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Situated in the middle of Shandong province, Mt. Taishan rises above the mountains in the middle and south parts of the province. Peak Yuhuangding, the summit of Taishan is at 117 degrees east longitude and 36 degrees north latitude. The scenic area covers parts of Tai'an and Jinan cities. 60 kilometers to its north is Jinan, the spring city, and 70 kilometers to its south is Qufu, Confucius's hometown and capital of ancient Lu Kingdom. Tianjin-Pukou railway passes the mountain by the southwest side. Crossing in the south of the mountain is railways and highways such as Tai'an-Feicheng, Tai'an-Xintai, Tai'an-Ningjin and Tai'an-Jinan highways. Taishan is noted for its majesty and loftiness, which has been enhanced by thousand years of cultural enrichment and historic sites of mankind creation. It is a miniature of Chinese culture and spirits as well as precious heritage of the world. The mixed rocks that constitute the body of the mountain were Archeozoic stratums formed 20 to 25 hundred million years ago. Search into the cause of formation is representatively important for clarifying the division, contrast and development of the Archeozoic stratum in East China. Climate at Taishan is semi-wet monsoon of warm Temperate Zone. The vertical change is obvious, for it is warm at the foot but much cooler at the summit. The history of the mountain area is as old as that of the Chinese people, which finds evidence in the Dawenkou cultural relics at the south foot and the Longshan relics at the north foot. Even 50000-year-old relics of Xintai man were found here in the mountain. More important is the fact that Taishan became famous during the Warring Period, and was regarded as number one of the five famous mountains in China. Since then, it has been a place where emperors of each dynasty held grand ceremony of worship of heaven to pray and say thanks for peace and prosperity. This historical fact threads through the whole period of feudalism in China, placing the mountain at the highest position incomparable by any other mountain. From the Xianqin period to the end of feudalism in China, the successive 4000 years witnessed hundreds of emperors and their representative officials paid homage to Mt. Taishan. Their pilgrimage and folks to burn joss sticks to pray for happiness all followed the same route: starting at Haolishan where to offer sacrifice, to Dai Temple where the emperors resided, to Yuhuang summit, which forms a ten-kilometer long axes of the hell to the human world to the heaven. Of the thousand-year long civilized history of Mt. Taishan, in addition to that of pilgrimage, there are historic records and relics of religion, aesthetics, scientific research and farmers' campaigns. The esthetical history is of particular value. The lofty mountain impresses people with its majestical beauty. In a word, Taishan embodies very rich connotations: the natural magnificent body, the amazingly great landscape, the sublime spirit, the colorful culture and the long history. Whether in front of the emperors or in the minds of the ordinary people, Mt. Taishan is equally supreme.

As number one of the five famous mountains in China, the majestic and beautiful peak is 1545 meters above sea level. It is a key state spot of interest and a world natural and cultural treasure. Because the mountain just borders the urban part of Tai'an, it is convenient for sightseeing all year round. Each season has its unique feature: spring morning, summer daytime, fall color, winter charm. The midseason to tour the mountain is between April and October.

D1 Wangmu Pool-Red Door Palace-Doumu Palace-Scripture Valley-Mid-heaven Gate-South Heaven Gate-Bixia Temple

D2 Yuhuang Summit-Houshiwu-South Heaven Gate (cable)-Mid-Heaven Gate (bus)-Tianwai Village-Puzhao Temple-Dai Temple

D1 Wangmu Pool-Red Door Palace-Doumu Palace-Scripture Valley-Mid-heaven Gate (cable)-South Heaven Gate-Bixia Temple-Yuhuang Summit-Houshiwu

D2 South Heaven Gate-Five Pine Pavilion-Mid-heaven Gate (bus)-Tianwai Village-Dai Temple

D1 Mid-heaven Gate-Five Pine Pavilion-South Heaven Gate-Bixia Temple-Yuhuang Summit-Houshiwu

D2 South Heaven Gate (bus)-Mid-heaven Gate-Scripture Valley-Doumu Palace-Red Door Palace-Wangmu Pool-Puzhao Temple-Dai Temple

