Taishan Mountain in Shandong's Tai'an, majestic and steeped in culture, is a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty. [Photo/WeChat account: china-taishan]

Leveraging the unparalleled natural resources of Taishan Mountain, Tai'an is harnessing its rich cultural heritage to boost international exchanges. Mountain diplomacy serves as a vital channel for Tai'an to further open up and increase global engagement, nurturing friendships, fostering connections, and facilitating international collaborations in various fields.

As part of the first batch of tourist cities to open up to the world, Tai'an makes the most of Taishan Mountain's status as a UNESCO natural and cultural heritage site to seek partnerships with renowned mountains worldwide.

By fostering exchanges between Taishan Mountain and other iconic peaks, Tai'an is able to expand its international outreach and engagement. Since establishing friendly mountain relations with the Alps in Switzerland in 1998, Taishan Mountain has formed bonds with five world-famous mountains such as Mont Saint Michel in France, Mount Fuji in Japan, and Hallasan Mountain in South Korea.

Through these mountain friendships, Tai'an serves as a bridge for cooperation and exchanges related to the economy, culture, education, and sports. High-profile visits to the mountain, like that of Venezuelan President Maduro in 2023, have enhanced the mountain's global influence, showcasing Tai'an's cultural diplomacy on an international stage.

By utilizing the Taishan Mountain brand and mountain diplomacy channels, Tai'an continues to foster exchange and collaboration at various levels. Recent initiatives include hosting delegations from Mount Fuji and signing agreements to promote heritage conservation and cooperation in the tourism industry. These efforts exemplify a model of regional development cooperation between China and Japan.

As Tai'an strengthens its ties with friendly cities and mountain partners, it is paving the way for mutual benefits and shared prosperity. Through exhibitions, stamp releases, and cultural exchanges with partners like Mount Saint Michel in France, Tai'an builds bridges of understanding and cooperation, demonstrating the enduring friendship between nations.

Mountains serve as conduits for global connectivity, with Taishan Mountain emerging as a beacon for Tai'an's international engagement.

By leveraging Taishan Mountain's cultural significance and international connections, Tai'an showcases its tourism offerings, cultural heritage, and commitment to global cooperation, contributing to both national diplomacy and local economic development. Through mountain diplomacy and cultural exchanges, Tai'an's story intertwines with that of the world, promoting harmony and mutual understanding across borders.