxian ginseng, edible fungus, red capsicum; Fengxiang Xifeng Liquor and preserved donkey meat; Qishan Saozi Noodle

Scenic Spots: Taibai Mountain National Forest Park, Mt. Tiantai, Honghe Valley, Fengxiang East Lake, Jialing River Headwaters, Guanshan Grassland
Historical and Cultural Sites: Tomb 1 of Qin's Duke, Yongcheng (Capital of the Qin State) Site, Zhougong Temple, Famen Temple, Fishing Platform, Zhouyuan Site
Tourism Itinerary: East Route: Fishing Platform - Wuzhangyuan Site - Taibai Mountain
Around City Route: Baoji Railway Station - Yandi Mausoleum - Dasanguan Pass - Yindong Valley - Jialing River Headwaters
Ecological and Recreational Route: Longmen Cave - Guanshan Grassland - Guanshan Forest Park
Ancestor Worship Route: Yandi Mausoleum - Mt. Tiantai - Jialing River Headwaters - Tongtianhe Forest Park - Mt. Zibai
Historical and Cultural Route: Fengxiang East Lake - Tomb 1 of Qin's Duke - Zhougong Temple - Famen Temple - Zhouyuan Site