Mt. Taishan is a natural museum of geology for its complicated geological conformation, rich geological contents and representative geological phenomena. Tour of the geological wonders covers both the mountain and its surrounding areas. The major spots of interest include the stratum section plane of Cambrian at Zhangxia, the "tubbiness structure" from Red Door to Mid-heaven Gate, the gneissic granite at Hushan, the granule diorite at Puzhao Temple, the biotite granite at Haolaishan, the trilobite at Haolishan, the faultage cliff at Daidao Nunnery, the conduit at Wangmu Pool, the red rock veins at Dazongling, the rock level ground at Scripture Valley, the scepter-shaped rock groups, the double-layered vale at Hutian Pavilion, the globosity efflorescence at Mid-heaven Gate, the cause of sword-shaped rock, the formation of waterfall at Yunqiao, the origin of Xianren Bridge, North-pointing rock at the summit, stone sea at Houshiwu, the mysterious division line of Yinyang, the double waterfalls at Heilongtan, etc.3.Mt. Taishan scenic area covers:

By eastbound Bus 3 or a taxi at the railway station for Daizhong Gate stop or Red Gate stop, one gets to the beginning of the tour to middle route of Mt. Taishan. Also called secluded part of the area, it is the main tour area of Mt. Taishan ever since ancient past. The ticket price is 45 yuan a person. Here is the broad tidy road for climbing the mountain, which was based on the ancient pass that Emperor Li Longji of Tang dynasty took to worship heaven and was paved over many dynasties. The route is a 10.5 kilometers long stone stairway of 6660 steps, starting at the mountain gate, Daizong Gate, and ending at South Heaven Gate, the summit. It takes about four to five hours to climb to the summit. There are on both sides steles, stone tablets and inscriptions reflecting colorful historic spots of interest. "Saint" Confucius exclaimed at the amazing sights, "The world is much smaller once you climb Mt. Taishan." Emperor Qingshihuang of Qin dynasty issued the order that imperial official titles be given to "five pine trees" when he found shelter under the trees to avoid being wet in rain. Lu Dongbin and Wangmu contested across a valley. Monk Tangseng and his apprentices had their scripture dried in sun after they survived a disaster. All these legends, folk tales and literary quotations enhance enthusiasm among visitors. Major spots of interest include Daizong Gate, Guandi Temple, First Heaven Gate, the Place where Confucius rested, Red Door Palace, Wanxian Building, Doumu Palace, Scripture Valley, Hutian Pavilion, Mid-heaven Gate, Yunbu Bridge, Five Pine Pavilion, Wangren Pine, Duisong Hill, Mengxian Niche, Shengxian Gate, Eighteen Landings, etc. Touring this part, one has greatest fun out of climbing on foot. Amidst scenes echoing nature and human creation, one really experiences the masculine magnificence of Mt. Taishan. One would also learn about what the strongest will power is in climbing the painstaking Eighteen Landings.

By westbound bus 3 or a taxi at the railway station, one gets to Dazhong Bridge stop to begin the west route tour.

The west route tour area is also called spacious area of Mt. Taishan, which covers the parts from the west dale mouth up to Mid-heaven Gate. By the newly built high standard travel highway, one takes a bus upstream along the Yellow Stream River to Mid-heaven gate. The sightseeing bus costs 13 yuan a person; the mountain admission 60 yuan a person; cable uphill 50 yuan and downhill 40 yuan a person. There is also a alley near the highway by which one may climb the steps uphill to Mid-heaven Gate. This part of tour area in remarkable for the ups-and-downs of ridges and peaks, deep and long valleys, quiet pond water and flying waterfalls, luxuriating woods and spacious landscapes. Xu Yan of Yuan dynasty wrote in his work Records on Cuimei Pavilion, "Mt. Taishan shows profoundness in its charm, which finds best presentation by the beautiful green West Stream." Wang Xu of Yuan dynasty expressed in his poem West Stream that "I love the West Stream to the extent that I visited the beauty frequently in whatever weather. The stream in mist shows its best charm with picturesque painted scenes all around." The features of the stream are well described by this poem. Major spots of interest include Tianwai Village, Longtan Reservoir, Jiandai Bridge, Xiangyou Bay, White Dragon Pool, Black Dragon Pond, Horsehoof Valley, Shuntian Bridge, Tongtian Bridge, Yellow Inkstone Hill, etc.

