The National Tourism Administration has released China`s first top 100 scenic zone list and Taishan mountain in Shandong province`s Tai`an city has been ranked 21st. Four other scenic spots in the province were also listed.

The first top 100 list is based on last year`s ticket sale volume. Scenic zones that sold more than 380 thousand tickets were automatically considered.

More than 50 percent of places on the list were natural scenic zones. About 20 percent were cultural and historical relics and ancient towns. Artificial attractions made up about 20 percent.

Taishan Mountain welcomed 39.6 million visitors in 2010, the largest number of all tourist attractions in Shandong province. It is now the most popular tourist destination in Shandong.

Qufu scenic zone that hosted 38.6 million visitors, was ranked 23rd on the list. The Laoshan Mountain scenic zone welcomed 22 million visitors, ranked 50th, while the Penglai Pavilion scenic zone had 14.5 million visitors and was ranked 65th.

By Huang Shuangqiu (chinadaily.com.cn)