Standing atop Taishan Mountain today, visitors are greeted by a sea of green — lush forests cover 94.8 percent of the mountain, making it one of the most successfully afforested mountains north of the Yangtze River. Ancient cypresses line the stone pathways, offering shade to pilgrims and hikers.

But seven decades ago, the scene was dramatically different.

Before 1949, centuries of war and unchecked logging had left Taishan Mountain barren. By the time the People's Republic of China was founded, less than 2 percent of the mountain was forested — only 3,000 mu (200 hectares) of scattered trees survived around temples and along trails.

The turnaround began in September 1948, when Tai'an was liberated. The new government established the Taishan Mountain Forest Farm and, by 1950, designated afforestation on the mountain as one of East China's top 10 projects. For 15 consecutive years, forest workers toiled on 180,000 mu of barren slopes, planting trees by hand, year after year.

Today, the mission has shifted from "adding green" to "enhancing beauty". Ecological landscape projects now adorn the mountain's main entrances with artistic arrangements of pines and stones. Thousands of colorful foliage trees have been planted along tourist routes, enriching the seasonal landscape.

From the imperial decrees of ancient dynasties to the hard work of modern foresters, Taishan Mountain's greening history is a testament to human perseverance. As visitors walk the shaded paths and breathe the fresh mountain air, they traverse a living legacy — a green miracle cultivated over half a century.

Spring atop Taishan Mountain: pines sway like ocean waves, ancient trees line every step — 94.8 percent forest coverage, a green miracle north of the Yangtze River. [Photo/WeChat account: china-taishan]