Boasting a long history and profound culture, Jining, hometown of Confucius and Mencius -- two well-known ancient Chinese philosophers, is one of the important cradles of oriental civilization as well as of Confucianism.

The prefecture-level city in southwestern Shandong province, located at the junction of four provinces, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan and Anhui, covers an area of 11,000 square kilometers. It is today the northernmost city reachable by navigation on the Grand Canal of China, making it an important inland port.

The magnificent night landscape of Jining in Shandong province, known to the world as the birthplace of Confucius. [Photo/jnnews.tv]

The Sihe River and surrounding villages and mountains are shrouded in the morning mist, creating picturesque scenery in Jining, Shandong province. [Photo/jnnews.tv]

The vast fields of wheat look vibrant against the blue sky and white clouds in Jining, Shandong province. [Photo/jnnews.tv]