Tai'an sees record holiday tourism growth

From Oct 1 to 7, Tai'an welcomed 2.26 million visitors across 26 monitored scenic spots, up 41.61 percent year-on-year. Tourism revenue reached 95.86 million yuan ($14.32 million), up 44.33 percent, while ticket revenue surged 71.75 percent to more than 54.34 million yuan.

Smart technology stood out as a highlight of this year's holiday.

By scanning a QR code, visitors could access the "Taishan Mountain companion" mini-program, which generates personalized travel itineraries and offers interactive features like conversations with digital avatars of historical figures. The upgraded AI assistant also introduced a new mode where digital figures share stories about Taishan Mountain, enhancing the climbing experience through digital human interaction and stone inscription recognition.

Tai'an rolled out 50 holiday tourism activities at the municipal level, aiming to enrich offerings and increase consumption. On the morning of Oct 1, a flag-raising ceremony was held atop Taishan Mountain, drawing 17,000 visitors who gathered at the summit to witness the national flag rise against the backdrop of a magnificent sunrise.

From mountain peaks and lakesides to urban areas and rural villages, cultural tourism activities flourished across the city.

Meanwhile, 131 public cultural events were organized, with libraries, museums, and cultural centers extending their hours and offering exhibitions, reading programs, and performances to meet residents' cultural needs during the holiday.

Visitors gather atop Taishan Mountain for the National Day flag-raising ceremony, celebrating the holiday with a breathtaking sunrise. [Photo by Chen Yang/for chinadaily.com.cn]