As the cold winter comes upon us, the season to admire the red and yellow maple trees is gradually leaving us. Therefore, take the last chance to enjoy the beauty of maple trees in Tai'an of East China's Shandong province. The area has plenty of places to appreciate the splendor of maple trees.

1. Mount Tai Scenic Area

Mount Tai, a mountain of great natural, cultural and historical significance, is one of the Five Great Mountains of China, located north of the city of Tai'an. In December 1987, it was added to the world cultural and natural heritage list.

It served as one of the most important ceremonial centers of China in ancient times, with emperors in all dynasties holding worship ceremonies and offering sacrifice to Heaven. Enshrined by such worship ceremonies, it also attracted believers of both Confucianism and Taoism, men of letters and celebrities whose residence and tour left more than 2,000 places of interest behind.

The tallest peak of Mount Tai is the Jade Emperor Peak rising 1,545 meters above the surrounding plateau. It covers a forest land area of some 9,490 hectares, has a forest coverage rate of 81.5 percent, and the vegetation coverage covers more than 90 percent, with over 1,858 species of plants. The best seasons to admire fire red maple trees on Mount Tai are October and November.

Address: No 54 Hongmen Road, Taishan district, Tai'an, Shandong

Tel: +86-0538-96008888

Opening hours: Open all day long

Ticket price: 125 yuan ($18.12) from February to November

                    100 yuan from December to January of next year

Mount Tai. [Photo/WeChat Account: SDTXTA]