Ticket Information

Hongmen Wanxianlou Pedestrian Entrance Ticket

• Standard Ticket: 115 CNY/person
• Concession Ticket: 57 CNY/person

Dongyudao Pedestrian Entrance Ticket

• Standard Ticket: 115 CNY/person
• Concession Ticket: 57 CNY/person

Operating Hours

• 01/01-12/31: Open 05:00-23:00
• Red Gate (Hiking Entry): 05:00-23:00
• Tianwai Village (Vehicle Entry): 06:00-21:00
• Peach Blossom Valley (Vehicle Entry): 07:00-17:00
• Peach Blossom Valley (Hiking Entry): 08:00-16:00
• East Imperial Path (Hiking Entry): 08:00-16:00
• Tianping Lake Visitor Center (Vehicle Entry): 06:00-20:00

Duration of Visit

• It is recommended to spend 2-3 days for an in-depth exploration

Best Season

• Recommended to visit from April to November each year, but suitable for travel all year round

Scenic Area Contact Information

• Hotline: 0538-96008888
• Email: [email protected]
• Mount Tai Scenic Area Fire Prevention Duty Room: 0538-5369111 8225841

Transportation Guide

Train

• Taishan Station: Serves regular green-skin trains and express trains departing from Jinan.
• Tai'an High-Speed Railway Station: A stop on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line, located 11KM from downtown Tai'an.

City Bus

• Taishan Railway Station (Downtown): Take bus K3, fare 2 yuan, to the Hongmen or Tianwaicun entrance.
• Tai'an High-Speed Railway Station: Take bus K18 to the railway station, then transfer to bus K3 to Hongmen or Tianwaicun.

Taxi

• Tai'an High-Speed Railway Station to Dai Temple: 15KM, 30-minute ride, approximately 25 yuan.
• Dai Temple to the Archway of Mount Tai Tianzhu Peak Scenic Area: Approximately 25 yuan.

Coach

• Jinan Long-Distance Bus Station: Buses depart for Tai'an every 10 minutes, fare 20 yuan, travel time 90 to 120 minutes.
• Tai'an Long-Distance Bus Station: Includes South Station and North Station; do not confuse them.

Travel Routes

Mount Tai One-Day Tour: The Most Convenient West Route

• Route Features: Tianwai Village—Zhongtian Gate—Dai Peak, the most convenient, time-saving, and effort-saving route, suitable for those with limited physical strength or time
• Travel Method: Take a bus along the scenic road to ascend the mountain, then transfer to a cable car at Zhongtian Gate to reach Dai Peak
• Main Attractions: Tianwai Village—Longtan Reservoir—Bailong Pool—Heilong Pool—Bamboo Forest Temple—Huangxi River Reservoir—Fanzhi Cliff—Aolai Peak—Zhongtian Gate—Cable Car—Nantian Gate—Bixia Temple—Jade Emperor Summit
• Itinerary: The winding mountain road from Tianwai Village to Zhongtian Gate is 14.35 km long and takes 30 minutes; the high-altitude cable car from Zhongtian Gate to Dai Peak is 2,078 meters long and takes about 15 minutes

Mount Tai One-Day Tour: The Most Classic Central Route

• Route Features: The central route of Mount Tai, a classic hiking trail with the most concentrated cultural and natural landscapes, spanning 9.5 km with over 7,000 stone steps
• Travel Method: Walking along the stone-paved path
• Main Attractions: Dai Temple—Daizong Archway—Red Gate Palace—Wanxian Tower (ticket purchase point for entering the mountain)—Doumu Palace—Sutra Stone Valley—Hutian Pavilion—Huima Ridge—Zhongtian Gate—Happy Three Miles—Cloud Step Bridge—Five Pines of the Grand Master—Eighteen Bends—Nantian Gate—Heavenly Street—Bixia Temple—Tang Dynasty Cliff Carvings—Five Sacred Mountains Stand Alone—Jade Emperor Summit—Gongbei Stone
• Itinerary: Start from Red Gate, pass attractions such as Guandi Temple, Yitian Gate, Confucius’s Ascent Archway, and Red Gate Palace, and purchase tickets at Wanxian Tower for 115 yuan; walk through Doumu Palace, Sutra Stone Valley, Hutian Pavilion, Huima Ridge, and other attractions to reach Zhongtian Gate; continue climbing through Happy Three Miles, Cloud Step Bridge, Five Pines of the Grand Master, and other attractions to reach Eighteen Bends; ascend to Nantian Gate and visit Heavenly Street, Bixia Temple, Jade Emperor Summit, and other attractions

Sunrise Guide

Best Viewing Locations

• Riguan Peak at Jade Emperor Summit: The sunrise viewing corridor is 30 meters long, with pavilions and corridors connected, resembling a celestial pavilion standing tall and vibrant. Climbing here offers a full view of the sunrise spectacle.

Descend by Zone and Time

• Tourists with a relatively flexible schedule can choose to appreciate Mount Tai’s historical culture and beautiful scenery in the original area and descend during off-peak hours.

Prepare Outerwear Based on Weather

• Mornings at the summit are generally quite cold.

Check the Next Day’s Weather Forecast in Advance

• Find out the sunrise time.

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Scenic Spots and Attractions

Dai Temple

Dai Temple, located at the southern foot of Mount Tai in the center of Taicheng, is also known as the Dongyue Temple, Taiyue Temple, or Daiyue Temple, commonly referred to as the Tai Temple. It served as the primary site for ancient rituals dedicated to Mount Tai. Today, the temple complex houses 186 ancient and imitation ancient buildings, 184 stone tablets, 48 Han Dynasty pictorial stones, 212 ancient junipers and cypresses, and 292 species of ornamental plants. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was the administrative headquarters for Mount Tai and now serves as the Tai'an City Museum. In 1988, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Dai Temple, historically called "Dongyue Temple" or Tai Temple, primarily enshrines the "God of Mount Tai, the Eastern Peak." It was also the residence and ceremonial site for ancient emperors who came to Mount Tai for Fengshan (imperial worship) rituals. The temple's history dates back to ancient times, with records from the Western Han Dynasty mentioning "Qin built altars, Han erected palaces." It was expanded during the Tang Dynasty in the 13th year of the Kaiyuan era (725 AD) and underwent large-scale renovations in the 2nd year of the Song Dynasty's Xiangfu era (1009 AD). According to the "Stele Inscription on the Renovation of the Taiyue Temple," it once had "over 810 halls, chambers, pavilions, gates, storerooms, libraries, towers, galleries, and corridors." Parts of the temple were destroyed during the Jin Dynasty, restored in the Yuan Dynasty, severely damaged by fire in the 26th year of the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing era (1547), and repaired again in the Qing Dynasty, gradually forming a grand architectural complex.

Dai Temple is situated in the northern part of Tai'an City, aligned along the central axis from the old south gate of Taicheng in the south to the South Heavenly Gate at the summit of Mount Tai in the north. It measures 405.7 meters from north to south and 236.7 meters from east to west, forming a rectangular area of 96,000 square meters. The layout of Dai Temple follows the ancient Chinese method of expansion along both horizontal and vertical axes, with the overall design centered on a north-south axis and divided into eastern, central, and western sections. The eastern section features the Han Cypress Courtyard, the Eastern Imperial Seat, and a garden; the western section includes the Tang Scholar Tree Courtyard, the Huan Yong Pavilion Courtyard, and the Yuhua Taoist Courtyard; the central section comprises the Zhengyang Gate, Peitian Gate, Ren'an Gate, Tiankuang Hall, Rear Palace, and Houzai Gate. The main structure, the Song-era Tiankuang Hall, is located in the rear half of the temple, elevated on a platform, while other buildings are arranged around the central courtyard, each independent yet interconnected. This layout, designed to meet religious needs and emulate imperial palace structures, creates a distinct, orderly, solemn, and古朴 style. The interplay of architectural spaces blends grandeur, solemnity, depth, and elegance into a harmonious whole. The towering halls of the temple echo the distant South Heavenly Gate, evoking a sense of immersion in Mount Tai.

