Zibo is located in the transition zone between mountainous area in central Shangdong and the North China Plain. Its southern area is covered with mid-sized mountains, while the center is hilly. The city's northern territory descends into plains. The ratio among mountains, hill and plain is 42%, 29.9% and 28.1%.

The city is located in a warm, temperate zone, and bears a semi-humid and semi-dry continental climate. January and July are respectively the coldest and hottest month during a year. Like other major cities in North China, it has four distinct seasons with an annual average temperature of 12-13℃ (53.6-55.4℉). 

Yuanshan National Forest Park: Located in the southwest of Boshan District, Yuanshan National Forest Park is made up of Phoenix Mountain, Yuwang Mountain, Wanglu Mountain, Xuejiading and Jiagutai Scenic Resorts. The undulating mountains present fabulous views which makes visitors feel totally refreshed. Among the five scenic resorts, Phoenix Mountain is the most famous due to its beautiful scenery and rich humanity landscapes. The shape of the mountain is like a phoenix, hence the name. It is a natural botanical garden with over 600 kinds of herbaceous plants and 120 kinds of woody plants growing abundantly in it. It presents different aspects in each of the four seasons. A variety of flowers clothe the mountain in a mass of color.