Taishan (Mount Tai) is one of China’s 5 sacred mountains, a set of Taoism’s holy places that includes Huashan. A symbol of sunrise and renewal, Taishan is foremost among the five mountains and is considered a deity in itself, a son of the Jade Emperor in heaven who acts as a channel between gods and men. In ancient times, the first thing a newly-crowned emperor would do is climb up Taishan and pray to heaven (at the peak), earth (at the base) and his ancestors. A total of 72 emperors have ascended this mountain, as well as numerous poets and literary scholars; the various monuments, temples and stone tablets throughout the slopes bear witness to these visits with poetic inscriptions. The first Chinese emperor, Shih Huang, left an inscription on the mountain; Confucius has also written poems about it, as well. “The Pride of Shandong Province” is located at the center of the region, and is visited by six million people every year. These visitors can explore the 22 ancient temples, 1,800 carved stones and all the ruins, pavilions, bridges and pine trees in between.

There are four ways to ascend Taishan. The East Route is also called the Imperial Route as this was the path which emperors took on the way to make sacrifices. Starting from the Taishan Arch, the East Route passes through Ten Thousand Immortals Tower, Arhat Cliff, Palace to Goddhess Dou Mu and the First Gate of Heaven, where Confucius began his climb to the peak. The East Route also leads to Dai Temple, the biggest and most complete of its kind on the mountain, the site where where emperors made sacrifices in olden times. Comprised of 6,000 steps and takes 4 hours to ascend, this route is the most ideal for visitors. The second path, called Tianzhu Peak Route, is the most rugged of the four and is perfect for the adventurous traveler. Though lacking in historical buildings, this route treads closest to the lofty peaks, deep valleys, enchanting waterfalls and primeval woods, especially the millennia-old pine trees at Hou Shi Wu. A third path lets visitors take the bus to Midway Gate to Heaven, where the West and Central routes merge, then ride a cable car all the way to the peak, bypassing the God of Wealth Temple, Five Pine Pavilion and Path of Eighteen Bends.  Finally, the fourth path is called Peach Blossom Ravine Route, and is best taken during the spring and summer when the peach blossoms create a wondrous view throughout the trip.

The thousands of steps that lead to the peak are surrounded by inns, diners and shops that cater to pilgrims. The South Gate to Heaven is the final gateway to the summit, near Emperor’s Wu Wordless Monument and Confucius Temple. The peak itself has two important temples:  The Temple of the Jade Emperor and Bixia, Temple of the Daughter of the Jade Emperor and Princess of the Azure Clouds. Bixia is the leading pilgrimage destination for Chinese women, with thousands making the arduous climb every day to pray for grandchildren or miraculous cures for eye disease or children’s illnesses. And anywhere at the peak offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

The best time to visit is between April to November when the weather is warmest. The nearest airport is Tai’an International Airport, a good 90 minutes away from Tai’an by taxi. Public and tour buses are available at Tai’an City at the base of the mountain. Make sure to bring warm clothing no matter the season, as the weather between the base and the 1,537.2-meter peak changes. And don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset at the summit; you might also get a chance to catch a reenactment of the ancient and intricate ceremonial offerings to Heaven and Earth.

Posted in Attractions, China

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