Dai Temple is surrounded by high walls, with a circumference of three li (about 1.5 kilometers) and a height of three zhang (about 10 meters). It has eight gates: five facing south, including the central Zhengyang Gate, the Dongye Gate to its left, the Yanggao Gate further left; the Xiye Gate to its right, the Jianda Gate further right; the Qingyang Gate (also called Donghua Gate) facing east; the Sujing Gate (also called Xihua Gate) facing west; and the Luzhan Gate (also called Houzai Gate) facing north. Each gate is topped with a tower, and the four corners of the temple are fortified with Xun, Gen, Qian, and Kan corner towers. The entire complex is majestic and imposing, resembling an imperial palace.

Dai Temple is the most concentrated repository of cultural relics on Mount Tai. It houses a dazzling array of sacrificial vessels, offerings, and crafts used by历代 emperors to worship the God of Mount Tai, as well as出土文物 and revolutionary historical artifacts that reflect the brilliance of Chinese civilization. It also preserves大量典籍 and Taoist scriptures. Particularly珍贵 are the 184历代碑刻 and 48 Han Dynasty pictorial stones, making it the third-largest stele forest in China after Xi'an and Qufu. Dai Temple is also a delightful classical garden. Ancient, twisting cypresses, towering ginkgo trees, exquisite盆景, and vibrant flowers add charm to the古朴典雅的 pavilions, terraces, towers, and galleries. Throughout the year, Dai Temple offers picturesque scenery that attracts numerous domestic and international tourists.庄严,雄伟, with resplendent halls and a wealth of cultural relics, every structure here showcases the artistry of ancient Chinese architecture, and every artifact reflects the文明发展 of Mount Tai. Strolling through this artistic world, visitors encounter民族瑰宝 at every turn, inspiring awe and感慨. Majestic Dai Temple is an ancient art museum that融合建筑,园林,雕刻,绘画, and traditional Chinese culture.

Yaocan Pavilion

Yaocan Pavilion, also known as the Grass参 Pavilion, faces Tongtian Street in front and connects to the Zhengyang Gate of Dai Temple at the rear, serving as the forecourt of Dai Temple.历代帝王 and dignitaries visiting Mount Tai for祭祀典礼 would first perform a simple参拜 here before proceeding to Dai Temple for the正式大典. During the Tang Dynasty, it was called the "Yaocan Gate"; in the Song Dynasty, a pavilion was built inside the gate, and it was renamed "Grass参 Pavilion"; it was expanded in the Ming Dynasty with halls and walls, and an image of the碧霞元君 was enshrined, forming a完整的庭院建筑. Yaocan Pavilion is a纵向二进式庭院, with the South Mountain Gate,仪门,正殿,方亭, and North Mountain Gate依次坐落在 the axis from Tongtian Street to Dai Temple. The正殿 is flanked by配殿 and厢房, and its central axis aligns with that of Dai Temple. The正殿, built in the Ming Dynasty, has five bays with a yellow glazed tile歇山顶 and a五架梁 structure, housing the image of the碧霞元君. In front of the South Mountain Gate stands the Yaocan Archway, a四柱门式 structure built in the 35th year of the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong era (1770 AD), flanked by a pair of清代铁铸狮子. Further south, under the shade of a massive Tang-era scholar tree, lies a池 with one dragon head spouting water and another swallowing it, inscribed with "龙跃天池" (Dragon Leaping into the Heavenly Pool), built in the 6th year of the Guangxu era (1880 AD), adding to the scenic beauty.

Dai Temple Archway

Dai Temple Archway stands between Yaocan Pavilion and Dai Temple. Also known as the Exquisite Archway, it was built in the 11th year of the Qing Dynasty's Kangxi era (1672 AD). It is a四柱三间三楼式牌坊, featuring varying heights, intricate浮雕, majestic form, and exquisite craftsmanship, making it a珍品 of Qing Dynasty stone carving. The roof is a歇山式仿木结构 with soaring chīwěn (ornamental roof ridges), layered斗拱, upturned eaves, and ridge ornaments as if ready to gallop. A precious vase stands atop the main ridge, flanked by four guardian kings for reinforcement. The小额枋 on the central pillars is透雕 with a design of two dragons playing with a pearl, while the龙门枋 is浮雕 with a phoenix facing the sun. The archway rests on square stone bases, each supporting双柱 with滚墩石 below, featuring two pairs of立雕蹲狮: males playing with embroidered balls and females frolicking with cubs, each in vivid and charming poses. The beams, pillars,额板, and滚墩石 are carved with over 30 lifelike designs of auspicious animals and birds, such as铺首衔环,丹凤朝阳,二龙戏珠,群鹤闹莲,天马行空,神牛角斗, and麒麟送宝. The symmetrical图案设计 and varied构图和雕刻技术 create strong artistic appeal.

The inner pillars bear inscriptions on both sides. The south side features a couplet by Shi Tianyi, the then Governor and Provincial Administration Commissioner of Shandong: "峻极于天，赞化体元生万物;帝出乎震，赫声濯灵镇东方。" (Towering to the heavens, it aids transformation and nurtures all things; The Emperor emerges from Zhen, with majestic voice and pure spirit pacifying the East.) The north side bears a couplet by Zhao Xiangxing, the then Governor and Vice Minister of War of Shandong: "为众岳之统宗，万国是瞻巍巍乎德何可尚;掺群灵之总摄，九州待命荡荡乎功孰与京。" (As the sovereign of all peaks, all lands gaze upon its lofty virtue, unsurpassed; Holding sway over all spirits, the nine regions await its command, its vast achievements peerless.) These couplets succinctly capture the divine majesty of Mount Tai.

Zhengyang Gate

Zhengyang Gate Upon exiting the Dai Temple Archway, one encounters the tall and broad "Zhengyang Gate." Originally built in the Song Dynasty and destroyed in the mid-20th century, the current gate was reconstructed in 1985 in the Song architectural style. Entering through the Zhengyang Gate, one sees two vermilion doors adorned with 81 iron studs and door knockers, symbolizing the temple's尊严. In ancient times, only emperors could enter through this gate. The gate stands 8.6 meters high, with the五凤楼 atop reaching 11 meters. It has five bays with a九脊单檐歇山顶 covered in yellow glazed tiles, supported by 24 square明柱. The eaves feature斗拱出三翘四 and are painted with墨线大点金彩绘, while the额枋 display golden dragons in flight. From afar, the upturned eaves appear poised for flight. The Zhengyang Gate is flanked by the East and West掖门.

Han Cypresses

Han Cypresses Within the Han Cypress Courtyard of Dai Temple stand five Han-era cypresses. Their forms are奇特, twisted and soaring upward like coiling dragons, exuding ancient vigor and lushness. "Han Cypresses Braving the Cold" is one of the Eight Scenes of Tai'an. According to the Han Dynasty "郡国志," they were planted by Emperor Wu of Han when he ascended Mount Tai for worship. During his southern inspection tours, Emperor Qianlong御绘 the "Han Cypress图" and composed the poem "题汉柏作," which was carved onto stone.

Bronze Pavilion

Bronze Pavilion, also known as the "Golden Pavilion," is located on a platform in the northeastern corner of the temple. The pavilion is cast in bronze,仿木结构, with a重檐歇山式 roof. Originally built during the Ming Wanli era at the碧霞祠 on the summit of Mount Tai, it was called the Golden Hall. In the 1970s, it was relocated to Dai Temple. It is one of China's famous bronze pavilions, alongside the Baoyun Pavilion in the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Golden Hall on the summit of Wudang Mountain's Tianzhu Peak, and the Golden Hall in Kunming.

Qin Dynasty Mount Tai Inscription Stone

Qin Dynasty Mount Tai Inscription Stone Located in the Eastern Imperial Seat of Dai Temple, it is the earliest extant stone inscription on Mount Tai. The inscription contains the功德铭 of Qin Shi Huang and the edict of the Second Emperor, in seal script by Chancellor Li Si. The stone was originally beside the Jade Maiden Pond on the summit and was later moved here. The original text had 222 characters, but after centuries of weathering, only ten characters remain: "臣去疾臣请矣臣" (seven intact) and "斯昧死" (three残缺). The Qin Dynasty Mount Tai Inscription Stone is designated as a National Level One Cultural Relic, a稀世珍宝.

