Area: 18,000sq.km/6950sq.mi
Weifang lies in the east of Shandong province, on the railroad line from Jinan to Qingdao.
During the time of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) Weifang was a major military base. Over the centuries it became less important from a military point of view and more of a cultural
center. For example, Zheng Banqiao, one of the most famous 18th C Chinese painters, was born here. In more recent years, however, the town has become known all over the world for the manufacture of kites; this has led to Weifang being given the nickname ''World Kite Capital''. The International Kite Society has its headquarters here and has organized a large kite festival every year since 1984.