On October 1, 2025, the first day of the National Day holiday, Mount Tai Scenic Area in Tai’an, Shandong, welcomed about 13,000 visitors, setting a new record high.

However, a sudden wind-and-rainstorm turned many tourists’ mountain-climbing trips into an ordeal of “seeking shelter from the rain.” From the night of October 1 through the following day, Mount Tai was hit by heavy rain accompanied by gusts of wind (force 3–4) and a sharp drop in nighttime temperatures. Thousands of visitors who had come to watch the sunrise were forced to huddle together for safety, with the mountaintop toilets turning into temporary refuges. The situation quickly sparked heated discussion online.

According to tourists, around 8 p.m. on October 1, light rain turned heavy, and strong winds shredded disposable raincoats, leaving people drenched within half an hour. The open sunrise viewing platform was unusable, while shelters at the summit were too limited to accommodate the holiday peak crowds. Soon, restroom corridors were packed with shivering tourists: some leaned against the walls clutching their jackets, others curled up on the floor with blankets, parents squeezed into corners holding children, and people had to turn sideways to move in and out.

In response, the scenic area urgently opened indoor spaces such as the Bixia Temple for free shelter and broadcast announcements to guide visitors, though space remained insufficient. Hotels at the summit had long been sold out, with standard rooms priced over 1,000 yuan. Some vendors offered paid services: standing room to avoid the rain for 25 yuan per person, seating for 40 yuan, and overnight in a hall for 80–100 yuan, sometimes with instant noodles and hot water included. Many visitors, lacking warm clothing, had no choice but to rent cotton quilts and huddle together for warmth.

Notably, the Tai’an Meteorological Bureau had already issued a rainfall warning on September 30, but some visitors underestimated the drastic temperature difference at the mountaintop and came unprepared. The scenic area remains open, but staff are reminding climbers to check official weather alerts, bring waterproof and warm gear, and consider ticket refunds or rescheduling in case of severe weather.