Song Dynasty Tiankuang HallSong Tiankuang Hall

Tiankuang Hall is the main building of Dai Temple and serves as the palace of the God of Mount Tai, the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak. Located in the middle and rear section of the central axis of Dai Temple, it was originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty. It was called Ren'an Hall during the Yuan Dynasty, Junji Hall during the Ming Dynasty, and acquired its current name during the Republic of China era, originating from the incident of Emperor Zhenzong of Song fabricating the "Heavenly Book." "Tiankuang" means "bestowed by heaven." Legend has it that on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month in the first year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1008 AD), a "Heavenly Book" descended upon Mount Tai. Emperor Zhenzong of Song subsequently ordered the construction of Tiankuang Hall the following year to give thanks to heaven. The entire hall features carved beams, painted pillars, gilded decorations, and crimson walls, standing majestic and grand. Despite having endured several dynasties, its ancient appearance remains preserved.

The hall is nine bays wide and five bays deep, with a total height of 22.3 meters. It features a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof covered with yellow glazed tiles. Between the double eaves hangs a vertical plaque inscribed with "Song Tiankuang Hall." Below the eaves are densely arranged bracket sets, and large red eaves columns stand in front of the corridor. The doors and windows are designed with triple intersecting six-petal rhombus-patterned lattice panels. The central and adjacent bays have caisson ceilings surrounded by bracket sets, while the remaining areas feature square coffered ceilings painted with golden ascending dragons. In the center of the hall, the statue of the God of Mount Tai is enshrined. The statue, standing 4.4 meters tall, wears a crown with hanging beads and an imperial robe, holding a ceremonial jade tablet, resembling an emperor. Above the shrine hangs a plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty with the words "Pei Tian Zuo Zhen" (Match Heaven to Guard the Land). Opposite this, inside the central bay's door, hangs a plaque inscribed by Emperor Qianlong with the words "Da De Yue Sheng" (Great Virtue Gives Life). In front of the statue, a set of five bronze ritual vessels from the Qing Dynasty, along with bronze fou and fu vessels, are displayed. On the eastern, northern, and western walls of the hall, a massive mural titled "The God of Mount Tai Setting Out and Returning" is painted. This mural, with a height of 3.3 meters and a length of 62 meters, depicts the grand scene of the God of Mount Tai's inspection tour and return. This spectacle is also a true portrayal of Emperor Zhenzong of Song's Fengshan ceremony on Mount Tai, making it a precious historical and cultural heritage of China.

In front of the hall, a high terrace is surrounded by carved railings, cloud-patterned balusters, and winding jade steps, creating a solemn atmosphere. In the center, a large iron incense burner from the Ming Dynasty and two large iron buckets from the Song Dynasty are placed. On both sides, there are imperial stele pavilions housing steles inscribed with poems by Emperor Qianlong during his visit to Dai Temple. On the southern side of the terrace, a stone stands prominently, known as Fusang Stone, commonly called the "Confusing Stone." Tiankuang Hall is surrounded by a corridor, forming a large courtyard that tightly embraces the grand double-eaved hall, further inspiring reverence for Tiankuang Hall. This magnificent Tiankuang Hall, along with the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, is known as one of the "Three Great Ancient Palaces of China."

The God of Mount Tai Setting Out and Returning Mural

The God of Mount Tai Setting Out and Returning Mural
On the northern, eastern, and western walls of Tiankuang Hall, a massive mural titled "The God of Mount Tai Setting Out and Returning" is painted. The mural is over 3 meters high and 62 meters long. "Setting Out" means departure, "Clearing the Way" refers to clearing the streets for the procession, and "Returning" means coming back. The mural depicts the grand and spectacular scene of the God of Mount Tai's inspection tour. The figures and horses in the painting are depicted in various poses, vivid and lifelike. It is one of the unique cultural landscapes of Mount Tai.

Jade Spring Temple Scenic Area

Jade Spring Temple is located at the northern foot of the majestic Mount Tai, approximately 20 kilometers from Tai'an city and about 30 kilometers from Jinan city. From Tai'an, head north along the Taifo Road, pass through Dajinkou Township and Ouchi Village to reach it. Alternatively, from Jinan, travel through Licheng and Yaoxiang Forest Farm to Ouchi Village. The scenic area covers over 20,000 acres, featuring overlapping peaks, deep valleys, dense forests, and long-flowing streams. Ancient trees and beautiful woods can be seen everywhere, while rare flowers and exotic grasses abound. Moreover, it is far from the hustle and bustle of the world, making it an ideal place for people to return to nature and immerse themselves in its beauty. The scenic area centers around the Jade Spring Chan Temple, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, forming a cultural landscape circle themed around Buddhism and folk culture. It is known as the Buddhist Domain on the Northern Side of Mount Tai and is a rare spiritual treasure land.

Jade Spring Temple was founded by the Northern Wei monk Yi. Due to its location south of Gushan, it is also called Gushan Temple, commonly known as Foye Temple. Within the temple, there are attractions such as four Tang Dynasty-planted ginkgo trees, the Mahavira Hall, the One-Mu Pine, the Eastern and Western Buddha Footprints, and Northern Wei stone-carved Buddha statues. There are also steles like the "Gushan Temple Record" stele, written and inscribed by the Jin Dynasty scholar Dang Huaiying, which details the long historical evolution of Jade Spring Temple.

Atop Gushan in front of the temple stands an ancient pine, known as the "South-Pointing Needle." It aligns with the temple gate, the Mahavira Hall, the Zhengyang Gate and Houzai Gate of Dai Temple, Daizong Archway, and the South Heavenly Gate in a north-south line. On the northwestern cliff of Gushan, there are two caves with perennial springs. The "Dai Shi" refers to them as "Golden Thread Caves," traditionally believed to be the alchemy site of Qiu Chuji, the founder of the Quanzhen Sect. Further south is Maifan Pengzi, where in the past, people from north of Mount Tai often passed by to ascend the mountain. It was named after monks and locals offering or selling food here. Northwest of Maifan Pengzi lies a deep ravine where ice and snow do not melt even in midsummer. The "Mount Tai Records" refer to it as the Great Ice Prison Ravine.

Thousand-Year Ginkgo Trees

Thousand-Year Ginkgo Trees
Within Jade Spring Temple, there are four thousand-year-old ginkgo trees. These four ginkgo trees are tall, straight, and lush. The one on the right in front of the hall has a circumference of over 7 meters and a height of 36 meters, making it the largest on Mount Tai.

Mahavira Hall

Mahavira Hall
Rebuilt in 1993 on the original site based on historical records, the Mahavira Hall enshrines Sakyamuni, flanked by 18 Arhats.

Buddha Manifesting in All Forms

Buddha Manifesting in All Forms
Looking south from the Mahavira Hall toward the South-Pointing Needle, one sees verdant pines, cypresses, and overlapping peaks, a vast expanse of greenery. When viewed from the side, a Buddha's head suddenly appears before the eyes, with a forehead, eyes, nose, and chin so lifelike that it astonishes viewers, showcasing the wonders of nature.

One-Mu Pine

One-Mu Pine
Located north of the temple, this pine has a thick, sturdy trunk and twisting branches that spread in all directions, forming a flat-topped giant umbrella. Among the many ancient pines on Mount Tai, it provides the largest shaded area, covering about 1.3 mu, hence its name "One-Mu Pine."

Eastern and Western Buddha Footprints

Eastern and Western Buddha Footprints
On the stone platforms of the cliffs east and west of the main hall, there remain footprints believed to be those of Buddha, known as the Eastern and Western Buddha Footprints. The Eastern Buddha Footprints consist of five or six footprints, sunken 2-3 centimeters into the rock. The Western Buddha Footprints are located on a stone platform atop the cliff west of the Mahavira Hall, where a pair of footprints is imprinted on an area of less than one square meter, sunken 1-2 centimeters into the rock. Whether the Eastern and Western Buddha Footprints were made by human effort or formed naturally remains unverified and is still a mystery. However, as legends passed down through generations, they add a touch of mystique to Jade Spring Temple.

Golden Toad Worshipping Buddha

Golden Toad Worshipping Buddha
Located near the thousand-year-old chestnut tree on the small loop trail, this formation features a white belly, a raised toad head, and a wide-open mouth, as if devoutly praying toward the main hall of Jade Spring Temple.

