Rizhao is one of the cradles of Chinese Civilization with a long history and brilliant culture. In Xia and Shang Dynasties, Rizhao belonged to Dongyi(the ancient tribe in eastern China). From Western Zhou to Warring States period, Rizhao belonged to Ju State. Within the boundary, there are some famous historic relics including Lingyanghe, Liangcheng, Donghaiyu and Yaowangcheng. All these relics belong to Dawenkou Culture or Longshan Culture. According to the "Brief Guide of World History "published by British Oxford University, Liangcheng Town was the earliest city in Asia between 3500 B. C. and 2000 B. C. The pictograph inscribed on the earthenware excavated in Ju County of Rizhao City is more than 4800 years old. The pictograph was proved to be the earliest pictograph in China, which is over 1000 years earlier than Oracle. 

It was set up as Rizhao county in 1184 and reset up as Rizhao City ratified by the State Council of the People's Republic of China in March, 1985. It was incorporated with the Economic Open Zone of Shandong Peninsula in March, 1988. It was upgraded as a municipal city approved by the State Council in 1989 and was approved to have jurisdiction over one district and two counties in 1992.