Mount Tai Scenic Area is located in Taishan District, Tai'an City, Shandong Province. It is one of China's first national scenic spots, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The main peak, Jade Emperor Peak, stands at 1,545 meters above sea level, with a total area of 426 square kilometers. Known as the "First of the Five Sacred Mountains" and the "Foremost Mountain Under Heaven", it features over 20 ancient architectural complexes and more than 2,200 stone inscriptions, serving as an important site for ancient Chinese imperial ceremonies.
History and Culture
Mount Tai has been regarded as a sacred mountain in Chinese culture for over 3,000 years. Starting from Emperor Qin Shi Huang, 12 emperors performed Fengshan ceremonies (imperial worship rituals) here, making it a symbol of national unity and political stability.
The mountain is also a sacred site integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Confucius famously said "Ascend Mount Tai and the world appears small"; Buddhism established famous temples like Puzhao Temple; while Taoism considers Mount Tai the "Ancestor of Mountains", building important Taoist temples such as Bixia Temple.
Mount Tai's culture is also reflected in its extensive stone carvings, ranging from Li Si's small seal script of the Qin Dynasty to inscriptions by famous calligraphers throughout history, forming an open-air museum of Chinese calligraphy art. The Diamond Sutra inscriptions at Jingshi Valley are particularly renowned as the "Origin of Large Characters" and "Model of Bangshu Calligraphy".
Main Attractions
Dai Temple
Located at the southern foot of Mount Tai, Dai Temple was where emperors performed Fengshan ceremonies and worshipped the God of Mount Tai. First built in the Han Dynasty, most existing structures date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, covering 96,000 square meters. Along with the Forbidden City in Beijing and Confucius Temple in Qufu, it's considered one of China's three great ancient architectural complexes.
Eighteen Bends
The Eighteen Bends is the most famous climbing path on Mount Tai, consisting of 1,630 stone steps from Hongmen to Zhongtianmen. Divided into three sections with 54 bends in total, it features numerous stone inscriptions and is an essential route to experience Mount Tai's culture.
South Heaven Gate
Standing at 1,460 meters above sea level at the top of the central climbing route, South Heaven Gate is the must-pass gateway to the summit. The three characters "Nan Tian Men" above the gate were inscribed during the Ming Dynasty, flanked by a couplet reading "A long whistle at Heaven's Gate brings breeze from ten thousand miles".
Jade Emperor Peak
As Mount Tai's highest peak at 1,545 meters, Jade Emperor Peak is named after the Jade Emperor Temple at its summit. It's the best spot for sunrise viewing, featuring famous sights like the "Leader of the Five Sacred Mountains" inscription and "Reaching the Pinnacle" stone tablet.
Bixia Temple
Located south of the summit, Bixia Temple was first built in the Song Dynasty as a Taoist temple dedicated to the Goddess Bixia Yuanjun. The architectural complex is ingeniously laid out against the mountain and attracts numerous worshippers.
Cuisine
Mount Tai Tofu Banquet
A Tai'an specialty, the Mount Tai Tofu Banquet features tofu made with Mount Tai spring water as the main ingredient, prepared in over a hundred different ways including tofu pudding, tofu boxes, and tofu balls, known for its delicate texture and nutritional value.
Mount Tai Pancake
A traditional local snack, Mount Tai pancakes are made from corn or millet flour, paper-thin, and typically eaten rolled with scallions and dipped in sauce or wrapped with various dishes, providing a crispy and tasty energy boost for climbers.
Three Delicacies of Mount Tai
Referring to Chinese cabbage, tofu, and water, dishes prepared with these three ingredients are fresh and refreshing, embodying the essence of Mount Tai's culinary culture. The Mount Tai cabbage hearts are particularly famous for their tender sweetness.
Ticket Information
Mount Tai implements seasonal pricing: peak season (Feb 1-Nov 30) ¥125/person, off-season (Dec 1-Jan 31) ¥100/person. The one-way cable car from Zhongtianmen to South Heaven Gate costs ¥100, as does the Taohuayuan Cable Car. Dai Temple ticket is ¥30/person. Discounts are available for seniors over 60 and students, while children under 1.4m enter free.
Recommended Routes
Classic one-day route: Hongmen → Zhongtianmen → Eighteen Bends → South Heaven Gate → Tianjie → Bixia Temple → Jade Emperor Peak → descend by cable car. Fit hikers may choose to walk both ways (8-10 hours total).
Relaxed two-day route: Day 1 visit Dai Temple and Puzhao Temple at the foot; Day 2 take shuttle to Zhongtianmen, then cable car to South Heaven Gate, tour summit attractions before descending on foot or by cable car.
Transportation
- Train: Accessible via Tai'an Station (high-speed rail) or Mount Tai Station (regular trains), with buses or taxis available to the scenic area
- Air: Nearest airport is Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, with direct buses to Tai'an
- Bus: Tai'an city buses No. 3, K3, 19 etc. reach hiking starting points like Hongmen and Tianwaicun
- Drive: Exit at Tai'an West on Beijing-Taipei Expressway, follow Dongyue Street to the scenic area
Must-See Attractions
- Dai Temple: One of China's three great ancient architectural complexes, showcasing imperial ceremony culture
- Eighteen Bends: Mount Tai's most famous climbing path, embodying the spirit of "ascending step by step"
- South Heaven Gate: The essential gateway to the summit at 1,460m with panoramic views
- Jade Emperor Peak: Mount Tai's highest point at 1,545m, premier sunrise viewing spot
- Bixia Temple: Mount Tai's most important Taoist temple with thriving incense culture
Travel Tips
- Best visiting season is April-October, with September-October offering ideal climbing weather
- For sunrise viewing, check weather and sunrise times in advance, start climbing early morning or stay overnight at summit
- Stay hydrated and energized during climb with portable snacks like chocolate and nuts
- Wear comfortable anti-slip hiking shoes and bring windproof jacket for temperature changes at summit
- Manage energy wisely - consider hiking up and taking cable car down
Important Notes
- No smoking or littering in scenic area to protect natural environment
- Exercise caution while climbing, especially when paths are wet
- Respect religious sites and avoid touching cultural relics and stone carvings
- Keep personal belongings secure during peak seasons with large crowds
- Limited summit accommodations - book early during peak seasons
- Cable cars may suspend operations due to weather - check in advance