A group of 21 tourists from Hong Kong that arrived in Tai'an city of Shandong province on Feb 21 was the region's first inbound tourist group after the Chinese mainland resumed normal travel with Hong Kong and Macao on Feb 6.

A group of 21 tourists from Hong Kong arrive in Tai'an city of Shandong province on Feb 21. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]

"I visited Tai'an six or seven years ago and I was very impressed by the scenery of Mount Tai and the performance of the Fengshan ceremony," said Law Siuyung, one of the tourists, adding that she was eager to feel the magnificence of the mountain again.

Tai'an was the first stop for the Hong Kong tourists and they will soon arrive in Weifang, Qingdao and Jinan cities.

Pang Zhen, deputy general manager of China Travel Service Shandong Co Ltd, said that Mount Tai is a name card for Shandong's scenic spots. "We hope that the Hong Kong tourists will experience the charm of the mountain and the first world cultural and natural heritage in Shandong."

Hong Kong tourists receive gifts in Tai'an at the welcome ceremony. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]

Mount Tai, the first of the Five Sacred Mountains, is known as the epitome of Chinese history and culture as well as the symbol of the spirit of the nation. Tai'an attracts the attention of the world with its profound historical and cultural heritage and beautiful landscape.

Pang said the travel agency will issue corresponding plans and use this route as a benchmark for expanding the tourism market in Hong Kong.

On Feb 17, upon being given the honor of receiving the city's first inbound tour group, Taishan Blossom Hotel began careful preparations. "We contacted the tour guide as soon as possible to confirm the number of rooms and checked the facilities and equipment to ensure a warm accommodation environment for the guests. The menu for them has also been revised several times," said Liu Wenxiu, customer manager of the hotel.

This year, Tai'an has strengthened cooperation with overseas tourism e-commerce organizations and companies to expand markets such as China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as those in Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

A warm welcome awaits Hong Kong tourists in Tai'an. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]