Weifang Aston

Weifang is a medium-sized prefecture-level city in China, boasting a population of approximately 8.5 million people and administrating over 12 county-level divisions. Annual GDP of the area amounts to approximately 12.5 billion RMB. An up-and-coming city, Weifang is usually eclipsed by its more famous neighbors, Jinan and Qingdao. However, in acting as a convenient travel point between the two major cities as well as being bolstered by its own strong industry, Weifang is growing rapidly.

Located right in between the historic cities of Jinan and Qingdao in Shandong Province, Weifang is an idealistic place to live if one plans to travel around Shandong. Being a mere hour and a half by train from Jinan and perhaps two from Qingdao, Weifang presents an opportunity to see more than just Weifang itself. Shandong province is one of the more historic provinces in China, and, as such, has a variety of monuments, parks, and museums worth exploring. Most notably, Shandong province is the home of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, whose teachings of thousands of years ago are still felt in Chinese society today. Museums dedicated to ancient Confucianism as well as the various historic periods of which Shandong has been a part seem to dot the various cities of the province, all of which make excellent weekend destinations.

Weifang itself shares a part of Shandong’s rich history, having been the birth place of Emperor Shun of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors period, as well as that of many other Confucian scholars and politicians. Due to this rich history, Weifang does not lack in historical sites, among which include Shihu Garden and Fangong Pavilion.

Several other tourist attractions are also located in Weifang’s immediate vicinity. Mount Yi is a two hour bus ride from the city, and is locally famous for good food. For the adventurous at heart, it is possible to stay the night in a local farmer’s home for a relatively cheap price. Mount Qingyun is an hour away from the city, and makes a great day trip, while the Old Dragon Spring is perhaps two hours away by bus.

Known for its strong winds, Weifang is the self-styled kite capital of the world. Kites of all kinds are a common sight in the skies of Weifang, from the smallest glider kite to the largest dragon. Numerous kite shops abound the streets, and the city maintains a kite museum and park not fifteen minutes from Aston. It is here that Weifang holds its annual international kite festival. A pride of the city, Weifang’s kite festival is well-known throughout China. It is usually held in April.

As in most of Shandong, weather in Weifang is divided into four seasons. The winter is cold and subject to the occasional snowfall, with temperatures dropping below freezing at times. Spring and autumn are mild, if occasionally wet. Summer can get rather warm, with temperatures climbing into the mid-high 30s. Strong winds prevail throughout the entire year.

Food in Weifang is largely typical Shandong and Chinese cuisine. Noodle restaurants are common, as are various rice dishes. Aston itself is located on a street commonly occupied by a variety of street food vendors that sell several different noodle dishes, Chinese deep-fried tortilla wraps, and Chinese hamburgers. In the summer, the barbecue is nothing short of amazing, and is cheap enough to become standard faire for an evening meal. Like most Chinese cities, Weifang also has its fair share of Sichuan restaurants, McDonalds, and KFCs. As Weifang neighbors Qingdao, many Weifang restaurants will carry Qingdao (Tsingtao) beer, though several local brews are also available.

The night life in Weifang is not incredible, but acceptable. Angel Western Bar is but a twenty minute walk from Aston (or a 6RMB taxi ride), and serves most kinds of Western liquor in a quiet atmosphere reminiscent of Sinatra times. California Western Bar, a tad further than Angel Bar and in another direction, is a little bit more rowdy, with live music and a livelier atmosphere. There are several dance clubs in Weifang, some of which are perhaps five minutes from the apartments. KTVs practically litter the streets; sometimes, one feels as if one could throw a stone and hit four or five of them.