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Tai'an

Tai'an City is a stretch of ancient and mystical land. Five thousand years ago here originated the brilliant Dawenkou Culture, which reflects the whole course of the transition from matriarchal society to patriarchal society and the disintegration of the primitive society. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Period of Warring States, Qi-Lu Culture in the Taishan Mountain Area is so magnificent that it wins people's admiration all over the world. Since entering the period of Qin Dynasty and Han Dynasty, Taishan Mountain has gradually become a famous mountain where the emperors granted titles to Buddhists and did their worship until the Ming and Qing Dynasty, which has lasted for more than a thousand years.

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Geography

Tai'an City is situated at the center of Shandong Province, located at 116°02ˊto 117°59ˊ east longitude and 35°38ˊto 36°28ˊnorth latitude, and is about 176.6 kilometers long from east to west and about 93.5 kilometers wide from north to south with a total area of 7,762 square kilometers. Tai'an City is a part of the Middle Lu mountainous region, of which the whole terrain inclines from northeast to southwest, and there are many kinds of landforms within the boundaries, such as mountains, hills, plains, marshlands, lakes, etc. The mountainous regions are mainly grouped in the north and the east of the city, which have an area of 140,700 hectares, occupying 18% of the total area of the city, with the altitudes from 400 to 800 meters. The hills are distributed mainly over the southwest of Xintai City, the east of Ningyang County, the northwestern suburb of Tai'an City, the fringe of Feicheng Basin and the north end of Dongping County. The plains are distributed mainly along the mountains and rivers, mostly are the valley plains, conoplains and diluvia plains. The marshlands and lakes are mainly distributed within the Dongping County. The Dongping Lake is the second large freshwater lake in the province, and is the only survived waters of "Liangshan Waters and Lakes".

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Climate

Tai'an City belongs to the continental half humid monsoon climatic area of the north warm temperate zone, and it has a clear distinction between the seasons. It is delightful in all seasons with the sunshine and climate synchronization, and the rainfall and heat in the same season. It is dry and windy in spring, hot and rainy in summer, warm and fresh in autumn, and cold and little snow in winter. The average total amount of the solar radiation of the city is 121.58 kilocalorie/cm2 in many years, with the annual amount changes within 112 to 131 kilocalorie/cm2. The average annual temperature of Tai'an City is 12.9℃. The average highest temperature is 26.4℃ in July of the year, while the lowest is in January with 2.6℃ below zero in average. The average annual precipitation of the city is 697mm. Being affected by the monsoon climate, the annual precipitation changes greatly.

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Natural Ecological Environment

Tai'an City is situated at the south of Taishan Mountain. Taishan Mountain belongs to the monsoon climate of the warm Temperate Zone, with clear changes in altitudinal zonality, the lower part is the warm zone, and the top is the mesothermal zone. The favorable climatic conditions make Taishan Mountain be covered with thick vegetation, luxuriant forests, flourishing flowers and plants; which make up of a high afforestation coverage rate of 79.9%, all of these are seldom seen in mountainous scenic spots in northern area. There are numerous ancient and famous trees, among which more than 30 thousand trees are aged over a hundred praised as the "living cultural relics". Taishan Mountain is rich in biological resources in which the rare traditional medicinal herbs include Taishan glossy ganoderma, Polygonum multiflorum, Chinese gromwell, four-leaf ginseng, sealwort etc. In the gills and streams of Taishan Mountain lives a kind of rare fish specific in Taishan Mountain-Red Squama Fish, which is one of the animal species at the verge of extinction under the provincial protection. For many years, Tai'an City has always been stressing the importance of protecting the ecological environment, so that the afforestation coverage arte in the city has reached 33.05%, with an average of 7.34 square meters green land area per person. Tai'an City was honored the State Sanitary City in 1995.

