Tourist attractions in east China's Shandong Province are witnessing a vibrant influx of tourists, drawn by a diverse array of cultural and tourism projects as the seven-day National Day holiday unfolds.
According to data from the provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the first three days of the holiday saw over 10.89 million visitors at Shandong's 200 key tourist sites, marking a 20.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Among these, Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has drawn a large number of tourists seeking its magnificent natural spectacles. It is expected to attract more than 400,000 visitors during the holiday, with daily attendance peaking between Wednesday and Friday, averaging around 80,000 tourists per day.
Taierzhuang Ancient Town also stands out as a top destination during the holiday, renowned not only for its picturesque scenery, which blends southern and northern Chinese architectural styles, but also for its historical significance.
In 1938, during World War II, Taierzhuang was the site of a decisive battle against Japanese invaders. Despite significant losses, the Chinese military's resolve to resist aggression remained unyielding. The Battle of Taierzhuang marked Japan's first major defeat, shattering the myth of its invincibility and providing a crucial boost to Chinese morale.
Today, eight decades later, Taierzhuang has transformed into a vibrant destination where visitors can peacefully stroll, reflecting on the fierce battles that once took place and the town's rich history.
Performances of red-themed dramas recount the glorious stories of the past, while captivating light shows at night further enhance the town's charm and cultural atmosphere.
"Every classic scene and every red-themed melody allows us to deeply feel the steadfast faith, selfless dedication, and fearless spirit of our revolutionary predecessors," said a visitor.
In Qufu City, the recently restored Shengji Hall (Hall of Holy Relics), renowned for its stone-carved comic strips depicting the life of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, has also drawn significant attention.
Featuring 120 stone carvings of sacred events, the hall offers immense historical and artistic value. During the first three days of the holiday, over 80,000 visitors have already made reservations to explore this landmark.
Xing Haiyang, head of the engineering department at Qufu's Three Confucian Sites Management Office, emphasized the importance of preservation during the restoration process.
"We adhered to the principles of original design, structure, materials, and craftsmanship during the whole process of restoration. While ensuring the health and stability of the historic building, it's crucial to retain the maximum amount of historical and cultural information from the structure," he said.
Shandong sees influx of tourists amid diverse cultural attractions during National Day holiday
