Taishan Mountain Scenic Area hosted an autumn climbing conference launch ceremony, which was organized by the mountain federation of Gyeonggi province, South Korea, on Nov 12, welcoming 273 South Korean hiking enthusiasts — the largest international tourist group received by Tai'an this year.

During the ceremony, Liu Anyi, deputy director of the city's culture and tourism bureau, extended a warm welcome to the South Korean delegation. She highlighted Taishan Mountain's status as China's first UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, as well as a global geopark, emphasizing its cultural and symbolic significance. She also expressed hopes that the event would deepen Shandong's cultural and tourism exchanges with South Korea.

President of the mountain federation of Gyeonggi province noted that mountains like Taishan Mountain and South Korea's Hallasan share a cultural legacy of reverence and adventure. He described the climb not only as a physical experience but as a way to bring people closer together and facilitate cultural dialogue.

This event reflected Shandong and Tai'an's ongoing efforts to boost inbound tourism through targeted promotions in South Korea, improved visitor services, and international mountain partnership programs. From January to October this year, Taishan Mountain recorded 82,661 overseas visits — a striking 170.8 percent year-on-year increase.

Moving forward, Tai'an aims to continue building its global network through nature and culture, inviting more international friends to explore and appreciate Taishan Mountain.

Taishan Mountain Scenic Area hosts an autumn climbing conference launch ceremony organized by the mountain federation of Gyeonggi province, South Korea, on Nov 12. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]