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Economy

Tai'an, with its natural treasures of nice products from the earth, also a remarkable place producing outstanding people, is an agriculturally developed area in the history. Its many agricultural products, such as Dawenkou peanut, Xintai celery, Feicheng Buddhist peach ("fotao" in Chinese), Ningyang Chinese date, Dongping short-tail cold-resistant sheep and Taishan Mountain Chinese chestnut, red glossy ganoderma etc, enjoy good reputations both in the country and overseas. Taishan Mountain is rich in mineral resources in which more than fifty of them have been explored, and the mineral resources under the ground account for over half of solid mineral storage of Shandong Province. Since the reform and opening up, the economy of Tai'an City develops so rapidly that it has formed a complete industrial system which takes machinery, chemicals, textiles and other light industrial goods, building materials and coal as the pillar industries. The communications of Tai'an City with other cities and countries have been enlarged constantly, and it has established over six hundred joint ventures by now. The status of the tourism in the national economy has been improved day by day, and all these lead to the advance of all social undertakings. Nowadays, Tai'an City has built a cooperative relationship in the economy and trade with more than one hundred and thirty countries and regions. The establishment of Tai'an Tourist Economic Development Zone has brought new energy for the economic development of Tai'an City.

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Culture

Tai'an City has a long history and a brilliant culture. Taishan Mountain is the key famous scenic spot ofthe state and the natural cultural legacy of the world; the ruins of Dawenkou Culture, Daimiao Temple (Temple of Taishan Mountain) and Tomb of Feng Yuxiang are the important historical relies under the state protection. Since the reform and opening up, the cultural undertakings of Tai'an City have been developed quickly, all sorts of cultural facilities such as library, museum and cinema have been improved greatly, and the newspaper, broadcast, television and cultural causes are in the forefront of Shandong Province. The technical education of Tai'an City is advanced, and there are 21 scientific research institutes, 14 universities and colleges, and 45 polytechnic schools in the city.

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A Survey of Tourist Industry

Tai'an City possesses the tourist resources with particularly favorable natural conditions which have the Taishan Mountain as the representative, and the tourist industry has developed vigorously since the reform and opening up, and it is becoming the pillar industry of the city's economy. In 1998, approximately 4.05 million domestic tourists visited the city, and the direct income from tourist industry totaled 1.683 billion RMB. Taishan Mountain is a traditional sightseeing and touring product, and if it wants to attract tourists at home and abroad to come continuously, it should be uninterruptedly developed according to the demands of the tourist market. Pursuing new style, heightening the ancient style, laying stress on the characteristics and radiating over the surroundings, Tai'an has done a lot to expand the sightseeing area of Taishan Mountain and enrich the tour items, which is helpful to the development of tourist industry.

Additionally, the basic touring facilities of Tai'an City have been perfected constantly, and tourist service functions of the city have been improved unceasingly. Developed to nowadays, the whole city has established 9 star-rated hotels and over two hundred restaurants of various kinds. There are thirty travel agencies in the city, which have the ability to receive thirty thousand people simultaneously. The chain of tourist industry of "eating, lodging, walking, touring, shopping and amusing" has come into being and is operating. As a new industry, the tourist industry of Tai'an City has unfolded its exuberant vigor, and Tai'an City is forwarding toward the aim of becoming an extensive tourism, big market and large-scale industry.

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Crape Myrtle, City Flower of Tai'an

The city flower of Tai'an City is common crape myrtle, also called Yangyang tree or crape myrtle, which is a kind of deciduous shrubbery or small arbor. There is a tree of crape myrtle aged over one hundred years in Luohanya (Arhat Precipice) Yard, its trunk twisted and gnarled like a curled-up dragon full of ancient style interest. Every year, there are red flowers on it from summer to autumn. When blooming, the flowers are splendid like fire, and when being swayed by the breeze, they quivers tenderly, which is too beautiful to be appreciated all at once. In recent years, the crape myrtle has been vastly planted in the streets, courtyards and scenic spots of Tai'an City, and it was appointed as its city flower.

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Chinese Scholar tree, City Tree of Tai'an

The city tree of Tai'an City is Chinese scholar tree, also called Chinese locust tree or family locust tree, which belongs to Leguminosae, the deciduous arbor. The Chinese scholar tree, having powerful adaptability, long life and sparse and casual shape, is a kind of scenic beauty tree with high sightseeing value. The total amount of Chinese scholar trees aged over one hundred years in Taishan Mountain are 42, among which the most well-known are Tang Scholar tree in Daimiao Temple, Wolong scholar tree in Doumu Palace, "Four scholar trees" on the bends, etc.

