Overview

Baoji city lies in northern China, in the Wei River valley, in Shanxi Province. It is a transportation hub with rail connections to northwestern and southwestern China, and it is also a commercial and industrial center in Shanxi Province. It is a city of ancient culture and modern facilities.

Baoji city has jurisdiction over ten counties (Xigui, Feng Xiang, Qishan, Fufeng, Mixian, Taibai, Fengxian, Qianyang, Longxian and Linyou) and two administrative districts (Jintai and Weibin).

Baoji, which means "Precious Chicken" or "treasured cock" in Chinese, was called Chencang in ancient times. It was founded as early as the 3rd century BC and received its present name during the Tang dynasty (575AD). It is said to be the birthplace of Chinese earliest ancestor Yandi, who laid the foundation of Chinese traditional culture.

Baoji has abundant historic and cultural heritage, among which the bronze wares are outstanding. More than 50,000 bronze wares are unearthed, hence bringing Baoji the fame of being the Home of Bronze Wares. In the Baoji Municipality, there are over 62 cultural relic and historic sites belonging to the state. These are all under provincial protection and are relatively inexpensive to tour. Famous cultural sites include the Tiantai Mountain, where Emperor Yan had once lived, Famen Temple (the Buddhist holy land); Jin Tai Taoist Temple, where the famous Taoist priest Zhang Sanfeng once practiced Taoism; the Yangshao Culture Ruins at Beishouling Ridges; the Zhouyuan Ruins (with early bronzes), and the Jiuchenggong Palace Ruins.

In addition, Baoji is also famous for the many beautiful natural landscapes, such as, the Taibai Mountain National Forest Park, the headstream of Jia Ling River which well preserved its primitive scenery and Guanshan Pasture in Longxian County. Others include the Jialingjiang River Source Scenic Area, Guanshan Grazing land, etc.