Medicine Buddha Seven Buddha Pavilion Ruins

Medicine Buddha Seven Buddha Pavilion Ruins
On the eastern hill ridge lie the ruins of the Medicine Buddha Seven Buddha Pavilion. Historical records indicate it was built during the Yuan Dynasty, enshrining the Great Medicine King Buddha, along with Sakyamuni, Vipassi Buddha, Sikhi Buddha, Vessabhu Buddha, Kakusandha Buddha, Konagamana Buddha, and Kassapa Buddha. The pavilion was destroyed during the Qing Dynasty. At its original site, there is the "Medicine Buddha Seven Buddha Pavilion Record Stele" from the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty, written by Yan Fu and inscribed by Li Qian.

Jade Spring

Located east of the temple, the spring water is sweet and clear, never drying up even during severe droughts. Beside the spring stands a stele inscribed with "Jade Spring" by the Jin Dynasty scholar Dang Huaiying. Around the spring, there are also over ten ancient wisteria vines.

South-Pointing Needle

Located atop Gushan, the ancient pine aligns with the temple gate of Jade Spring Temple, Dai Temple, Daizong Archway, and the South Heavenly Gate in a nearly north-south line. At noon, it also aligns with the sun and the Mahavira Hall of Jade Spring Temple in a north-south line.

Golden Thread Caves

On the northwestern cliff of Gushan, there are two caves with perennial springs. The "Dai Shi" refers to them as "Golden Thread Caves," traditionally believed to be the alchemy site of Qiu Chuji, the founder of the Quanzhen Sect.

Great Ice Prison Ravine

South of Gushan lies a deep ravine where ice and snow do not melt even in midsummer. The "Mount Tai Records" refer to it as the Great Ice Prison Ravine.

Scenery of Jade Spring Temple

The most precious aspect of Jade Spring Temple lies in its natural purity, delicate refinement, and minimal artificial processing or decoration, perfectly preserving its innate charm. The integration of mountain scenery, water views, famous mountains, and ancient temples makes it an excellent destination for leisure and sightseeing.

Heavenly Candle Peak Tour Route (Attraction Introduction)

Explore the scenic mountain paths, pass through ancient towns and deep alleys to witness the grand Fengshan ceremony, and delight in the majestic, perilous, and magnificent beauty behind Mount Tai.

Heavenly Candle Peak

On the northeastern foothills of Mount Tai, there is a winding mountain path leading directly to the summit, forming a 5.4-kilometer-long belt-shaped scenic area named after the Heavenly Candle Peak within the area, which resembles a candle. From the Heavenly Candle Peak scenic area to the Houshiwu scenic area at the summit, this route is the most primitive and ancient climbing path on Mount Tai. It is also the route with the most concentrated and beautiful natural landscapes, representing the pinnacle of Mount Tai's natural scenery. Here, the peaks are steep, the valleys deep, with strange pines and rocks scattered throughout. Mountain springs, streams, and waterfalls are随处可见. Apart from the climbing paths, there are few traces of artificial excavation, making it full of natural, primitive wilderness charm. It is especially famous for its unique pines and secluded caves, known as the "Mysterious Area" of Mount Tai. Visitors feel as if they are in a painting, hence it is also called the "Ten-Mile Gallery" of Mount Tai. It is the best route for adventure and self-guided tours.

Heavenly Candle Peak

On the southern cliff of Jiulonggang, two peaks resembling giant candles stand not far apart, facing each other across a ravine. They are respectively called the Big Heavenly Candle Peak and the Small Heavenly Candle Peak. The Small Heavenly Candle Peak is a columnar solitary peak that rises abruptly from the valley floor, piercing the clouds and towering like a candle, hence its name. Because the hardy pines covering its peak resemble burning candle flames, it is also called "Candle Flame Pine." East of the Small Heavenly Candle Peak stands another columnar peak, more robust and thicker than the Small Heavenly Candle Peak, known as the Big Heavenly Candle Peak.

Heavenly Candle Waterfall

The Small Heavenly Candle Peak leans against Jiulonggang, and the water from the ridge flows down beside the Small Heavenly Candle Peak, forming a waterfall. The waterfall faces north and is several dozen meters long. In ancient times, people called it the "Thousand-Chi Waterfall" or "Thousand-Zhang Waterfall." However, these names only describe its length without deeper meaning. Nowadays, it is considered better to call it the "Heavenly Candle Waterfall." Indeed, isn't the hanging white cascade like wax flowing from a giant candle reaching to the sky?

Crane Washing Bay

Below the Small Heavenly Candle Peak lies Crane Washing Bay, named after pine cranes often gathering and resting here in the past. Although cranes are no longer present today, the shape of the bay water strikingly resembles a red-crowned crane standing alone.### Houshiwu (Rear Stone Cottage) Passing through the North Heavenly Gate, to the south is a three-way intersection. Descending over 900 steps eastward leads to Houshiwu. Houshiwu was formerly known as "Rear Stone House" and in earlier times was called "Rear Fifteen," indicating its distance of fifteen li from the summit. In reality, the straight-line distance from the summit to Houshiwu is only about 1.5 kilometers, but the ancient winding and difficult mountain path made the journey feel much longer. Since ancient times, Houshiwu has been known as the "Number One Cave Heaven and Blessed Land on the Shady Side of Mount Tai." Here, the peaks are steep, ancient pines create a secluded atmosphere, stone carvings are abundant, and ancient temples are nestled within, presenting a scenery distinctly different from the Ascent to Heaven Scenic Area and the summit, making it the "back garden" of Mount Tai. Major attractions include: Jiulonggang (Nine-Dragon Ridge), Yaoguanding (Emperor Yao's Viewing Peak), Zimeisong (Sister Pines), Yuanjun Temple, and others.

North Heavenly Gate

Descending northward from Zhangren Peak along the slope, at the mountain col stands a stone archway. Its original plaque read "Xuanwu" but collapsed in the late Qing Dynasty. It was re-erected in 1984 as a double-pillar, single-gate stone archway with the plaque inscribed "North Heavenly Gate." This is the essential passage from the summit to Houshiwu. North of the archway is Moyun Ridge. Descending eastward from the front of the archway along the slope leads to the spoon-shaped valley bottom called "Luanshigou" (Chaotic Stone Gully). Crossing the gully leads to Duzupan (Single Foot Path), and proceeding further reaches the various scenic spots of Houshiwu.

Yuanjun Temple

Northeast of Duzupan lies a nunnery/temple complex called "Yuanjun Temple," commonly known as "Niangniang Temple" (Goddess Temple). It was initially built during the Ming Dynasty. In the sixth year of the Longqing reign (1572), the imperial clansman Zhu Mu built it, enshrining a statue of Haotian Shangdi (Heavenly Emperor). In the nineteenth year of the Wanli reign (1591), the Holy Mother's Bedchamber Tower was added, enshrining Bixia Yuanjun. It underwent renovations during the Shunzhi and Kangxi reigns of the Qing Dynasty. After a renovation during the Qianlong period, it was renamed Shiwu Qingyun Nunnery (Stone Cottage Azure Cloud Nunnery). During the Guangxu renovation, it was called Shiwu Temple. Since the Republican era, the Goddess Temple fell into disrepair for many years. It was restored in the mid-1990s.

The temple is divided into eastern and western courtyards. The western courtyard consists of the mountain gate, main hall, side halls, and Lüzu Cave, among others. The main hall enshrines Yuanjun. The western side hall enshrines the Three Officials (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, Water Official). The eastern side hall is Wansongting (Myriad Pines Pavilion), later converted into the Maitreya Hall. Ascending the stone steps and entering the "Toutianmen" (Penetrating Heaven Gate) leads to the eastern courtyard, composed of the main hall, eastern side hall, and the Holy Mother's Bedchamber Tower. The main hall enshrines the Three Officials. West of the main hall is the Holy Mother's Bedchamber Tower, a three-story structure: the lower level is Lüzu Cave, the middle is the "Library Tower," and the upper level is the Holy Mother's Bedchamber Tower. The eastern side hall enshrines the "Seven Perfected Ones." Legend has it that this is where Bixia Yuanjun cultivated herself before becoming an immortal, hence it is also called the "Jade Maiden's Cultivation Site."

North of Yuanjun Temple lies Tiankong Mountain. Tiankong Mountain was anciently called "Yunü Shan" (Jade Maiden Mountain). Its cliff stands vertically, seemingly propping up the sky and holding the sun; its summit is flat, anciently called "Yaoguan Feng" (Emperor Yao's Viewing Peak). The cliff face is covered with ancient inscriptions. Huanghua Cave (Yellow Flower Cave) and Lianhua Cave (Lotus Cave) lie beneath it.

