Tai'an's Tranquil Forest Oxygen Bar

Three enchanting forest parks in Tai'an, Shandong province have achieved recognition as "China Forest Oxygen Bars," a prestigious distinction conferred by the China Forest Oxygen Bar Forum. Let's explore these serene locales:

Lianhua (Lotus) Mountain National Forest Park

Covering a sprawling 100,000 square meters and graced by the lofty main peak standing at 999 meters, Lianhua (Lotus) Mountain has garnered a trifecta of prestigious titles: it's a world geological park, a National Forest Park, and a nationally recognized 4A scenic area. The mountain's nine peaks gracefully cradle each other, forming a striking resemblance to a lotus flower, hence its name.

Lianhua Mountain is celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes, featuring picturesque hills, unique rock formations, lush green woodlands, and serene waters. Boasting forest coverage exceeding 90 percent, the mountain offers a pristine environment and earns its reputation as a healthful retreat, with verdant trees and crisp, invigorating air. Additionally, this haven harbors rare stones of profound scientific significance.

Mount Tai National Forest Park

Mount Tai, China's most revered sacred mountain, stands as a paragon of historical, cultural, aesthetic, and scientific importance. This iconic mountain has witnessed 12 imperial ceremonies in homage to Heaven and Earth, boasts approximately 1,800 stone tablets and inscriptions, and houses 22 temples. As a result, Mount Taishan ranks as the most significant historical monument in China, renowned globally as a treasure trove of history and culture.

This majestic mountain is also a blessed sanctuary for diverse plant and animal species, featuring a staggering 20,000 types of vegetation covering a remarkable 80 percent of its expanse. Given its cultural and natural significance, Mount Tai was accorded UNESCO recognition in 1987 as a World Heritage Site, representing China's inaugural group of nominations approved by UNESCO.

Culai Mountain National Forest Park

Culai Mountain, a geological park, National Forest Park, 3A-rated scenic gem, and Shandong's natural reserve, stands in close affinity with its sibling, Mount Tai. Together, they constitute an integrated panorama of natural and cultural wonders, forming a complete mountain tourism destination and an inclusive locale for leisure, tourism, and rejuvenation.

Encompassing 90,000 square meters, Culai Mountain National Forest Park touts an impressive 80.2 percent forest coverage, 92.4 percent vegetation coverage, 99 mountain peaks, and a towering Taiping summit with an elevation of 1,028 meters. This landscape features rolling hills, rugged cliffs, meandering canyons adorned with cascading waterfall streams, serene reservoirs, flourishing verdant forests, and prominent buttes sculpted by time. The site boasts 797 plant species and nearly 800 insect varieties.

Culai Mountain is also a haven for blossoms. Every March, the ring road winds through a vibrant display as forsythia flowers make their grand entrance, heralding the arrival of spring.