With a long history and brilliant culture, the City of Zibo in the central part of Eastern China's Shandong Province eyes on boosting its culture industry, which has become a new economic growth point.

Zibo claims to be the birth place of ancient football Cuju, which according to FIFA, was the earliest form of the sport. [chinadaily.com.cn]

The best cards for Zibo to play in developing culture industry are its rich cultural resources. Being the capital of ancient Qi State for 800 years, the land has nurtured many influential politicians, strategists and writers. It is also acknowledged by FIFA to be the cradle of football in 2004.

Rong Bao Zhai is a famous brand with a history of about 300 years, specializing in selling authentic works of art. In mainland China, Rong Bao Zhai sets up only one branch shop, which is located right in Zibo where there is a huge market for art collections. [chinadaily.com.cn]

Since 2003, Zibo municipal government has ironed out the strategy to build up a strong cultural city. With innovation and market-oriented guidelines, the city has maintained a fast growth rate and kept updating the industrial structure.

Zibo is one of the five major producing centres of ceramics. Visitors can trace up the history of Chinese ceramics in China Ceramics Museum, which is also an auction centre. [chinadaily.com.cn]