Illegal structures removed in the last month included at least 500 untidy barbecue sheds and more than 50 villas and residential houses, said officials in charge of the administration of the mountain in east China's Shandong province.

The crackdown on illegal construction projects on the mountain will last until the end of the month.

The move follows last year's efforts to close 12 stone quarries, dismantle 28 unplanned structures and about 300 advertisement boards, and clear large amounts of piled trash and construction garbage.

At a height of 1,524 meters, the mount Taishan has long been recognized as the most scenic gem of five famous mountains on the Chinese mainland.

Numerous emperors in various Chinese dynasties paid homage to it or held ceremonies there, and many artists in the last 2,000 years have written a host of famous essays or poetry to depict its beauty and magnificence after climbing up the mountain.

(People's Daily June 11, 2003)