Ancient Linzi, Archaeological site in Zibo, China
Ancient Linzi is an archaeological complex in Zibo that sprawls across 668 square kilometers between the Zi River and the former course of the Xi River. Visible remains include about 14 kilometers of earth walls, multiple burial mounds, and a clear grid of wide streets showing how the city was once organized.
This site served as the capital of the Qi state during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, from 770 to 221 BC, until King Ying Zheng conquered it. The city flourished for centuries as a major political and economic center before eventually being abandoned.
The Jixia Academy once gathered many philosophers and scholars who shaped Chinese thought during this period. You can sense the intellectual importance of the place through its carefully planned layout and the way different areas of the city seem designed for learning and debate.
The site covers a large area, so plan to spend several hours exploring the different sections and burial mounds. Comfortable shoes are important since you will be walking across open ground with few shaded areas.
Archaeologists uncovered a pit of sacrificed horses near the presumed tomb of Duke Jing of Qi. This discovery reveals the ceremonial practices and wealth that marked the ancient settlement's most important burials.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.