It costs 15 yuan a person to take a special tour bus at the railway station bound for the entrance to Peachblossom Valley. There is a road of about 10 kilometers to the scenic area. The cable to go uphill to the summit costs 50 yuan a person. Peachblossom Valley tour area is at the northwest foot of Mt. Taishan and is thus named for previous peach forest in the valley. As a newly cultivated tour area, it is noted for its piled strange-looking peaks, steep cliffs, deep forest, twisting gullies and spacious landscapes. The tour highway at the bottom of the valley is winding and meandering for 10 kilometers. On the way there are numerous ponds and waterfalls, streams gathering water from countless gullies ornamented with red flowers that fly like raindrops at the splash of water. So the valley is also called "Red Rain Valley" or "Red Flower Valley". In early spring, the bright red peachblossom fills the valley and covers the hills, forming a picture scroll against green mountains and flowing waters. Thus it is praised as "Fairy Land of Peach Garden". Zhang Zhichun of Yuan dynasty commented, " It looks as if the water falls from a heaven hole all the way down to the human world. I know it is not far from the fairy land for the water has drifting red flowers on it." Major spots of interest are Yuanjun Temple, Color Strip Stream, Fishing Platform, Threading Spring, Yuan Gem, Sea Eye, Yellow Rock, Old Dragon Bay, Parrot Cliff, Threading Heaven, Monkey Feared Gully, and Peachblossom Source, etc.

Also known as wonderful part of Mt. Taishan, it refers to an area of 0.6 square kilometer. After the exhausting climb of the 18 landings of steps, one enters South Heaven Gate into what is called the heavenly world. Here "the sun is nearer and clouds lower", and " everything around is at your feet except for the sky." Walking in this world of heaven with a full view of the summit, you could but appreciate the wonders of nature: the Sunrise View Peak in mist as if entirely imaginary, the Bixia Temple bathing in gold sunshine, the cloud-capped Yuhuang Summit, the confusing Wordless Stele. Everything here is filled with mysterious charm beyond description. Gathering natural landscapes and prime historic relics, Yuhuang Summit brings a climax to the tour of Mt. Taishan. Major spots of interest consist of South Heaven Gate, Heaven Street Gate, Heaven Street, White Cloud Cave, Sunrise View Peak, Sea Pointing Rock, Xianren Bridge, Zhanlu Platform, Yuhuang Temple, Inscription on Daguan Peak, Confucius Temple, Confucius Cliff, Qingdi Palace, Father-in-law Peak, Bixia Temple, etc. Also enjoyable on the summit is sunrise in the east, sunset glow, ribbon-shaped Yellow River in distance, rime fog, shining Beixia, jade plates in Cloud Sea.

As the abstruse part of Mt. Taishan and known as the first landscape at the mountain back, it covers the tour area around Houshiwu on the North Slope of the mountain. There is a cable connecting the summit with the winding stairways at Houshiwu, which charges 20 yuan a person. Here amazing peaks stand lofty; monster rocks show rugged bones; pines and cypresses present special charms; streams are murmuring; gullies are deep against steep cliffs; everything is quiet and abstruse. Threading around them is the "narrow meandering footpath" paved during the reign of Emperor Wanli in Qing dynasty. The further forward along the way, the more dangerous paths, the more strange mountains, the more wonderful landscapes, the more charming pine trees. Major spots of interest are composed of Riprap Gouge, Bichen Bridge, Eight Immortals Cave, Yellow Flower Shed, Tiankong Hill, Yuanjun Temple, Lingyi Fountain, Lotus Flower Cave, Virgin Study, Nine Dragon Hillock, Sister Pines, etc. Particularly remarkable are the pine trees in Houshiwu area. Some grow on the cliffs, some down in the deep valley, some lofty scraping the sky, some as if flying in the air. All kinds of strange looks inspire humor and wit among visitors. In breeze, billows are echoing down the valley. There is an ancient poem describing the scene: "Everything lies in shade of pine trees, amidst which are paths leading into profoundness of forest. The morning mist blurs the view of clear water in the streams, which mirror the blue sky in murmuring night. Redness colors the cliff, calling for herb picking, and sounds from stone caves remind of ringing music instrument. Fortunate are earthly ears that catch the holy music of ancient past." This is really a good rendering of scenes of transcendence and freedom from vulgarity.

Also refereed to as the beautiful part of Mt. Taishan, it is the area from Wangmu Pool at the south foot of the mountain eastward to Cherry Garden where the scenery is bright and beautiful. As a place merging the urban city of Tai'an, the hillside slope has a circle road round the mountain from east to west with convenient transportation like taxis. Here one finds quiet surroundings with mild weather and beautiful scenery. Dotted and shaded are historic spots of interest in pine trees and cypresses. Major sites for sightseeing are Wangmu Pool, Laojuntang Site, Jinshan Public Park, Fan Mingshu Tomb, Puzhao Temple (in it is General Feng Yuxiang Memorial Hall), Stone Hall Site, Martyr Temple, Monument for Luanzhou Uprising, Sanyangguan, Five Scholar Temple Site, Xixin Pavilion, Sleeping Elephant Rock, General Feng Yuxiang Tomb, Dazhong Bridge, Cherry Garden, etc.

