Since 1987, the Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival has grown from a single race into a grand celebration of culture, sports, tourism, and commerce. This year, the 40th edition will open on Sept 5. The theme "climbing high, striving ahead" captures both the mountain's spirit and the city's ambition.

The festival features 10 events across three categories — culture and tourism, sports, and economy and trade. Core highlights include the opening ceremony, the 40th climbing competition on Sept 6 with 13,000 participants from 28 provinces, and an investment fair.

For this year's festival, the Tai'an Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism has coordinated with scenic spots, hotels, homestays, and cultural creative enterprises across the city to launch 41 preferential policies for tourists and residents. Additionally, the city has carefully designed 10 featured travel routes, helping more people "discover a different side to Tai'an" and experience the unique charm of the city.

The 40th Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival features cultural performances, an investment fair, and the iconic climbing race. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]

The annual climbing festival transforms the city into a vibrant stage of festive energy. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]

As autumn mist drifts over the peaks, Taishan Mountain reveals its timeless beauty — a place where natural splendor and deep history intertwine, celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Photo/WeChat account: china-taishan]