Revolutionary history and culture push tourism drive

When the national opera Yimeng Mountain debuted in Jinan in February, many in the audience were moved to tears because of Shandong province's close connection to the story.

When the nighttime performance concluded they jumped to their feet and applauded the performers, reluctant to leave the Shandong Provincial Grand Theater.

Based on true stories that took place in Shandong's Yimeng Mountains during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the opera tells how the local villagers supported Communist troops by making shoes and clothes for them and taking care of their children. The spirit of Yimeng villagers and soldiers working together to pursue a common destiny is grandly on show.