Mount Tai

Background

Mount Tai is the Eastern Mountain of the Five Great Mountains, associated with sunrise, growth and renewal, and long regarded as the most revered of the five. Its sacrificial tradition is ancient: emperors and scholars of successive dynasties left many temples, steles and inscriptions, and Taoist and Buddhist sites coexist on the mountain. Dai Temple at the foot is an important starting point of the sacrificial climbing route. In 1987 Mount Tai was inscribed on the World Heritage List for both its cultural and natural value. Later literature records the saying “climb Mount Tai and the world seems small”; this is a literary quotation, not a verifiable record of an actual climb.

Local customs

• You can hike to the summit along the climbing trail, or use the cableway or other assistance as your strength allows
• watch the sunrise and the sea of clouds around the South Heavenly Gate and Jade Emperor Peak
• and see historic buildings and inscriptions around Dai Temple and Bixia Temple. If you are short of time or stamina, walking only Dai Temple at the foot and part of the middle section is fine
• there is no need to insist on reaching the summit.

Travel tips

• The temperature differs greatly between the foot and the summit, so bring windproof, warm clothing and drinking water
• the trail has many stone steps, so wear non-slip shoes. Sunrise viewing depends heavily on the weather, so check official information and the forecast before you set out
• opening, reservations and cableway arrangements follow official announcements. To get there, first reach downtown Tai'an, then head to the entrance at the foot of the Mount Tai Scenic Area
• local public transport and connections follow local official announcements. You can climb the whole way on foot or combine sections with the cableway.
• You can climb in all four seasons
• spring and autumn are relatively pleasant, summer is often rainy and foggy, and the summit is cold and windy in winter. In winter and in rain or snow, take extra care against slipping and cold, and follow official safety notices.