The name Tai'an embodies the most simple and sincere aspiration of the Chinese people—"national prosperity and people's peace." This city, nestled between Mount Tai and the Wen River, is located in the heart of Shandong Province, a region known for its "one mountain, one river, one sage." With its natural landscape of "mountains-river-city-fields-Wen River-lake," it carries the weight of its dual World Heritage status and the vibrant life of its inhabitants, writing its unique chapter through the ages.
Mount Tai is the soul of Tai'an. As the foremost of the Five Sacred Mountains and a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, it is not only a geological wonder but also a landmark of civilization. The stone steps of Hongmen Road bear the footprints of pilgrims for millennia, the winds of Zhongtianmen carry the sacrificial texts of emperors throughout history, and the sea of clouds at Yuhuangding has reflected the gaze of countless travelers. Beside Doumu Palace stands the Gaoshan Liushui Pavilion, a four-pillared stone structure perched on the banks of Jingshiyu. The couplet, "A curtain of rain pours down from the Heavenly Gate, the sacred stone whispers a thousand years of writing," blends the tale of Bo Ya and Zi Qi's profound friendship with the scenic beauty of the mountain waterfall. During rain, the cascading water paints the landscape like calligraphy, showcasing the unique charm of "precipitous cliffs behind, snow-capped waves in front." In mythology, this is the boundary between the three realms: above Daizongfang lies the celestial realm, while the area west of Naihe is the underworld. The Eastern Peak Emperor holds sway over life, death, fortune, and misfortune, imbuing Mount Tai with not only natural grandeur but also divine wonder.
The vibrant atmosphere of Tai'an is hidden among its old streets and eateries. Tai'an's old streets, paved with bluestone, extend along a "one axis, five zones" layout, incorporating the design concept of the twenty-four solar terms into the alleys. Fountains and the Pan River complement each other beautifully. As night falls, interactive light shows and a canopy illuminate the long corridors, filling the streams and bridges with the warmth of everyday life. At Guohua Sanguan in the early morning, the savory and smooth San soup awakens the taste buds; the traditional Lu cuisine of Lu Cai Gen and the tender roasted ribs of Shi Ba Pan leave a lingering impression of Taishan flavor on the palate; the sweetness of the popular mung bean cakes and the sour and spicy flavor of the time-honored rice noodles intertwine to create the most authentic Tai'an taste. The hearty scallion pancakes and the rich flavor of goose egg rice noodles further transform the bounty of the mountains into everyday happiness on the dining table.
Amidst the mountains and rivers lies the lifeblood of Tai'an. The mighty Dawen River flows westward, nurturing the splendid Dawenkou culture and the fertile Wenyang fields; the vast expanse of Dongping Lake shoulders the mission of ecological protection in the Yellow River basin. Today, Tai'an is moving forward along the blueprint of "ecological priority and green development." The underground wonders of Taishan Baotailong and the technological feast of Fantawild Adventure are revitalizing the ancient landscape; the luxury of Wyndham Hotels and the elegance of garden-style hotels provide travelers with a place to stay. From its mountain-front towns to its lakeside cultural and tourism zone, from its ecological agricultural belt to its new industrial base, this city, upholding the belief that "if Mount Tai is safe, the whole world is safe," is steadily moving towards becoming a modern, strong city with beautiful mountains and rivers.
Mount Tai stands silent, witnessing a thousand years of vicissitudes; the Wen River flows on, nourishing the lives of ordinary people. Tai'an possesses both the majestic grandeur of the "Five Sacred Mountains" and the gentle warmth of "national prosperity and people's well-being," becoming a spiritual homeland forever worth visiting in the symbiosis of nature and culture.
