Mt.Taishan [Tai an]

"One of Top Ten Most Beautiful Mountains in China"
Ranked by China National Geoegraphy Magazin

Mt.Taishan is located in the middle of Shandong Province, with a total area of 426 sq km. As the highest peak in Shandong with an elevation of 1,545 meters, Mt. Taishan is called "Chief of the Five Sacred Mountains" and "First Mountain Under Heaven."

With its abundant cultural treasures, Mt.Taishan is honored as a sacred mountain and the symbol of Chinese national spirit. From ancient times to the Qing Dynasty, emperors came to this reverend peak to hold grand ceremonies to worship the Gods of Heaven and earth. On the mountain there are 22 ancient construction complex, over 100 other buildings, more than 1,800 above carved stones, nearly 20,000 ancient trees and numerous poems and masterpieces written by scholars throughout different dynasties, all of which make Mt. Taishan the epitome of oriental culture.

Formed about 28 hundred million years ago, Mt.Taishan is famous for its imposing natural landscape. Besides its majesty, the Sunrise, Sunset Glow, Golden Belt of the Yellow River, the Sea of the Clouds are its four wonders. With a bird’s eye view, the mountain is divided by five valleys into six areas, which is features respectively by seclusion, spaciousness, beauty, mystery, elegance, and wonderful spectacles. Around the main peak, Jade Emperor, there are smaller 112 peaks, 98 ridges, 102 streams, 72 springs and 36 peculiar stones.

Experts of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO said, "Mt.Taishan uniquely unites nature and culture together, and this means China has contributed a special heritage to the world."

In 1987, Mt.Taishan was listed as both a world natural and cultural heritage by UNESCO. It was the first place named as double heritage to the world.

Mt.Taishan has also been designated as one of the Top 40 Tourist Attractions in China, a Model of Civilized Scenic Spots in China, a National 5A Scenic Spot, and the First among the Ten Famous Mountains in China. And in the September of the year 2006, Mt.Taishan has become the World Geopark.

Best time to go
Anytime especially from April to November
An average annual temperature is 41.5F on top of mountain. In winter the coldest month is -17.5F and icing date last 150 days.

Ticket
Hongmen RMB 82/person, Tianwaicun RMB 102/person, Taohuayu RMB 102/person, Tianzhufeng RMB 82/person, Sightseeing bus RMB 20/person one way, Ropeway RMB 45/person one way
Low season from 1 December to 31 January the ticket is cheaper RMB 20/person than high season.

Around Landscape
The Great Wall of Qi Kingdom, Daming Lake, Baotu Spring Park, Lingyan Temple, Five-dragon Pond, Thousand Buddha Mountain, etc.

Local Snacks and Specialties
Taishan Chiling Fish, Taishan Chestnut, Taishan Beauty Pear, Taishan Four-leaves-Panax, Taishan Borage, etc.

Travel Tips
Suggest climbing the mountain. You had better enjoy sunrise and sunset on the summit of Mount Taishan. Please take enough food and umbrella before climbing and take electric torch if climbing at evening. Pay attention to safe when climbing.

Distance
Beijing (495 km) Jinan City (50 km) Tai'an City