The 40th Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival will kick off on Sept 5, as announced at a press conference on Aug 25. Running under the banner "Climbing high, striving ahead", the festival follows the principles of simplicity, pragmatism, integration, and safety, aiming to create a grand event that deeply integrates culture, tourism, sports, and commerce.

The festival features three major sections — culture and tourism, sports, and economy and trade — comprising 10 activities. Core events include the opening ceremony, the 40th climbing competition and the 31st national fitness hiking event on Taishan Mountain, as well as an investment and trade cooperation fair.

The climbing competition has attracted 13,000 participants from 28 provinces, with over 70 percent coming from outside Shandong province, plus 50 international athletes. Mass sports activities, including an outdoor mountaineering carnival and a university student climbing challenge, will also run alongside it.

In addition, the opening ceremony will feature multiple cooperation signings across various sectors. The investment and trade fair will bring together multinational corporations, listed companies, and Global Fortune 500 companies to facilitate the signing of key projects.

Meanwhile, Tai'an will roll out a series of cultural and tourism benefits targeting both participants and visitors, aiming to attract more travelers and boost cultural tourism consumption.

First launched in 1987, the Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival has grown over 40 years from a single climbing race into a comprehensive event celebrating culture, sports, tourism, and commerce — a key window showcasing Tai'an's openness and development.

Now in its 40th year, the Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival continues to bring together athletes, travelers, and businesses from around the world. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]