Visitors come to Mount Tai to see the sunrise. The mountain, which is a UNESCO natural and cultural heritage site, is one of the most popular attractions in Tai'an. [Photo/WeChat account: sdtkta]

Tai'an in East China's Shandong province, which has a wide range of cultural and tourist attractions, has explored innovative ways to boost its tourism industry and seen a significant rise in tourism this year as a result.

As one of the many birthplaces of Chinese civilization, Tai'an has much to offer to visitors, such as Mount Tai, a world natural and cultural heritage site, Tai'an shadow puppetry, which has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Dai Temple, a remote Chinese classical garden hidden on Mount Tai.

Night tourism also attracts many travelers to the city. Walking on the streets of the ancient city in the evening makes one feels as they're walking through history. It is the combination of antiquity and modernity that has makes it so fascinating.

Efforts have also been made to promote the integrated development of culture and tourism. The city's newly-built Taishan Xiucheng Park, which focuses on Mount Tai, Tai'an, and Qilu culture, integrates cultural performances and entertainment. It provides visitors with Shandong-style operas, intangible cultural heritage shows, and folk art performances.

The city's newly-built Taishan Xiucheng Park in Tai'an focuses on Mount Tai, and Qilu culture. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]

Tai'an shadow puppetry is performed to honor traditional Chinese culture. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]