The 11th World Outstanding Overseas Chinese Huaxia Tour started its Shandong sector on July 9, China News Agency reported.

Nearly 80 overseas Chinese from 36 countries and regions are on the three-day trip to Shandong, which began impressively with a first stop at magnificent Mount Tai. The mountain's superb landscape greatly impressed the overseas Chinese who viewed the scene from the cable car.

The youths appreciated scenic spots from Zhongtian Gate to Nantian Gate before reaching the summit of?the famous mountain.

Liu Yanqiao, a native of Chaozhou in Guangdong province, was full of expectations about this trip.

"Shandong, a province with rich culture, is also famous for its hospitality," Liu said. "So I really wanted to know more about drinking culture in Shandong."

The tour provides the young generation born and raised overseas with more opportunities to get to know their home country better. It also gives outstanding youths from all over the world the chance to communicate with each other.

The Huaxia tour includes four sectors: Beijing, Jiangsu, Shandong and Henan. More than 360 outstanding young people from nearly 80 countries and the young Chinese will take part in the tour.