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Local Culture

Local Operas and Drama

• Shandong Local Opera
  Shandong Local Opera, performed to the accompaniment of wooden clappers, is one of the old types of Shandong local dramas. It has developed from Shaanxi Opera in Ming Dynasty, and has a history of over 300 years. It is popular in the southwest of Shandong Province. The music for voice in this kind of opera is emotional, loud and sonorous. The type of time for music is complex and changeable. The forms of performance are straightforward and uninhibited, and the gestures are exaggerated. The opera is good at expressing the straightforward and unrestrained characters of Shandong natives. With strong local characteristics and local flavor. Tai'an Shandong Local Opera Troupe, which was established in 1952, is the only performing troupe of this kind of drama remained. The troupe has about 100 performers and staff at present, including 3 first-class performers (one of them enjoys the special subsidy from the State Council), 20 second class performers and over 30 third-class performers. The main performing dramas include: traditional dramas Empress Dowager He Scolded the Emperor, Wufeng Ridge, Family Yang Generals, and newly edited historical dramas Miss Yang Bajie Rescuing Her Brother etc., especially the large-scale modern drama rehearsed in recent years Eyas on Taishan Mountain, Full of Love on Taishan Mountain and Sister-in-law which not only got the award of "Perfect Project" in Shandong, but also were broadcast on CCTV and got the state awards.

• Acrobatics
  Tai'an City Acrobatics Troupe has over 60 performers at present, whose age is less than 20 years old on average. It is a troupe with strong capability in Shandong acrobatic circle and is also well known in China. The main repertoires of the acrobatic troupe are Comic Soft High-wire Walding, Passing through the Barrel, Rotating Carpet with Lithe Movement Kicking Bowls on High Bicycle and Flying Trapeze etc., in which, Passng through the Barrel gained the Copper-lion Award in the Acrobatic Competition in the East of China. The performers of the troupe; with well-balanced cast and wonderful programs, have actively performed in Shanghai Big World, Jiuxian Palace and Zhuhai's New Yuanming Garden etc. in recent years. In September 1998, the troupe was designated by China Performer Association to attend the Chinese Culture Festival in Hawaii, USA. The performance lasted three months. The troupe was warmly welcomed by the local audiences and tourist groups, highly appraised and received by the Chief Executive of Hawaii State and Honolulu City.
   

Folk Custom

• Fengshan and Offering Sacrifice on Taishan
  Beliefs and Folk Customs of Taishan
  As the saying goes: "Jinan has lots of people, while Tai'an has lots of gods". Taishan Mountain has bred many gods. Among those gods, God of Eastern Mountain, Bixia Yuanjun, and Taishan Shigandang are the most famous. God of Eastern Mountain, also called God of Taishan Mountain is the direct product of "Fengshan" activities. It reached its prosperous period at Tang and Song Dynasties since its establishment. It has been said that he is in charge of both the changes of dynasties, the peace of the country and people, and life, death, illness or good fortune of a person. He has boundless supernatural power. After Song Dynasty, Goddess of Bixia Yuanjun gradually took the overwhelming place of God of Taishan Mountain, and was located highly in the Temple of Bixia Yuanjun on the top of Taishan Mountain. Bixia Yuanjun had developed to an all-powerful goddess, who was in charge of poorness, richness, illness or misfortune of e person from her former function of being in charge of only person's male offspring. She could cure illness and remove calamities, and could satisfy every requirements. She had attracted devotees to Buddha from all directions to come here to pray and admire, after taking the trouble of traveling over a long distance.
  Taishan Shigandang is a brave and strong god, from the need of eliminating demons and avoiding evil spirits of common people. From Tang and Song Dynasties, people used to had stones carved with his name "Taishan Shigandang" set at important places in front of the door, at the end of an alley or at the end of a bridge, to pray for blessing and avoid evil. This custom has wide influences in China as well as in other countries and regions such as Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea.

