In Taishan district, Tai'an, rural vitalization is in full swing. Early summer attracts streams of self-driving tourists who come to cherry orchards and tea gardens, where they pick fruit, sip tea, and explore picturesque villages.

The district has developed six national-level AAA scenic spots that together receive over three million visitors each year, generating more than 200 million yuan ($29.5 million) in revenue.

A key component is the tea-fruit rural vitalization area in Shengzhuang town, which combines mountain, water, tea, and orchard resources. Each village within the district follows a distinct theme to minimize over-competitiveness.

"In the past, villages fought alone, and visitors didn't stay long, " said Zhang Longbo, an official at the district's rural economic management center. "Now, with coordinated development, tourists have many more quality options."

In Baimali village, a cultural block featuring coffee shops, artisan bread, and intangible-cultural-heritage studios has attracted 16 university graduates back home. During the May Day holiday, it welcomed over 5,000 visitors and generated 60,000 yuan in revenue.

Meanwhile, Wanglinpo village offers a restored rural lane with traditional tofu and bun shops that has become a nostalgic favorite. Tea master Zhang Chuanxia and her husband — an inheritor of ancient tea‑making techniques — have established a courtyard there. Zhang's tea-coffee blends are great for young people looking for relaxation and family time.

With cloud-connected navigation tools and a thriving rural night economy, Taishan district is steadily broadening its path toward sustainable rural prosperity.

Following the winding mountain road along the eastern foot of Taishan Mountain into Liujiazhuang village, visitors are greeted by rolling green tea terraces at the Qinyuanchun Taishan Tea Ecological Garden. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]