More than 2,300 years ago, cuju, or football, was born in Linzi of the Qi State (present Linzi district in Zibo, East China's Shandong province), becoming a national sport in ancient China. Now, it is being played around the world.

"Football returns home," said an announcement by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at the opening ceremony of the China Football Expo 2004. "The past century of research has revealed that it originated in Linzi."

In 2007, the memento, Birthplace of Football, was put on display in the FIFA headquarters.

The memento, Birthplace of Football, is now housed at the FIFA headquarters. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]

Now, if you want to explore the history of football, the Football Museum in Linzi is a great place to start. Covering 11,800 square meters, it is the first football museum in the world that comprehensively showcases the origin of cuju and the development history of football.

Opening time: 9:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday.

Location: No 308, Linzi Avenue, Linzi district, Zibo, East China's Shandong province.

The Linzi Football Museum in Zibo records the origins and development of football. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]

The Linzi Football Museum includes two sections, focusing on cuju in ancient China and football in modern times. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]

A sculpture exhibition area depicting football events and football stars. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]

Cuju shows are performed on international stages. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]