Since it is 11 kilometers away to the entrance of Heaven Candle Peak Tour Area, one may take a bus at Twain Dragon Pool in urban area. It is situated at the northeast foot of Mt. Taishan, an area noted for its quietness and profoundness in scenery, a place full of unearthly interest. With the blue sky higher up, mountains hollow and vast, pine trees billows audible now and then, it is where visitors enjoy historic culture and seek for self-inspiration. The ticket costs 25 yuan a person. The twisting and winding paths lead all the way up to the summit. On the way are such spots of interest as Immortal Crane Bay, Three Pile Waterfall, Carp Back Ridge, Heaven View Gate, Huashan Pine Forest, Great Heaven Candle Peak, Little Heaven Candle Peak, General Hill, Arhat Peak, etc.

It refers to the area between Black Dragon Pond at Yuxi Stream to Aolai Peak. Bus 3 or taxis from the railway station will take visitors to Dazhong Bridge where the tour of Aolai Peak begins. In this part of Mt.Taishan, there are twisting and meandering stairways up the mountain, clear springs in odd rocks, quiet flowing streams against huge hills and charming landscapes beyond words. Major spots of interest include Huangxi River, Black Dragon Pond, Stone Pavilion at the West Stream, Longevity Bridge, Bamboo Forest Temple Site, Wuji Temple, Yuanshitianzun Temple, Oracle Cave, Dimu Palace, Phoebus Temple, Moon Spring, site of Tiansheng Village, Fan Cliff, Aolai Peak, Nine Lady Village, etc. As a best known spot of interest at Xixi Stream, Black Dragon Pond boasts its "dragon down the fall" at wet summer time when there is abundant rainfall. Longevity Bridge, crossing Xixi Stream, looks like a rainbow over the water. Fan Cliff, shaped like a fan, stands lofty and steep as if it were a huge "cacti" in front of the visitors. Aolai Peak, the highest one at Xixi Stream area, has its image mirrored in the Dragon Pond Reservoir on a sunny day.

Situated in Wande township, Changqing county, Jinan, 8 kilometers from 104 State Highway, the Lingyan Temple Travel Resort is to the south of Jinan and north of Taishan. As a state key point of interest and Buddhism Holy Land, it covers 50 square kilometers and is world famous for its long religious history and profound cultural connotations. There is saying "the visit to Mt. Taishan is incomplete without paying homage to Linyan Temple."

As the first of the oldest temples in China, its early construction was in Dongjin dynasty, its growth in Beiwei dynasty and its prosperity in Tang and Song dynasties. The resort is noted for its amazing peaks and ridges, charming and gentle scenery, secluded quietness, and elegant rocks and natural springs. Embraced in mountains, the remote profoundness is strongly felt. Of special taste are the pine trees at mountain summit, thousand-year-old quandongs, Longgong rock, "Mirror Revealing the Spring Dawn", "Accumulated Greenness in the Square Mountain", and "Snow on a Clear Day". Inside the temple courtyard are green old trees, strange-looking rocks, lofty and steep halls. The deep caves, twisting streams, and ancient temples amidst green hills form a moving and magnificent scene. Among dozens of spots of interest, the well known is Thousand Buddha Hall, Gravestone Forest, Bizhi Tower, Daxongbaodian Temple, etc. Most attractive of all are the forty color clay statues of Arthat in Thousand-Buddha Temple, winning applause from every visitor. Many celebrities left comments on them. Liang Qichao praised it as " first eminent statues in China". Liu Haisu, a great master of art, said, "Statues at Linyan is number one on earth for their lifelikeness with flesh and blood." Many of the ancient relics carry with them moving legends. For example, the foundation stone of Bizhi Tower has basso-relievo of "lotus in hell", "last half nunnery of Molefu", reflecting political life of King Ayu.

Many travelers dream of seeing with their own eyes the sunrise scene on top of Taishan. The climbing stairways of the middle route is lit with old-time street lamps, which at night look like a heavenly river meandering from the summit to the foot of the mountain. They facilitate the night climbers while creating a unique scene for Mt. Taishan at night. Since the temperature between the summit and the foot varies as much as 5 to 9 degrees, travelers to see sunrise at the summit should be cautious against the change. The hotels on the way have heavy clothes put out to lease for 2 to 10 yuan so as to ensure their viewing in comfortable mood.

