According to Cheng Li, mayor of Tai'an, Mount Tai showcases Chinese history and culture, and represents the Chinese national spirit. Throughout history, emperors, nobles, scholars, literati and ordinary men have all regarded it as an honor to pay homage to Mount Tai.

"We've complied and complemented Mount Tai protection and development plans and invested heavily in protecting historical sites and cultural relics, forest ecosystem and geological remains, in a bid to ensure the authenticity and integrality of heritage resources on the mountain," said Cheng.

Cheng Li, mayor of Tai'an, delivers a speech during the 2017 Annual Conference for the Conservation and Development of World Natural Heritage Sites in China on Dec 12 in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The first encyclopedia on Mount Tai was also recently launched, compiled by influential specialists and experts from home and abroad.

Consisting of 120 volumes and 50 million words, the encyclopedia includes a great number of historical literature and research achievements presenting readers with various knowledge on Mount Tai, ranging from the climate, plants, animals, medicines to history, folk-custom, religion and art.

The launching ceremony of the first encyclopedia about Mount Tai is held on Dec 11 in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]