Huanghua Cave (Yellow Flower Cave)

Named for the yellow flowers blooming on the cave's stone walls, legend claims it as Yuanjun's cultivation site. The stone cave is spacious, naturally formed. Water seeps from the ceiling, forming droplets that string together and fall into the pool at the bottom, creating a very peculiar sight, hence its other name "Lingyi Quan" (Spiritual and Marvelous Spring). Another legend says immortal cranes often came here to drink, giving it the name "Laihe Quan" (Arriving Crane Spring). Inside the cave is the wonder of ice pillars persisting even in midsummer, leading to the inscription "Lingshan Yuzhu" (Spiritual Mountain Jade Pillars) by Governor Jiang Chenxi during the Qing Kangxi reign. Above the stone cave is the inscription "Huanghua Dong" (Yellow Flower Cave).

Lianhua Cave (Lotus Cave) under the rock north of the eastern courtyard

Named for the stone petals at its entrance resembling inverted lotus flowers. Inside the cave is a stalactite spring, similar to the Lingyi Spring. Nearby are ancient inscriptions such as "Gu Lianhua Dong" (Ancient Lotus Cave) and "Song Zhi Ci Shi Tao Yan" (Here the Pines Begin Their Roar).

Within the flower and fruit garden east of the temple

Built during the Qing Yongzheng period are the "Yuanjun Tomb" and the "White Ape Tomb."

Zimeisong (Sister Pines)

The Taishan Sister Pines are located on the cliff halfway up the mountain northwest of Qingyun Nunnery in Houshiwu. Lush and verdant with luxuriant foliage, they have a history of over 600 years. Through the vicissitudes of time, they have weathered wind and rain, proudly surpassing all other flora. In 1988, Hu Yaobang, former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, who came to inspect Mount Tai, took up his brush and wrote the five large characters "泰山姊妹松" (Taishan Sister Pines) on Xuan paper. Since then, the fame of the Taishan Sister Pines has spread even wider. Today, they feature in moving stories within Mount Tai legends; on the back of the new (fifth edition) five-yuan RMB banknote, one can find their graceful figures standing tall on the sheer cliffs of Mount Tai, elegant and poised. It is no exaggeration to say they are renowned throughout the world.

Peach Blossom Valley Tour Route (Attraction Introduction)

Strolling along this route offers carefree enjoyment, reading the 2.8-billion-year-old rock archives of the Earth, and contemplating the vigorous vitality of life and ecology.

Peach Blossom Valley

Located on the western foothills of Mount Tai, Peach Blossom Valley boasts beautiful and uniquely stunning natural landscapes, making it the scenic area of Mount Tai. The distance from the entrance of Peach Blossom Valley to Peach Blossom Source is 13 kilometers. A cable car at Peach Blossom Source provides direct access to the summit.

Peach Blossom Valley Tour Route

Peach Blossom Valley Visitor Center → Fishing Terrace Station → Bifeng Temple Station → Colorful Stone Stream Station → Chilin Stream Station → Hongyuchuan Station → Terminal: Peach Blossom Source

Yuanjun Temple

At the mouth of Peach Blossom Valley stands a Yuanjun Temple, the western traveling palace of the Mount Tai Goddess. Inside the temple, ancient cypresses reach for the sky, and flowers and plants flourish. It is the only temple on Mount Tai with its gate facing west. In the courtyard, these two cypress and pine trees grow opposite each other, lush and verdant, spiraling upwards like a dragon and a phoenix, earning them the names "Dragon Cypress and Phoenix Pine." The main hall enshrines the Mount Tai Goddess—Bixia Yuanjun. The right side hall enshrines the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, Water), and the left side hall enshrines Guan Yu, the God of Literature (Wenquxing), and the God of Longevity.

Bifeng Temple

The temple beneath Zhenchi Peak is called Bifeng Temple, also commonly known as "Iron Buddha Temple" due to its enshrinement of an iron Buddha. At the site stands the "Record of Rebuilding the Buddha Hall" stele, written and inscribed by Xiao Taiheng, Vice Commissioner of the Shaanxi Provincial Surveillance Commission in the fifth year of the Ming Longqing reign (1571). It details the process of rebuilding the Buddha Hall during the Ming Longqing period, describing the Mahavira Hall as "majestically seeming to fly, brilliantly and intricately adorned." The temple originally housed an iron Buddha, flanked by an ancient couplet (quoting the Fuzhou Iron Buddha): "Ancient Buddhas have always been men of iron; ordinary folk merely speak of golden bodies." The iron Buddha here was considered very efficacious, prompting devotees from surrounding areas to trek over mountains and rivers, traveling hundreds of li on foot to worship here, demonstrating their piety. The Colorful Stone Cliff beside the temple has stone patterns like paintings, breathtakingly beautiful and marvelous. The stream contains wondrous naturally-formed stones, resembling various shapes and objects, vivid and lifelike. The Colorful Stone Valley beside the stream features colorful stones standing alongside the murmuring brook, with water and stones interwoven like a painting.

Colorful Stone Stream

Entering Peach Blossom Valley and walking about 2 kilometers, the stream bed suddenly appears paved with colorful stones beneath the flowing water. The stone veins on the stream bottom display a variety of colors, exceptionally vivid under sunlight—this is the famous "Colorful Stone Stream." The winding stream seems dyed by the colorful stones, resembling a multicolored ribbon flowing with particular spirit here. The captivating colorful stones often cause visitors to pause. If you look carefully, you can see Chilin fish in the water. Under sunlight, the stream bed looks as if paved with colorful stones, brilliantly mottled and vivid.

According to geological surveys and analysis, the rocks of Colorful Stone Stream are banded plagioclase amphibolite residual enclaves. The bands, large and small, exhibit myriad forms. Light white bands and dark green plagioclase amphibolite constitute the colorful and spectacular bedrock of the riverbed. The winding stream seems dyed by the colorful stones, like a multicolored ribbon. The colored stone veins, refracted through the water, transform into various shapes and colors: some like ethereal fairies; some resembling pensive elders, seemingly meditating on why nature so favors Mount Tai, blending grandeur and elegance within it; some like nimble fish, others like magpies resting on branches...

Longwan (Dragon Bay)

Longwan is a famous scenic spot in the Peach Blossom Source area. Waters from Yanqun, Mugui, Longjiao, and Sangu converge at Peach Blossom Source and then joyously descend, naturally forming this bay here. Records of Mount Tai Paths states: "...Longwan, where hills and ridges protrude like islands. Below is Bihua Pond, with stones all having green veins, naturally forming a pool enclosure..." Here, verdant peaks stand in formation, cliffs resemble screens, the bay water is clear, and mountains and water reflect each other. At times, a hundred birds sing; at times, Chilin fish are seen swimming. In 2008, a water system environment enhancement project was implemented, creating a landscape of abundant bay water and pearl-like splashing waterfall pools.

Yixiantian (Thread of Sky)

A geological landscape of Mount Tai, located west of the Peach Blossom Source parking lot. Two peaks face each other, with a narrow thread-like gap between them through which people can pass. It is the product of combined effects from faulting, weathering and erosion, water transport, and gravitational collapse. Standing within, one sees cliffs as steep as if cut by a knife. Looking down, massive stones are piled underfoot; looking up, only a thread of sky is visible. Following the path from Thread of Sky into the mountains, the terrain is steep and perilous. Within a secluded valley, a waterfall plummets from above. The mountains are verdant, the water forceful. Its name, Houchouyu (Monkey-Worrying Ravine), speaks volumes about its precipitousness.

Red Gate Tour Route

Attraction Introduction

The Red Gate Tour Route is the most important ancient and modern hiking and tourist route, the imperial path used by emperors of successive dynasties to ascend Mount Tai. Along the way, shaded paths are lined with trees, stone steps wind upward, peaks vie in beauty, springs and streams compete in flow. The natural landscapes are grand,奇特 (qí tè -奇特 means peculiar/strange, but here likely intended as 'magnificent and beautiful'), and秀美 (xiù měi - elegant and beautiful), with numerous historical sites. In total, there are 8 ancient temples, over 200 stone tablets and steles, and more than 300 cliff inscriptions, rich in traditional cultural charm. Ancient emperors, generals, ministers, literati, and common people ascending Mount Tai mostly started their climb from this central route, hence it is called the "Ascent to Heaven Scenic Area." Also, because the scenery along this path is deep and secluded, it is also known as the "Secluded Area" of Mount Tai.