• Mountain
  Fengshan is a kind of special cultural phenomena related with Chinese famous mountains. After ascending the throne, the emperor would lead the civil and military officials to the top of Taishan Mountain to build an altar and offer sacrifice to Heaven, which means that the merits belong to Heaven, and this is called "Feng". Then the emperor and his officials would come to a hill at the foot of Taishan Mountain to build an altar and offer sacrifice to the Earth, which is called "Shan". Taishan Fengshan was originated from the worship of our ancestors to the nature, and was changed to imply that "The right of emperors is given by God". Later on, it has become an important measure to reinforce the rule by governors of the past dynasties. The emperors of the past dynasties, who have come to Taishan Mountain and held large-scale activities of Fengshan include: Ying Zheng-the first emperor of Qin Dynasty, Liu Che Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu-Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, Li Zhi-Emperor Gaozong of Tang Dynasty, Li Longji-Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty and Zhao Heng-Emperor Zhenzong of Song Dynasty After Song Dynasty, the emperors no longer held "Fengshan Ceremonies". They only came to Taishan Mountain and held offering sacrifice activities. Both Kangxi, Emperor Shengzu of Qing Dynasty and Qianlong, Emperor Gaozong of Qing Dynasty had been to Taishan Mountain. Qianlong had been to Taishan Mountain for 11 times. Now, Tai'an City still holds solemn performance imitating imperial "Fengshan" activities at Daimiao Temple during International Mountaineering Festival in each September.

• Taishan Xinzi
  Taishan Xinzi is an ancient folk art. Common people always performed "Carrying Xinzi" at Taishan Temple Fair from the end of Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China.
  The art form of "Carrying Xinzi" imitates the construction of candle stand, and adopts shouldering, carrying, turning and sustaining etc. "Xinzi" has a high and narrow stage on its top, on which stands a child acting the characters from dramas or fairy tales. For instance, the "Xinzi" of the "airy Maiden of Longtan" and "Taishan Mountain Xuanyun Temple", sorted out and edited by Tai'an Municipal bureau of Culture for attending China "Long tan Cup" Folk Art competition, was 8 meters high. The little girl and the little monk standing on top of the Xinzi performed smoothly, which won the audiences' great admiration, and won the grand awards.
   

Festival Celebrating Activities

• Taishan Mountain Temple Fair
  Taishan Mountain Temple Fair is a comprehensive activity that combines religious culture and business trade together. It was originated in Tang Dynasty, formed its regulations in Song Dynasty, enjoyed its hey day in Ming and Qing Dynasties and declined on one occasion in the period of the Republic of China. It gradually became prosperous after the Reform and Opening up of China. As folklore says, March 28th and April 18th of lunar calendar were the birthdays of the God of Eastern Mountain and the Goddess of Bixia Yuanjun respectively, so ordinary people always hold temple fairs in March and April and go on a pilgrimage to offer incense at the temple, and celebrate the birthday of God of Taishan Mountain and Goddess of Bixia Yuanjun. At the beginning, the main content of the temple fair was religious activities. The pilgrims would eat, lodge, travel and entertain themselves. As a result, the business activities and cultural and entertainment activities also developed. Nowadays, the main purpose of the temple fair has become economic trade, though there are various cultural and recreational activities to add the fun.

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Transportation

Accessibility to the City
Tai'an City is located in the middle of Shandong Province, and in the middle section of the tourist itinerary of Mountains, Rivers and Confucius. Situated on the main artery of transportation of Jing-Hu Railway, Jing-Hu Express way and Jing-Hu National Highway, the traffic of Tai'an City is convenient. It is less than 80 kilometers from Jinan in the north-the capital of Shandong Province, and from the capital of Shandong Province, and from Qufu in the south-the hometown of Confucius. The distance is 120 kilometers from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. There are tourist trains running between Tai'an and Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Jinan and Qingdao.

Domestic & International Airlines, Airport
Jinan Yaoqiang Airport is 120 kilometers from Tai'an City. The cities having air traffic with Jinan Yaoqiang Airport are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Hangzhou, Guilin, Nanning, Xi'an, Kunming, Chongqing, Chengdu, Changsha, Guiyang, Nanchang, Haikou, Urumqi, Dalian, Shenyang, Harbin, Changchun, Wuhan and Hefei, the cities in Shandong Province are Qingdao and Yantai etc. The international airlines can reach Hong Kong and Cheju Island of South Korea.

