Taishan Mountain to replace razor-wire fences with eco-friendly upgrades after public backlash

The Tai'an municipal Party committee and government held a meeting on Wednesday to map out plans for optimizing safety facilities at Taishan Mountain, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, following heated public debate over the use of razor-wire fences.

The meeting came after a series of public forums and expert review sessions convened by local authorities over the past few days to solicit opinions on the safety infrastructure, particularly the controversial barbed-wire barriers that have drawn pushback.

The razor-wire fencing, originally installed to bolster fire prevention and manage unauthorized access, will be removed or replaced in a phased, region-specific manner, according to the approved improvement plan.

Measures will be implemented based on technological advancements and relevant safety standards, with due consideration given to fire control, ecological preservation, visitor safety, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage.

Under the new framework, sections of the razor-wire fence that pose potential risks to local livelihoods, fire rescue access, rescue operations, or wildlife movement, or are incompatible with the scenic and cultural landscape of the mountain, will be prioritized for removal. These areas will be reinforced with QR code entry systems, upgraded fire checkpoints, and facial recognition technology to maintain security.

For high-risk zones, including cliffside trails, fire-prone areas, and the outer perimeters of open sections, the wire will be gradually replaced with warning lines, standard railings, and green hedges.

All dismantled materials will be properly stored and repurposed for applications in high-security venues such as oil depots, chemical plants, and high-voltage power stations to avoid waste.

Looking ahead, authorities said the focus will shift to enhancing the mountain's intelligent management system. The forest monitoring network will be expanded, and intelligent voice-guided checkpoints and high-definition surveillance systems will be deployed across the scenic area.

Local authorities also said they would establish a long-term governance mechanism for major ecological protection projects, continue to solicit public opinions through diverse channels, expand free hiking areas, and develop classified trekking routes to better serve the public and the preservation of this iconic heritage site.