Attractions Along the Route

• Daizong Archway
• Guan Yu Temple
• First Heavenly Gate
• Confucius' Ascent Point
• Red Gate Palace
• Wanxian Tower (Tower of Ten Thousand Immortals)
• Monument to Revolutionary Martyrs
• "Boundless Scenery" Cliff Inscription
• Sanguan Temple (Temple of the Three Officials)
• Doumu Palace (Mother of the Big Dipper Palace)
• Yuanjun Temple
• Sutra Stone Valley
• Feng'an Monument
• Huima Ridge (Turn Back Horse Ridge)
• Mid-Heaven Gate
• Cloud Step Bridge
• Five Grandee Pines
• Wangren Pine (Gazing-at-People Pine)
• Chaoyang Cave (Sun-facing Cave)
• Eighteen Bends
• Shengxian Archway (Ascending Immortal Archway)
• South Heavenly Gate

Guan Yu TempleGuandi Temple is located at the starting point of the Mount Tai winding path, facing south, with its exact founding date unknown. The four large characters "Shen Wei Ju Zhen" (Divine Might, Great Guardian) on the screen wall in front of the temple gate were inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty during his ascent of Mount Tai. Built to follow the mountain's contours, the temple's overall layout is well-proportioned and tiered, with its structures distributed across three courtyards. The main buildings include the mountain gate, opera tower, worship pavilion, main hall, and side halls. Upon entering the mountain gate, the structure above it is the opera tower, which served as a venue for merchants to hold celebrations at the time.

On either side of the stone steps on the first-level platform of Guandi Temple stand two ancient locust trees. Their branches and leaves intertwine, resembling a dragon and a phoenix in intimate embrace, hence they are called the "Dragon and Phoenix Locusts." Legend has it they were planted during the Tang Dynasty. Ascending the stone steps leads to the worship pavilion, a marvel of design serving multiple purposes: facing north for worship, facing south for opera viewing, and with tables and stools placed for tea and rest during ordinary times. Directly north of the worship pavilion is the main hall, which houses a seated statue of Lord Guan. Lord Guan, named Guan Yu, styled Yunchang, was born in 160 AD and died in 219 AD. Throughout his nearly sixty-year life, he galloped across battlefields on horseback, wielding his blade, fought numerous heroes, and assisted Liu Bei in establishing the tripartite division of the realm. Later generations revered him as a moral exemplar embodying "loyalty," "trustworthiness," "righteousness," and "courage," honoring him as the "Military Sage." He became a sacred idol widely worshipped by everyone from emperors and generals to scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants in the later period of feudal China.

To the north inside the eastern mountain gate, there is an open well, also known as the "Spirit Well." Its water was originally used by the temple's Taoist priests and pilgrims. The water was renowned for its sweet taste, like nectar, hence the name. Beside the well grows a century-old Chinese trumpet creeper, a woody vine measured to be nearly 200 years old. Now, its old trunk has withered, but new branches thrive. Every summer, the trumpet creeper blooms with bell-shaped flowers, orange-yellow on the outside and bright red inside, radiant and dazzling. This tree is listed on the World Heritage List.

Guandi Temple is lush with ancient trees. Entering the rear courtyard from the right side of the main hall, one finds an ancient cypress with a peculiar form: its main trunk and branches all grow in a twisted manner, with three major branches forking from the main trunk. The trunk is only 0.8 meters tall but has a diameter of 1.1 meters. The three twisted branches spiral upward, densely coiled, resembling a crouching dragon, giving an impression of ancient, rugged elegance. This "Foremost Han Cypress" has also been included in the World Heritage protection list.

This temple is the first one encountered at the start of the Mount Tai winding path. In terms of its overall layout, the design and siting of the buildings can be said to be uniquely ingenious.

Confucius' Ascent Point

Confucius' Ascent Point is located north of Yitianmen (First Gate to Heaven), taking the form of a stone memorial archway with four pillars and three gates spanning the path. Shaded by ancient vines, it appears elegant and dignified, with a horizontal plaque inscribed with the five large characters "Kong Zi Deng Lin Chu" (Confucius' Ascent Point). It was first built in the 39th year of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1560 AD). The pillar couplets read: "The Uncrowned King's unique stride is passed down through the ages; The Sage Lord's distant arrival celebrates ten thousand years." Two steles stand on either side of the archway: to the east is the "Deng Gao Bi Zi" (To Ascend High, One Must Begin from Below) stele inscribed by Zhai Tao, the Tongzhi of Jinan Prefecture during the Ming Jiajing period; to the west is the "Di Yi Shan" (The First Mountain) stele inscribed by Li Fuchu, the Inspector of Shandong. To the north is the "Tian Jie" (Heavenly Steps) archway with two pillars and a single gate.

Red Gate Palace

Red Gate Palace is located north of the "Confucius' Ascent Point" stone archway. It lies east of the Midstream and west of the Dazang Ridge, named for the red cliffs on the ridge resembling a gate. The founding date of Red Gate Palace is unknown; it was renovated in the 6th year of the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1626 AD). Divided by the winding path into eastern and western compounds, it is connected by the Feiyun Pavilion spanning the road, with the arched gateway inscribed with the two large characters "Hong Men" (Red Gate). The western compound is a Taoist temple, with the palace gate inscribed "Hong Men Gong" (Red Gate Palace), dedicated to the Goddess of Mount Tai, being the Middle Temple of Bixia Yuanjun. The eastern compound is the "Maitreya Courtyard," enshrining Maitreya Buddha.

Sutra Stone Valley

Sutra Stone Valley is located northeast of Doumu Palace on Mount Tai, accessible via a branching winding path, crossing Shuyu Bridge, Gaoshan Liushui Pavilion, and Shenling Bridge. The valley contains a gentle sloping stone plateau inscribed with the Diamond Sutra in clerical script, commonly known as the Sutra-Drying Stone. During the Longqing era of the Ming Dynasty, Wan Gong inscribed "Pu Jing Shi" (Sutra-Basking Stone) here.

The Diamond Sutra Carving at Sutra Stone Valley, located in the valley northeast of Doumu Palace, is the largest surviving Buddhist sutra cliff carving in China. The sutra text is carved on a gentle sloping stone plateau covering an area of 2,064 square meters. Carved from east to west, it contains the Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (Diamond Sutra) using the translation by Kumārajīva of the Later Qin. The original text consists of 1 volume, 32 sections, and 5,172 characters. The carving only goes up to the 15th section, "Te Jing Gong De Xi" (The Merit of This Sutra), totaling 44 lines with about 125 or 10 characters per line, amounting to 2,799 characters, each about 50 cm in diameter. Having endured over a thousand years of weathering, mountain flood erosion, tourist trampling, and excessive rubbing, more than half of the carving has been damaged or worn away. Currently, only 41 lines with 1,069 characters remain (including recognizable fragments and outlined characters).

Mid-Heaven Gate

Mid-Heaven Gate is the convergence point of the eastern and western routes for ascending Mount Tai. Located at the halfway point to the summit, it is a必经之地 (must-pass place). Built during the Qing Dynasty, it is a stone archway with two pillars and a single gate. In ancient times, Mount Tai had many tigers, so people built a temple north of the archway to worship the Black Tiger God. The temple now houses a statue of the God of Wealth, Zhao Gongming, holding a whip and riding a tiger. To the east is an antique-style teahouse, to the southwest is the Midstream Hotel, and to the northwest is the Mid-Heaven Gate cable car station. Mid-Heaven Gate sits on the ridge of Huangxian Ridge at an altitude of 847 meters. Huangxian Ridge is named for its reddish-yellow soil. East of Huangxian Ridge is Midstream Mountain. In 1989, Taiwanese compatriot Chen Yingjie donated funds to build the Ci'en Pavilion on the mountain peak. Inside the pavilion is a Penghu stone donated by compatriots from Penghu, inscribed with a text expressing the hope for the early reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

North of Midstream Mountain is the East Stream, commonly called Dazhigou, which was the ancient eastern route for ascending Mount Tai but was later abandoned. Mid-Heaven Gate features steep ridges and broad valleys, with clustered pavilions and towers. To the east, Midstream Mountain rises abruptly and gracefully, offering views of sunrise and sunset glow. To the west, Phoenix Ridge winds and stretches, providing distant views of the majestic Aolai Peak and overlooking the new cityscape. Standing beneath the archway, one can gaze north at the towering Dai Peak, surrounded by mountains, with lush forests and flying springs, cable cars traversing the sky, forming a natural painting.