Railway Station, Tourist Trains
Tai'an Railway Station, located at the key point of the middle section of Jing-Hu Rail way, is under the management of Tai'an Locomotive Department. It is a comprehensive transport-operating unit taking railway transportation as its base, and multi-source economy such as tourist industry and trade as its subsidiary business. Tai'an Railway Station receives and sends over 40 passenger trains and 7,000 passenger every day. The station has service facilities such as waiting room, ticket office, baggage checkroom etc., and can handle passenger ticket business of the whole county. It also has services such as booking, buying and sending tickets, selling tickets at the door, organizing transport business of group conference, taking and sending luggage, express transportation of luggage and whole train transportation of luggage etc. In order to meet the needs of the development of tourist industry, Tai'an Railway Station has added special tourist trains from Tai'an to the large and medium-sized cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Jinan and Qingdao etc. to guarantee the convenient traffic of domestic and foreign tourists.

Expressway
Jing-Hu Express way
Tai'an-Huamawan section of Jing-Hu Express way is 42.6 kilometers long with a total investment of RMB 640 millions, and totally 5.65 million cubic meters of earth and stone. There are one extremely giant bridge, 180 medium-sized and small bridges and 122 culverts in this section. The section was completed and opened for traffic in November 1996. Tai-Hua Expressway is the first section of Jing-Hu Expressway opened for traffic. It is the first expressway of Tai'an, and also one of the experimental projects which carry out the responsibility system of project's owner representative in Shandong key projects. The quality and rate of progress have come out top during many examinations and appraisals of the key projects in Shandong, and the up-to-grade rate of the project has reached 100%. The establishment of Tai-Hua Expressway accelerates the communication between Tai'an and the developed area in East China, and also makes great contribution to accelerate the tourist industry economy.

Tai-Lai Expressway
Tai-Lai Expressway starts from Tai'an City in the west and extends to Laiwu in the east. Both ends are connected with 104 and 205 National Highways respectively, and the middle section is crossed by Jinan-Linyi and Zaoyuan-Xuzhou Provincial Roads. It is a first-grade expressway which is totally crossed and enclosed, with a total length of 52 kilometers, and a total investment of RMB 198 millions. This expressway not only has a great influence on the development of Tai'an and Laiwu's economies, but also plays an important role in promoting the opening up of the eastern part and the development of the western part of Shandong Province, since it is a key access connecting the middle part of Shandong with the eastern economic development coastal regions and the western energy base for Central China.

Urban Traffic
Public Traffic

Taxi
The total number of taxis in the urban area of Tai'an City has reached 1,289, among which there are 110 cars, 1,179 mini buses. The vehicles are mainly of three kinds, Santana, Xiali and Dafa. The prices are as follows: as for car, the lowest price is RMB 7 yuan/2 kilometers, after 2 kilometers RMB 2 yuan/1 kilometer is added; as for mini bus, the lowest price is RMB 5 yuan/2 kilometers, after 2 kilometers, RMB 1.5 yuan/1 kilometer is added. The existing management rules stipulate that the Bureau of Traffic would be in charge of the management and 15 taxi management branches under the leadership of the Bureau of Traffic should be established. Nowadays, all the taxis have been computer-managed, equipped with service marks and taximeter. Telephone for complaint has been set up, the number being 8229769. The taxi industry has developed activity of acting as civilized driver, adding luster to Taishan Mountain' striving for young civilization model, which continuously improves the tourist service quality.

Traffic among Major Scenic Spots
Tai'an City is merged around Taishan Mountain. There are four routes for your selection to visit Taishan Mountain. The first one is the middle route. Starting from Red Gate, walking along the stone steps and winding paths, you'll reach Jade Emperor peak via Middle Gate to Heaven and Shibapan Road. The whole route is 6 kilometers long. The second one is the west route. Taking tourist bus at Tianwai village for 11 kilometers directly to Middle Gate to heaven, you'll get to the road for buses. Tourists can climb Shibapan Road, or take Middle Gate to Heaven Cable car to get to the top of Taishan Mountain. The third one is Taohuayu tour route. Take special tourist bus at the rail way station to the entrance to the scenic spot, and then to Taohuayuan Garden, through 10-kilometer road. Then take the cableway to get to the top of Taishan Mountain. The fourth one is Tianzhu Peak walk route. Go 11 kilometers from Shuanglong Pool to Tianzhu Peak, then go along the walk road through Houshi Cove Scenic Spot, and take the cableway to get to the top of Taishan Mountain.

