Mount Tai to Remove Controversial Razor-Wire Barriers

Authorities in Tai'an, Shandong Province, have said razor-wire barriers around parts of Mount Tai will be removed or replaced in phases after the fencing drew strong public criticism.

Tai'an authorities held a meeting on July 8 to discuss changes to safety facilities in the Mount Tai scenic area, according to Shanghai Television, citing official information.

The decision follows days of debate over long stretches of galvanized razor-wire fencing around non-tourist areas of the mountain. Local residents and outdoor enthusiasts had said the fencing extended for about 135 kilometers and blocked off areas outside the regular sightseeing routes.

The Mount Tai scenic area management committee previously said the barriers were mainly placed in non-open areas, non-tourist zones and dangerous sections, and did not overlap with normal visitor routes. It said the work was intended to help prevent forest fires and protect visitors, especially people entering restricted mountain areas without authorization.

That explanation did not end the controversy. Some online users questioned whether razor wire could serve as a fire-prevention tool and warned that it could cut off wildlife migration corridors or damage animal habitats.

On July 2, the scenic area issued an open letter saying it accepted public supervision and criticism. It said the mountain carries multiple responsibilities, including forest fire prevention, visitor safety and ecological protection, and that access routes for fire rescue, agricultural and forestry work, and public recreation had been reserved.

The management committee also said it would organize forestry, firefighting, environmental, cultural tourism and legal experts to conduct a comprehensive review, with the aim of making future measures more ecological, safe and visitor-friendly.

Mount Tai is one of China's best-known scenic and cultural landmarks. It is a national 5A tourist attraction, a national scenic area and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The debate has highlighted the tension between protecting restricted mountain zones and ensuring that safety measures do not create new environmental or public concerns.

Under the latest plan, Tai'an authorities said they had listened to opinions from different sectors of society and held several rounds of expert discussions before deciding to optimize the protective facilities.