Five Grandee Pines

Five Grandee Pines are located beside the Five Pines Pavilion north of Yunbu Bridge (Cloud Step Bridge). At this point on the winding path, a stone archway stands prominently, inscribed with "Wu Da Fu Song" (Five Grandee Pines). West of the archway are ancient pines, also called "Qin Pines." "Qin Pines in Elegant Posture" is one of the Eight Scenes of Tai'an. Legend has it that when Qin Shi Huang was ascending and performing the Feng sacrifice on Mount Tai, he encountered rain and took shelter under a large tree here. Because the tree provided protection, Qin Shi Huang enfeoffed it as "Wu Da Fu" (Five Grandees), a ninth-rank noble title in the Qin Dynasty. After the Han and Tang dynasties, people generally believed Qin Shi Huang had enfeoffed five pine trees as grandees. In the 8th year of the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty, Ding Zaobao, responsible for renovating Mount Tai, replanted five pine trees based on the legend. Two survive today.

Greeting Pine

Greeting Pine is one of the symbols of Mount Tai, standing proudly and aloof on a cliff outside the Five Pines Pavilion. The pine is 8 meters tall with a huge crown. One long branch droops down towards the winding path, like an affectionate maiden waving her arm to greet and welcome tourists, hence it is also called the "Welcoming Pine." Its crown resembles a canopy, with dense branches and leaves, giving a strong impression of soaring into the sky. Having endured over five hundred springs and autumns, it remains full of vitality today, truly a wondrous spectacle of Mount Tai.

Eighteen Bends

Mount Tai's Eighteen Bends is the most perilous section of the Mount Tai ascent path and one of the mountain's main landmarks. Here, the cliffs on both sides are sheer, with the steep winding path embedded between them. Viewed from afar, it resembles a ladder to the heavenly gate. The grandeur of Mount Tai is fully expressed in the Eighteen Bends, and its magnificence is experienced in the climb! The Eighteen Bends are north of Duisong Mountain (Facing Pines Mountain). On a high mound, twin cliffs flank the path, formerly called Cloud Gate, now named Kaishan (Opening the Mountain), opened during the renovation of the winding path at the end of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. The Eighteen Bends begin here. North of Kaishan is Longmen (Dragon Gate), where the old Dragon Gate archway once stood, now destroyed. On the western cliff are large, wildly cursive characters "Long Men" (Dragon Gate) carved by Wei Xiang during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. East of the archway site is Dalong Valley (Great Dragon Gully), where waters converge during the rainy season, creating flying waterfalls like pouring streams. Ahead is the New Bend Entrance. During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, the参政 (Provincial Administration Commissioner) Lü Kun built the Dutian Bridge (Crossing Heaven Bridge) across the stream and constructed a new winding path along the upper source of Long Valley, leading directly to the South Divine Gate of Bixia Temple, greatly facilitating ascent and descent for summit climbers. Both the bridge and the path were destroyed during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty.

North of the New Bend Entrance, two mountains stand steeply: Feilong Cliff (Flying Dragon Cliff) to the east and Xiangfeng Ridge (Soaring Phoenix Ridge) to the west. Between them is a narrow gap called Shibi Valley (Stone Wall Valley). In the valley, the South Heavenly Gate is above, and the Shengxian Fang (Ascending to Immortality Archway) is below, connected by the Eighteen Bends. The South Heavenly Gate is precisely at the valley mouth, exemplifying how Mount Tai's ancient architecture fully utilizes the geographical environment, using human effort to highlight and beautify the natural setting. It is one of Mount Tai's important landmarks. Looking up at the Heavenly Gate, the winding path appears extremely steep, like a cloud ladder hanging upside down. On the sides of Shibi Valley are inscriptions such as "Tian Men Chang Xiao" (Heavenly Gate Long Whistle), "Ceng Ya Kong Gu" (Layered Cliffs, Empty Valley), "Tian Men Yun Ti" (Heavenly Gate Cloud Ladder), and "Ru Deng Tian Ji" (As If Ascending to the Sky's Edge).

There is a saying about three "Eighteen Bends" on Mount Tai. From Kaishan to Longmen is the "Slow Eighteen"; from there to Shengxian Fang is the "Neither Fast Nor Slow Another Eighteen"; and from there to South Heavenly Gate is the "Fast Eighteen." On the western cliff of the "Fast Eighteen," a huge rock overhangs, its silhouette resembling a Buddha's head resting on its side, with a high nose, bald crown, and a compassionate, smiling face, named the Welcoming Buddha.

Ascending to Immortality Archway

Ascending to Immortality Archway is an all-stone structure, with its founding date unknown. From here, 150 meters north leads to the South Heavenly Gate, involving about 480 stone steps that are extremely steep. This section of the winding path is called the "Fast Eighteen Bends," the most difficult part of the Mount Tai ascent. Here, you may feel as if you are approaching the heavenly realm of the summit, with a sense of ethereal ascension to immortality. The mountain terrain here is precipitous, with sheer cliffs. Resting here and looking back down the mountain gives a feeling of soaring among the clouds. Looking up, the South Heavenly Gate seems close at hand; with strenuous climbing, the summit is within sight. Here, you might realize that self-actualization in life is like climbing Mount Tai—what is gained is spiritual sublimation.

Along the sides of the winding path are inscriptions such as "Tian Men Yun Ti" (Heavenly Gate Cloud Ladder), "Shen Kuang Chong Chao" (Divine Bestowal at Dawn), "Tian Di Jiao Tai" (Heaven and Earth in Harmony), "Song Gao Jun Ji" (Pines High, Peaks Extreme), "Fei Long Yan" (Flying Dragon Cliff), "Xiang Feng Ling" (Soaring Phoenix Ridge), and "Zhi Zhi Guan Zhi" (Knowing Where to Stop, Observing Where to Stop).

South Heavenly GateSouth Heaven Gate is also known as the Three Heaven Gate. Situated precisely at the upper mouth of the Shibi Valley at an altitude of 1,460 meters, it is not only strategically located but also positioned at the upper end of the central axis of the entire mountain climbing path, allowing visitors to admire its majestic form from the foot of the mountain. Whenever clouds and mist emerge and transform endlessly among the mountains, the Heaven Gate appears and disappears within the mist. The Eighteen Bends resemble a heavenly ladder hanging upside down, setting off the main peak of Mount Tai as even more magnificent and majestic. The South Heaven Gate was built in the early Yuan Dynasty, funded and constructed by the Taoist priest Zhang Zhichun, the abbot of the Dai Temple. It is a city gate tower-style structure with a stone-built arched gateway. Above it stands the Mokong Pavilion with three bays, featuring a double-eave hip-and-gable roof covered with yellow glazed tiles. On either side of the gateway hangs a couplet: "The gate opens to the nine heavens, ascending steps to view the three heavens' wonders; Ten thousand steps rise high, overlooking a thousand peaks' spectacular sights." When visitors ascend here, they can see all the mountains at a glance, their eyes filled with the vast greenery, and their fatigue instantly vanishes. Li Bai once left an eternal masterpiece here: "A long whistle at the Heaven Gate, a clear breeze comes from ten thousand miles away." The Heaven Gate stands imposingly on the main peak of Mount Tai, flanked by twin peaks as if the gate opened by itself. "The mountain forms a vaulted dome, majestic and complete; The winding path of a thousand folds seems like a dragon soaring. Looking back from the clouds, the path taken is startling; At the summit of Dai, one still recalls the Distant Worship Pavilion."

The architectural feature of the South Heaven Gate is a model of the ingenious integration of natural and cultural landscapes. Human craftsmanship borrows from the natural terrain, and nature borrows from human effort, truly demonstrating exceptional ingenuity.

