Fires broke out in several locations in the mountainous area near Shandong's capital city of Jinan around 9 am.
Strong winds are directing the fire towards Mount Tai, carrying a great historical and cultural significance, Zhao Dekui, a representative from the provincial forestry department was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
More than 200 firefighters have been sent to build a "buffer zone" in the city of Tai'an, where Mount Tai is located. Its peak, referred to as the "Jade Emperor Peak", is approximately 1,500 meters above sea level.
Published 18 April 2011, 10:07 IST