Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1972, China and Madagascar have maintained sincere friendship, marked by harmonious development in all fields. Madagascar is experiencing good development momentum and a stable security situation, which makes it an important gateway for China into the African market and a leading partner for trade and cooperation with Africa in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also an essential partner for economic and commercial cooperation in Africa in the city of Zibo in Shandong province.
Zichuan District, under Zibo City in Shandong Province, is located in the heart of Zibo City. It shares borders to the south with Boshan District, to the west with Zhangqiu District of Jinan, to the north with Zhoucun, Zhangdian, and Linzi Districts, to the east with Qingzhou City, and to the southeast with Linqu and Yiyuan counties. With a total area of 960 square kilometers, as of October 2022, Zichuan District was administratively divided into 4 wards and 9 townships, housing a total population of 589,500 as of the end of 2021 (excluding economic development zone).
Zichuan is home to several important historical and cultural sites such as Pu Songling’s Former Residence and the Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Site in Ma’anshan, which have been designated as provincial-level cultural heritage protection units. There are also other scenic spots such as Su Xiang’s Tomb, Yangzhai Pagoda, Liaozhai Park, Leisure Amusement Park, etc.
Pu Songling’s former residence is located in Zichuan District. It includes the site of his original residence, the surrounding houses, the clear water spring (Liuquan) as well as his cemetery, and has been transformed into a memorial museum of Pu Songling. The residence faces south, with two interior courtyards and a side courtyard to the west. It presents a typical local architectural style, with its blue brick walls and black tiled roofs, embellished with wooden windows and doors. In 1962, Guo Moruo inscribed “Former Residence of Pu Songling” in gold letters on a plaque, which hangs above the main gate of the residence. The main room of the residence is an ordinary brick and stone house, with adobe walls and wooden windows and doors. A “Liaozhai” plaque written by Lu Dahang, which welcomes visitors at the entrance, is located inside. Under this plaque, a portrait of Pu Songling at the age of 74, painted by famous artist Zhu Xianglin from Jiangnan, hangs. On either side of the plaque hang couplets calligraphy by Guo Moruo.
The Great Wall of Qi stretches 50 kilometers inside Zichuan, the main remains of which stretch 30 kilometers, crossing a total of 2 towns and 15 villages along the way. Taihe Township, taking advantage of landmark attractions such as Tanxi Mountain, Qi Mountain and Yunming Mountain, has developed a comprehensive service group, ranging from tourist climbing to catering, accommodation and entertainment, in relying on the sites and cultural relics of “Qi culture” such as the Great Wall of Qi. As a result, it has become an essential destination for travelers from the surrounding area. Tanxi Mountain has invested more than 50 million yuan in the construction of a glass suspension bridge, allowing all the beauty of the landscape to be admired from a height of 107 meters, with the blue skies and clouds reflected on its surfaces, providing an exhilarating sensation of walking on clouds.
Regarding industry, Zichuan District has been focusing on building a modern industrial system and implementing a high-quality industrial development action plan. It has consolidated and improved traditional industries such as building materials, ceramics, trade, logistics, e-commerce, textiles and clothing, while making effective inroads in the cultural and tourism industry. He stressed the development of “big projects”, the establishment of “high-precision and high-tech” industries, the strengthening of the trade sector, and the creation of an “enabling environment”, in order to seize the opportunities and actively promote the economic development of the region.
In the industrial field, Zichuan District focuses on building a modern industrial system by making an annual action plan for high-quality industrial development. It seeks to consolidate and improve traditional industries such as building materials, ceramics, construction, trade, logistics, e-commerce and textiles. It also seeks to achieve effective breakthroughs in the cultural and tourism industry. In order to promote high-quality regional economic development, it exploits “big projects” by shifting the priority forward, develops “highly precise and advanced” industries, strengthens the trade sector as the “shopping basket” , creates an “enabling environment”, seizes opportunities, takes the initiative and actively works to.
Zichuan cuisine also has its own characteristics, and one of its signature dishes is “Zichuan Rou Shaobing” (Meat Patty). First, we take a well-kneaded ball of dough, the size of a bun, and wrap the meat stuffing in it. Next, the ball of dough is rolled out with a rolling pin, then the rolled out dough is placed on a smooth, domed ceramic container. We slightly moisten the dough with water and press it even more finely. And we sprinkle it with a dense layer of peeled sesame seeds already spread on a board. A stuffed loaf with a diameter of about 20 centimeters then waits to be baked. The Zichuan meat patty is particularly crispy and tender. As soon as it comes out of the oven, it gives off both the aroma of sesame and dough, as well as the delicious flavor of meat. Zichuan warmly welcomes all foreign friends to come and experience its unique culture.
The article History of Friendly City II: Welcome to Zichuan District, Zibo, Shandong Province! appeared first on Midi Madagasikara.