Tianwai Village Tour Route

Attraction Introduction

The Tianwai Village Tour Route is another main route for ascending Mount Tai, starting from the Heaven and Earth Square. Departing from Tianwai Village, tourists can take a shuttle bus directly to Zhongtianmen, a journey of 30 minutes covering approximately 15 kilometers. Along the way, there are many natural landscapes and historical sites, including Longtan Reservoir, Bailong Pool, Heilong Pool, Zhulin Temple, Wuji Temple, Tiansheng Village, Shanzi Cliff, Longjiao Peak, Aolai Peak, Huangxi River Reservoir, and other scenic spots. Visitors feel particularly expansive, pleasant, and refreshed upon arriving here by bus, hence this scenic area is also known as the "Open Area" of Mount Tai.

Tianwai Village

Tianwai Village is located west of the Dazhong Bridge and marks the starting point of the western route ascent. It is both the junction between the mountain and the city and the convergence point of the ring mountain road and the Xixi Tour Road, serving as a tourist distribution center. The Heaven and Earth Square here covers a total area of 35,000 square meters, mainly consisting of a square plaza and a circular plaza. Along the connecting passage between the two plazas, 12 dragon pillars, each 7.2 meters high and 0.9 meters in diameter, are installed, representing the 12 emperors from Qin Shi Huang to Emperor Qianlong who offered sacrifices to Mount Tai. In the center of the connecting passage, a 27-meter-long, 3-meter-wide relief depicting Emperor Xuanzong of Tang's Fengshan ceremony on Mount Tai is installed. The railings around the square plaza are engraved with famous quotes about Mount Tai by historical figures, and the square and its surroundings are landscaped.

Bailong Pool

Bailong Pool: North of the Jiandai Bridge lies Bailong Pool. Above it, the Hundred Zhang Cliff cascades down, resembling a white dragon rushing through the gorge and ravine directly into the pool, hence the name. North of the pool is a large rock resembling a jade tablet, inscribed with "Xuangui Stone." Whenever mountain torrents erupt, the rock stands firm like a great boat navigating turbulent waters; after the rain clears and the sky brightens, it resembles a giant turtle emerging from the pool, basking on the rock, so it is also called Stone Boat, commonly known as Sunning Turtle Rock. Further north is Sanyuan Stone, inscribed with large characters "Bailong Pool" and "Longtan." This rock and the Xuangui Stone are covered with inscriptions. Gu Yanwu identified 15 Song Dynasty inscriptions, and later scholars found 16 more, all preserved today.

There is a mythological story about Bailong Pool. Records of Mount Tai Affairs states: "In the pool beneath Aolai Peak, the white dragon is the most miraculous. Ancient legend says the dragon transformed into a handsome man, working as a farmhand for a Tian family south of Dai, and later became their son-in-law. He was skilled at irrigation, watering the fields every night until the vegetable plots were full, without the sound of a well pulley. Neighbors found it strange and peeked through a gap in the garden, only to see a white dragon several zhang long, with countless silver scales, its cold light dazzling. Half its body dipped into the well to draw water, spitting enough to fill several plots. The person was so startled they fell, and the news spread. The dragon, knowing its secret was exposed, then bid farewell, telling his wife: 'My home is under the Hundred Zhang Cliff of Aolai Peak.' That is today's Bailong Pool."

According to historical records, from the Han and Tang dynasties to the Song Dynasty, many emperors sent envoys here to pray for rain. In the fifth year of Yuanfeng of the Song Dynasty (1082), Emperor Shenzong conferred the title "Duke Yuanji" upon the white dragon and built a Shenlong Shrine by the pool.

East of Bailong Pool is Zhaojun Ridge, west is Feiya Peak, in front is Luogu Bay, and behind is Heilong Pool. On summer evenings and autumn mornings, the high gorge and deep pool send a stream flying down, scattering pearls and splashing jade, with clouds and mist rising. The ancients praised it as "Sweet Dew from the Dragon Cave," listing it as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Tai'an.

Heilong Pool

Heilong Pool: On the Hundred Zhang Cliff of Mount Tai's West Stream, a waterfall cascades down, sounding like thunder, resembling a thousand-foot silver curtain hanging. The waterfall pours down year-round, carving a pool beneath the cliff. Legend says the pool connects to the Dragon Palace of the East Sea, with dragons coming and going freely, hence the name "Heilong Pool." The Qing Dynasty scholar Miao Runfu wrote a poem describing it: "The true source flows unceasingly, flying down from the highest peak. Pouring into the pool a thousand chi deep, perhaps a dragon lies hidden within." "Dragon Pool Flying Waterfall" is one of the famous scenic spots of Mount Tai's West Stream. Watching the waterfall and reciting poetry inspires endless reverie.

Zhulin Temple

Zhulin Temple: In the valley of Mount Tai's West Stream, above Heilong Pool and northeast of today's Longevity Bridge, there originally stood a temple called Zhulin Temple, also known as Xuanyun Temple. The scenery here is delightful. Around the temple, green bamboo sways, pine and cypress trees stand lush, streams babble, and winding paths lead to secluded spots, making the scenery exceptionally beautiful. It has long been praised as having "a small path following the mountain, clear streams flanking the road, winding like a sheep's intestine, the scenery changing with every step." It is said that Zhulin Temple is an ancient temple of Mount Tai, with its construction date unknown. It was repeatedly built and destroyed after the Tang Dynasty. According to records, during the Yuanzhen period of the Yuan Dynasty, the famous monk Fahai renovated it, and its fame spread far and wide, reaching "east to Qi and Lu, north to You and Yan, west beyond Zhao and Wei, south to the Great River, all hearing of it and rushing to visit." By the Ming Dynasty, the Korean monk Mankong expanded it, and the temple flourished again. The late Ming scholar Xiao Xiezhong once depicted the beautiful environment of Zhulin Temple: "A small path follows the mountain, clear streams flank the road, winding like a sheep's intestine, the scenery changes with every step. Upon reaching the temple, bamboo and trees reach for the sky, red cherry blossoms cover the ground, morning bells and evening chimes create another kind of serene purity." Ming Dynasty Yang Zhixue's poem on visiting Zhulin Temple reads: "Again this gate to the Western Heaven, a warm spring halfway up the mountain. The cloud cliff constantly moves, the dragon pearl turns daily. Soaring lines from Li Bai's verses,倾倒 the respect of Kong Rong. On the return path, the setting sun is fine, cool breeze blows across the vast plain." Later, Zhulin Temple was destroyed in a fire. Now, a reconstruction in Tang Dynasty style has been built on the original site.

Shanzi Cliff

Shanzi Cliff: Located on the west side of Mount Tai's West Stream, Shanzi Cliff features a strangely protruding peak, towering and steep, shaped like a fan, hence the name. On the cliff is a Ming Dynasty inscription by Yang Bo, a cliff carving "Immortal's Palm." West of the cliff is an iron ladder; climbing it leads to the cliff top. Looking north, Longjiao Mountain and Jiunv Village are clearly visible; looking west, Aolai Peak is fully in view. Looking down eastward, Longtan Reservoir resembles a brilliant pearl inlaid in the West Stream, sparkling. Qing Dynasty Sun Baotong wrote a poem: "The sword-like peak angrily pierces the sky, accumulated iron thrusts up a thousand ren; Overlooking the deep Ghost Valley, leaning against the steep Zhangren Peak," truly capturing the charm of Shanzi Cliff. The peak of Shanzi Cliff is extremely steep. The Red Eyebrows Army once set up a lookout post on its summit. Ming Dynasty Juren Wang Wuyu built a chamber on the cliff top and later thatched a cottage below it, naming it the Western Mountain Villa. A folk saying goes: "Open Shanzi Cliff, and carry gold, silver, and treasures home." In 1990, steps were carved into the cliff, and a cloud ladder was built to facilitate climbing.

Aolai Peak

Aolai Peak: Mount Tai has 72 peaks, each with a name. Aolai Peak is one of the famous peaks on the western route of Mount Tai, with an altitude of 978 meters. Though not as high as Mount Tai's main peak, it is sharp and rugged, appearing arrogantly unwilling to bow to Mount Tai. Hence, a folk proverb says: "Aolai is high, Aolai is high, up close it equals Dai, from afar it's on the mountainside." To the northeast, Shanzi Cliff, under the force of gravitational collapse, has steep walls, looking like a fan from a distance. To the southeast, beneath the sheer cliff lies Moon Cave, containing Moon Spring. Water drips from the cave ceiling, freezing into ice pillars in winter that remain until spring, resembling an ice cavern of the dragon palace.

Scenic Area Official Website

https://tsgw.taian.gov.cn/