Introduction
Lianyungang, the eastern terminus of the Lanzhou-Lianyungang Railway on the Huanghai (Yellow Sea) coast in northeast Jiangsu Province, is the nearest outlet to the sea for northwest China and the areas in the lower and middle reaches of ht Huanghe (Yellow River). Lying between mountains and sea, it is a newly developed city with an area of 740 square kilometers and a population of 390,000. Its charm and mild climate make it a favorite place for sightseeing and summer vacations.

Geography
Lianyungang is situated between 34.12¡¯ and 35.07¡¯ north latitude and 118.24 and 119.48 east longitude. Located in the middle of China east coast, and in the northeast of Jiangsu Province, Lianyungang has a total land area of 7499.9 square kilometers and water area of 1759.4 square kilometers.

Natural resources
Lianyungang is one of the first 14 coastal cities opening to the outside world in China. In recent years, Lianyungang is actively implementing the main strategy of "open up the city to rebound economy" so as to adapt to the new situations with the entry into WTO. Many world famous companies have invested here, such as Dupont of USA, LG of South Korea, Mitsubishi of Japan and Roquette of France (the largest producer of sorbitol in the world). Many world famous multinational companies like AJINOMOTO of Japan, Kabool of Korea, Yihai Grain & Oil and container projects have also been introduced. All of the above-mentioned projects stimulated the breakthrough of near-port industry in Lianyungang.

   With mountains meeting the sea and islands facing the port, Lianyungang is surrounded by mountains; people are strolling around the beach, all of which display unique urban scenery and landscape. Lianyungang is one of China 49 most important tourist cities and one of 3 main tourist areas in Jiangsu Province. It has 20 tourist areas and 120 scenic spots, which entertained 6.13 million tourists in 2004 with a total tourism income reaching RMB 5.252 billion. A tourist may find in Lianyungang the famous mountain (Flower & Fruit Mountain), famous sea (Yellow Sea), famous water (Donghai Hot Spring), famous bamboo (Gold-Gilded Jade bamboo), famous stone (crystal), famous books (Pilgrimage to the West, flowers in the mirrors), famous "air" (best air quality in China) and famous well (first well in Asia). Mountains, seas, islands and ports bring out the best urban scenery in each other. In 2002, the Flower & Fruit Mountain and Lian Islands (Connected islands) Tourism Vacationing Site were awarded national 4A grade tourism area successively. They were also granted model unit of national tourist site and national healthy seawater bathing place. In 2003, Kongwang Mountain scenic spot was appraised national 4A grade tourism area. In 2004, Yuwan scenic spot was also appraised national 4A grade tourism area. Lianyungang is the origin of Pilgrimage to the West culture. Chairman Mao mentioned repeatedly, The homeland of Monkey King is Yuntai Mountain in Xinhailian City.