fresh from origin
The city of Zibo in Shandong province was once the powerful State of Qi, during the Spring and Autumn Period in ancient China. Shandong has played a major role in Chinese history, from the very beginning of Chinese civilization: its home of sacred Mount Tai, and the birthplace of Confucius. Zibo is significant for sports fans, too. According to FIFA, cuju - believed to be the original form of football, dating back to the Han dynasty - was invented in Zibo.