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Shopping and Food

Tai'an Department Store
Shandong Taishan Department Store Joint-stock Co., Ltd. (former Tai'an Department Store which started business in October 1971) was approved by provincial government in 1994 to become the first enterprise that carried out the joint stock system, and started business in January 1995. The company also reconstructed and expanded the store building in 1995. The modern building with the construction area of 30,000 square meters, business area of 15,000 square meters, advanced facilities and splendid decoration was put into operation at the end of 1995. The company has 889 employees, and deals with about 40,000 kinds of commodities. At present, there are 14 business departments, 126 operation groups and 3 retail stations under its control. The company achieved annual turnover at. RMB 155 million yuan in 1998. The company became one of the Top 200 Chinese retail enterprises in 1997 and ranked No.172.
Hualian Plaza
Tai'an Hualian Plaza was established and put into operation in May 1994. It has 590 employees and 13 business departments at present, with business area of 8,000 square meters. The plaza deals with 30,000 kinds of commodities including non-staple food, daily necessities, knitted & textile garment, electrical appliance & hardware and special local products. The plaza is in the middle section of Dongyue Street to north of the world famous Daimiao Temple, west to Overseas Hotel, and has convenient transport. The interior of the plaza has been splendidly decorated with all necessary facilities. Since the beginning of operation, the plaza has strictly adhered to the business principle of "Commodities should be superior in quality, services should be superior emotionally, shopping should be superior for its convenience and function should be superior for completeness", and taken "Develop large tourist industries, and set up good examples for Tai'an" as the operating target, by reinforcing internal management, deepening the high quality services and developing the business markets which focus on tourist services, the plaza has got excellent social benefits as well as economic benefits. In 1998, the plaza has achieved sales turnover of RMB 80 million yuan, and profits after taxes at RMB 2.91 million yuan. The plaza has been appointed as a designated department store by the Municipal tourism Administration.
Taishan Cultural Square
Taishan Culture Square, located on Hongmen Road-a famous tourist shopping street of "Tai'an City, and next to the historic Daimiao Temple, is the central area for tourists to go traveling and sightseeing shopping and relaxing. Taishan Culture Square is a comprehensive artistic gallery, gathering works of painting and calligraphy, rare stones and root sculpture etc. The square occupies over 2,000 square meters area, with over 30 different artistic styled halls such as business hall, painting and calligraphy hall, primitive simplicity cultural teahouses, has become a place for Taishan Mountain cultural celebration gathering. Taishan Culture Square carries forward Taishan Mountain's civilization, develops tourist economy as its operating aim, and has provided Taishan Mountain's artists with an excellent gate to the market. The inexhaustible sagacity of Taishan Mountain grants Taishan Culture Square full of vigor and vitality. The establishment of Taishan Culture Square adds glory to Taishan's cultural industries.
Tel : 0538-8204650
Address : East of Road, 100 Meters away from North Gate of Daimiao Temple, Tai'an
Tourist Shopping Street
The Tourist Shopping Street starts in the south from the north gate of Daimiao Temple, and in the north reaches Daizongfang (memorial archway for God of Taishan Mountain), in the east extends to the rural fair trade market and in the west reaches Qingnian Road. The street is in simple and classical style, and is well integrated with surrounding buildings. Daibei Rural Fair Trade Market at the east end of the street has dry and fresh fruits and native products such as Tai'an thin pancake, Ningyang Chinese-date, Taishan Chinese chestnut and walnut etc. Tai'an Antique Shop has antique and rare curiosa, the four precious articles of the writing table and writing materials for the tourists to collect. Taishan Culture Square deals with painting and calligraphy, pottery ware, native arts and root sculptures. There are the markets of flowers, birds, fishes and insects on both sides of the street which has green trees and fresh flowers, fishes and birds, native products of Taishan Mountain-Red glossy ganoderma wooden clapper stone, tourists can view and enjoy the flowers, birds and fishes. Along the street, there are hotels and restaurants for tourists, garment and small item shops for tourists to choose. At the north end of the street, there is the elegant and beautiful Daizong Garden. This busiest street, which combines eating, lodging, traveling, touring and amusement, is an ideal place for touring and shopping, and also a beautiful scenic spot of Tai'an City.

