Tai'an focuses on cultivating a new cultural tourism brand centered on Mount Tai, shifting from resource advantages to industrial strengths. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA] 

In recent years, Tai'an has been focusing on cultivating a new cultural tourism brand centered on Mount Tai, shifting from resource advantages to industrial strengths.

According to official data, the number of visitors to Mount Tai has exceeded 8 million for the past two years straight, with out-of-town visitors staying an average of 2.2 days in Tai'an in 2024. As of Feb 4, Mount Tai has received a total of 511,000 mountain visitors this year, a year-on-year increase of 319.51 percent. In 2024, Tai'an was recognized as China's most charming cultural tourism city and a model city for the high-quality integrated development of cultural tourism in China.

"In the past, climbing Mount Tai was arduous, but now with this 'magic tool,' it's like cheating!" On the second day of Chinese New Year, a visitor wearing an assistant climbing robot effortlessly ascended Mount Tai. This robot attracted the attention of many onlookers.

According to an employee of Taishan Cultural Tourism Group, the assistant climbing robot is an exoskeleton robot that can help visitors climb Mount Tai and is able to operate continuously for over five hours, covering a distance of approximately 14 kilometers. The robot is currently in the trial operation stage and is expected to be mass-produced and put on the market in early March this year.

Meanwhile, the robot dogs B1 and Go2, which accompanied the Yushu robot H1 to the Spring Festival Gala, have also joined Taishan Cultural Tourism Group, shouldering the important task of transporting food, drinking water, and rescue supplies and occasionally interacting with visitors.

Artificial intelligence technology is rapidly evolving, and "AI + cultural tourism" has become a new trend, with immersion and intelligence being the highlights. As a renowned cultural tourism destination, Tai'an is making comprehensive efforts to ensure visitors enjoy their stay in the city.

With the rise of the "low-altitude economy," Tai'an launched helicopter services for visitors on Jan 1. The service offers three main routes that allow visitors to appreciate the beauty of Mount Tai and the cultural significance of Shigandang from a unique aerial perspective, enhancing the overall sightseeing experience.