Tai'an is a city located in western Shandong province, in the eastern part of the People's Republic of China. It is situated at the foot of Mount Tai, which is often regarded as the foremost of the five sacred mountains in China. Tai'an has a significant place in Chinese culture and history, being a destination for emperors to hold sacrificial ceremonies and also a traditional site for pilgrims to ascend Mount Tai as it is associated with sunrise, birth, and renewal, and hence considered a place of worship for thousands of years. The city itself covers an area of 7,761 square kilometers and, as of the latest data available, has a population that exceeds 5 million people. Tai'an is administered as a prefecture-level city with jurisdiction over two districts, two cities, and 10 counties. The most widely spoken language in Tai'an is Mandarin, which is the official language of China and is used in education and government affairs. The administration of Tai'an makes concerted efforts to protect Mount Tai’s natural environment while also developing its tourism industry. The mountain, with its many cultural relics and historic sites, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, which has only bolstered its status as a tourist attraction. In addition to Mount Tai, Tai'an hosts the Dai Temple, a Taoist temple that serves as the largest and most complete architectural complex on Mount Tai, where ancient emperors would make offerings to heaven and earth. Geographically, Tai'an has a diverse terrain that includes majestic mountains, rolling hills, and flat plains. It experiences a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct four seasons which are conducive to agriculture – a key component of the local economy. Historically, Tai'an was an important site during the Neolithic period, and throughout various dynasties in Chinese history, it has been a place of strategic importance, due to its proximity to Mount Tai. Culturally, the city is representative of East Asian culture with a rich history intertwined with Confucianism and Taoism. Tai'an's demographic composition is primarily the Han ethnic group, like much of China, but also includes a mix of other ethnic minorities recognized by the Chinese government. Overall, Tai'an is a city with a profound historical and cultural heritage that continues to play an important role in modern China, both as a center for tourism and as a hub for traditional Chinese thought and spirituality. Its association with Mount Tai ensures that it remains a symbol of cultural significance, drawing pilgrims, tourists, and history enthusiasts to its scenic landscapes and historic temples. The city's efforts in the conservation of cultural relics and the promotion of sustainable tourism are central to its identity and contribute to its reputation as a guardian of Chinese natural and cultural heritage.