Restaurant
Tai'an Department Store
Shandong Taishan Department Store Joint-stock Co., Ltd. (former Tai'an Department Store which started business in October 1971) was approved by provincial government in 1994 to become the first enterprise that carried out the joint stock system, and started business in January 1995. The company also reconstructed and expanded the store building in 1995. The modern building with the construction area of 30,000 square meters, business area of 15,000 square meters, advanced facilities and splendid decoration was put into operation at the end of 1995. The company has 889 employees, and deals with about 40,000 kinds of commodities. At present, there are 14 business departments, 126 operation groups and 3 retail stations under its control. The company achieved annual turnover at. RMB 155 million yuan in 1998. The company became one of the Top 200 Chinese retail enterprises in 1997 and ranked No.172.
Hualian Plaza
Tai'an Hualian Plaza was established and put into operation in May 1994. It has 590 employees and 13 business departments at present, with business area of 8,000 square meters. The plaza deals with 30,000 kinds of commodities including non-staple food, daily necessities, knitted & textile garment, electrical appliance & hardware and special local products. The plaza is in the middle section of Dongyue Street to north of the world famous Daimiao Temple, west to Overseas Hotel, and has convenient transport. The interior of the plaza has been splendidly decorated with all necessary facilities. Since the beginning of operation, the plaza has strictly adhered to the business principle of "Commodities should be superior in quality, services should be superior emotionally, shopping should be superior for its convenience and function should be superior for completeness", and taken "Develop large tourist industries, and set up good examples for Tai'an" as the operating target, by reinforcing internal management, deepening the high quality services and developing the business markets which focus on tourist services, the plaza has got excellent social benefits as well as economic benefits. In 1998, the plaza has achieved sales turnover of RMB 80 million yuan, and profits after taxes at RMB 2.91 million yuan. The plaza has been appointed as a designated department store by the Municipal tourism Administration.
Taishan Cultural Square
Taishan Culture Square, located on Hongmen Road-a famous tourist shopping street of "Tai'an City, and next to the historic Daimiao Temple, is the central area for tourists to go traveling and sightseeing shopping and relaxing. Taishan Culture Square is a comprehensive artistic gallery, gathering works of painting and calligraphy, rare stones and root sculpture etc. The square occupies over 2,000 square meters area, with over 30 different artistic styled halls such as business hall, painting and calligraphy hall, primitive simplicity cultural teahouses, has become a place for Taishan Mountain cultural celebration gathering. Taishan Culture Square carries forward Taishan Mountain's civilization, develops tourist economy as its operating aim, and has provided Taishan Mountain's artists with an excellent gate to the market. The inexhaustible sagacity of Taishan Mountain grants Taishan Culture Square full of vigor and vitality. The establishment of Taishan Culture Square adds glory to Taishan's cultural industries.
Tel : 0538-8204650
Address : East of Road, 100 Meters away from North Gate of Daimiao Temple, Tai'an
Tourist Shopping Street
The Tourist Shopping Street starts in the south from the north gate of Daimiao Temple, and in the north reaches Daizongfang (memorial archway for God of Taishan Mountain), in the east extends to the rural fair trade market and in the west reaches Qingnian Road. The street is in simple and classical style, and is well integrated with surrounding buildings. Daibei Rural Fair Trade Market at the east end of the street has dry and fresh fruits and native products such as Tai'an thin pancake, Ningyang Chinese-date, Taishan Chinese chestnut and walnut etc. Tai'an Antique Shop has antique and rare curiosa, the four precious articles of the writing table and writing materials for the tourists to collect. Taishan Culture Square deals with painting and calligraphy, pottery ware, native arts and root sculptures. There are the markets of flowers, birds, fishes and insects on both sides of the street which has green trees and fresh flowers, fishes and birds, native products of Taishan Mountain-Red glossy ganoderma wooden clapper stone, tourists can view and enjoy the flowers, birds and fishes. Along the street, there are hotels and restaurants for tourists, garment and small item shops for tourists to choose. At the north end of the street, there is the elegant and beautiful Daizong Garden. This busiest street, which combines eating, lodging, traveling, touring and amusement, is an ideal place for touring and shopping, and also a beautiful scenic spot of Tai'an City.

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  Information provided by China National Tourism Administration.

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