The local government also recently unveiled a blueprint for a series of projects designed to transform Tai'an's urban center into a top tourist city, including changes to the central urban areas, expansion of its east and west wings and upgrading the newly-developed southern part with local cultural features.

Tai'an hopes to enrich the functions of the city's commercial complexes and provide more public space for tourists and residents through the construction of more greenbelt parks, strolling lanes and the renovation of ancient historic streets.

Shadow puppetry is a traditional art form and a key part of the cultural heritage of Tai'an, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/tata.gov.cn]

Upgrading tourist facilities on the city's famous mountain, developing rural tourism and building itself into an international tourist destination are also key parts of Tai'an's tourism plan.

In the next phase, Tai'an is to draft an official document to lead its development of region-based industry, in accordance with the opinions given by National Tourism Administration.