Tai'an - Mount Taishan (Mount of the East) Dong Yue
Also known as Mount of the East (Dong Yue), Mount Taishan to the north of Tai'an is the most famous of China's Five Holy Mountains. The other four are Hengshan in Hunan province, Huashan in Shaanxi province, Hengshan in Shanxi province and Songshan in Henen province. Because it is in the east of the country, where the sun rises, Mount Taishan is treated with special reverence.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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For over 2000 years rulers came here to pay homage to the Gods of Heaven and Earth. The mountain stands 1545m/5070ft high and its picturesque scenery is always in the clouds. Large numbers of waterfalls, temples and pagodas all add to its natural splendor. Mount Taishan is visited by numerous Chinese and foreign walkers who also come to experience the magnificent sunrise over the mountain top.
The mountain can be climbed by either the eastern (central) or western route. It is best to choose the main route, the eastern one, because this contains most of the sights and places of interest. The climb to the top is about 9km/5.5mi, with a difference in altitude of 1350m/4430ft. Climbers can follow a flight of 6293 steps, parts of which between the Middle Gateway to Heaven and the Southern Gateway to Heaven are almost vertical.
However, there is also a mini-bus which goes to the Zongtian Men Gate, from where there is a cable-railroad up to Moon View Peak (Yueguan Feng).
The mountain can be climbed by either the eastern (central) or western route. It is best to choose the main route, the eastern one, because this contains most of the sights and places of interest. The climb to the top is about 9km/5.5mi, with a difference in altitude of 1350m/4430ft. Climbers can follow a flight of 6293 steps, parts of which between the Middle Gateway to Heaven and the Southern Gateway to Heaven are almost vertical.
However, there is also a mini-bus which goes to the Zongtian Men Gate, from where there is a cable-railroad up to Moon View Peak (Yueguan Feng).
Related Attractions
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Mount Taishan - Archway of the Ten Thousand Immortals
The Archway of the Ten Thousand Immortals (Wanxian Lou) was built in 1620 and restored in 1954. Here the climber can see some commemorative stones with inscriptions dating from the Ming period (1368-1644).
Next will be seen the Taoist Palace of the Goddess of the Great Bear (Doumu Gong).
From the main route a path leads off to Sutra Stone Valley (Jingshi Yu), where the text of the Diamond Sutra was engraved on a giant stone more than 1400 years ago.
Continuing north the visitor will come to he Hutian Ge Pavilion, or Pavilion of the Heavenly Cauldron.
Next will be seen the Taoist Palace of the Goddess of the Great Bear (Doumu Gong).
From the main route a path leads off to Sutra Stone Valley (Jingshi Yu), where the text of the Diamond Sutra was engraved on a giant stone more than 1400 years ago.
Continuing north the visitor will come to he Hutian Ge Pavilion, or Pavilion of the Heavenly Cauldron.
Mount Taishan - Peak of the Emperor of Jade
The climb up Mount Taishan ends on the Peak of the Emperor of Jade (Yuhuang Ding), or Emperor of Heaven, dominated by the Temple of the Emperor of Jade (Yuhuang Dian).
Mount Taishan - Southern Gate to Heaven
The Southern Gateway to Heaven (Nantian Men), a stone edifice, was built in 1264. Under the ledge can be seen the three Chinese characters ''mo kong ge'', meaning ''pavilion which reaches up to heaven''.
It is now only 1km/.5mi to the top. On the way the climber will pass a Taoist temple just below the peak.
It is now only 1km/.5mi to the top. On the way the climber will pass a Taoist temple just below the peak.
Mount Taishan - Sun-Watching Peak
To the southeast of Daiding lies Sun-Watching Peak (Riguan Feng), from where visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunrise.
