Additionally, Tai'an has also organized a series of activities and competitions to help popularize Taishan jade, such as the second Taishan jade carving contest held at the Taishan International Convention Center in Tai'an from Sept 6-8.

As a result, the total number of the companies engaged in the management of Taishan jade now exceeds 1,000 and the number involved in their manufacturing is more than 200, with tens of thousands of employees from all over the country. The annual combined turnover exceeds 500 million yuan ($72.47 million).

It has also received the honorary title of "China's Characteristic Industrial Base of Gems and Jewelry" awarded by the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China.

A jade carving work of a pine with two squirrels playing on it is exhibited for visitors in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]