Mount Taishan and Taishan Hiking
 The
leader of the 'Five Sacred Mountains', Mt. Tai is located in the
center of Shandong Province, lying across the cities of Tai'an,
Jinan and Zibo. Its main peak, Jade Emperor Summit, which is within
Tai'an City, is about 1532.7 meters (5,029 feet) high.
The mountain was once called Mt. Daishan, Mt. Daizong or Mt. Taiyue
and was renamed Mt. Taishan in the Spring and Autumn Period
(770BC-476BC). It epitomizes splendid Chinese culture and was listed
in the World Natural and Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO in 1987.
In ancient times, the first thing for an emperor to do on ascending
to the throne was to climb Mount Taishan and pray to heaven and
earth or their ancestors. It was said that 72 emperors of different
dynasties made pilgrimages to this mountain. These special
ceremonies and sacrifices earned the mountain widespread fame. In
addition, many poets and literary scholars also visited the mountain
to gain inspiration. The grandiose temples, the numerous stone
inscriptions and stone tablets are the best testaments to these
visits. Mt. Tai also played an important role in the development of
Buddhism and Taoism.
Taishan Mountain is a natural museum abounding with cultural relics
and artworks. Heavenly Queen Pool, Red Gate Palace, Mid-Heaven Gate,
Azure Cloud Temple are powerful examples. Stone carvings include the
Buddhist Diamond Sutra in Jing Shi Valley, the Scripture of Mt. Tai
and the Mo Ya Tablet.
Besides historic relics, Mount Taishan boasts unique natural scenery
too. The lofty peaks, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls,
enchanting rocks and the centuries-old pines and cypresses will
undoubtedly encourage you linger with no thought of leaving. The
four wonders of the mountain are Sunrises from the East, the Sunset
Glow, the Sea of Clouds and the Golden Belt along the Yellow River.
It would be a great pity to miss the four wonders.
There are four different routes on the mountain.
East Route:
This route is considered to be the Imperial. The steep stairs, Mount
Taishan Route because the emperors all took this way to make
sacrifices. With elegant natural scenery, palaces, stone
inscriptions are also scattered along the winding path. You set off
from Dai Temple, and then you will see Dai Zong Archway, Red Gate
Palace, Jing Shi Valley, Hu Tian Pavilion and Eighteen Bends, etc.
Dai Temple is the place where emperors stayed and offered their
sacrifices. The temple was built in the Han Dynasty and expanded in
the Tang and Song Dynasties. After several renovations, it has
become the biggest and most complete temple on the mountain.
There are 6000-plus steps along this route and it takes about four
hours at an average to reach the peak. This classical route is an
ideal choice for most people.
West Route:
The west route is made up of two parts. The first
part is the highroad from the Heaven and Earth Square to Mid-heaven
Gate. The other part is the cable way from Mid-heaven Gate to the
top of the mountain. This route is well equipped with modern
facilities and is the most fashionable way to reach Jade Emperor
Summit. Attractions concentrated on this route are Heaven and Earth
Square, Black Dragon Pool, Tomb of General Feng Yuxiang and
Longevity Bridge, etc.
Peach Blossom Ravine Route:
This route is the most convenient way to climb the
mountain, especially for tourists who drive or take a bus from
northern places. Peach Blossom Ravine can be accessed by taking the
No.104 national highway, then setting off from the big parking lot
by bus to the cable-car stop. From there you reach the top in a few
minutes. The ropeway is designed for sightseeing from the air giving
a clear view.
The best time to take this route is in spring and summer. The
flourishing peach blossom, falling petals and limpid steams will
make you feel like you are in heaven.
Tianzhu Peak Route:
Just as its name implies, Tianzhu Peak was named
because it is shaped like a candle, with a pine tree standing on top
like a flame. This route is the most rugged one and is suitable for
the adventurous. You will enjoy General Peak, Eight Immortals Cave,
Big Tianzhu Peak and Small Tianzhu Peak, etc. It is also a better
way to appreciate the pine trees in Hou Shi Wu (a spot where most of
the old pine trees are growing).
Taishan Mountain is a perfect combination of natural scenery and
cultural relics and is well worth visiting.
To request a tour to Taishan, please fill out the
form on the left.
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