The grand ceremony of worship of heaven on Mt.Taishan to pray and say thanks for peace and prosperity

It is a special cultural phenomenon at Mt.Taishan among many famous mountains in China. After an emperor ascended the throng, he took with him civilian and military officials to Mt. Taishan to build an altar to pray to heaven, showing that whatever he achieved owed to heaven. Then he came down to another altar on the hill in front of Taishan to pray to the earth. These ceremonies originated in worship for nature in ancient civilization. As time went on, this ceremony changed into a symbol of "monarch's power endowed by the heaven", serving to reinforce the reign of rulers of past dynasties. Among emperors of past dynasties holding such ceremonies are Yingzheng, first emperor of Qin dynasty, Li Che of Han dynasty, Liu Xiu of Han dynasty, Li Zhi of Tang dynasty, Li Longji of Tang dynasty, Zhao Heng of Song dynasty. Since Song dynasty, emperors didn't come to top of Mt. Tai for the ceremony. Instead, they came here to offer sacrifice. For this purpose, Emperor Kangxi and Qianlong came to Mt. Taishan. The latter even came eleven times. Nowadays when Tai'an city holds international mountaineering festival every September, grand performance is put on to imitate the past ceremonies.

The saying goes that "Officials are found in Jinan and deities in Tai'an". Mt. Taishan gestated many immortal beings such as the well-known East Mountain God, Bixiayuanjun Goddess and Taishan Shigan. East Mountain God is in fact God of Mt. Taishan, a direct product of emperors paying homage to Mt. Taishan. Its status reached highest degree by Tang dynasty. Ever since Qin dynasty, it has been known as so powerful a god that its boundless power controlled not only the subrogation of dynasties, but also the peace and prosperity of a country. Even the death, life, happiness and disaster of ordinary people fell in its hand. Since Song dynasty, Bixia goddess gradually replaced God of Mt. Taishan as the most powerful immortal. She lived high up in Bixia Temple on the mountain. She at first was in charge of sons and heirs. Then her power included control of weal and woe, poverty and wealth. She could cure people of illness and get rid of disasters at the petition of her disciples. Her powerfulness drew numerous men and women from thousand miles away to pray and pilgrimage in her front. God Shigandang is a courageous and mighty immortal who functions to guard against evil spirits and prevent disasters. Since Tang and Song dynasties, people liked to place at such key positions as house roofs and bridges a piece of stone inscribed with "God Shigandang of Mt. Taishan" for sake of peace and safety. This custom is found far and wide not only in China, but also in Southeast Asia, Korea and Japan.

Taishan has transportation systems extending in all directions. The south-north artery of Beijing-Shanghai railway and Tianjin-Pukou railway goes through the city. There are also four state highways and twelve provincial highways in the city area. Swift transportation is provided by buses and trains. One can go to Jinan, the capital of the province by air and then go by either bus or train for an hour before arriving in Taishan. The transportation within the tour area is equally convenient, for travelers may choose from the three routes. One way is to go climbing from Red Gate up to Mid-heaven Gate. Another is to take a sightseeing bus at Tianwai Village to Mid-heaven Gate, where either cable or walk will lead up to the summit. The third is to take a sightseeing bus to Peachblossom Valley where a cable goes to the summit.

Because Mt. Taishan merges well with the city proper, there has formed a complete travel service system both in the mountain and in the city. There are seven star-leveled hotels in the city in addition to fourteen hotels appointed as foreign-oriented services and three hundred moderately charged or inexpensive inns and restaurants. On top of the mountain, there are two star-leveled Shentian Hotel, Xianju Hotel and a dozen of inexpensive ones with rooms ranging from 800 yuan to 1000 yuan per night. In the Heaven Street on the summit are snacks and shops. At the foot there are four appointed stores serving foreign guests who may purchase at any time what they need or like among the souvenirs. Among the rich products from Mt. Taishan, numerous are local specialties such as Taishan chestnut, walnut, apple, Taishan glossy ganoderma, Heshouwu, pangolin, Taishan ginseng, haw, peanut, etc. What is special is Taishan Red-squama Fish, served as articles of tribute in Qing dynasty, and is one of five rare precious fishes. The local dishes include Taishan battercake, Taishan bean curd, Taishan herb food, and Taishan bean curd feast, etc.

Sunrise Timetable

January - June
	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May	Jun.
1st	07:15	07:05	06:34	05:49	05:09	04:45
11th	07:15	06:55	06:20	05:35	04:59	04:43
21st	07:11	06:44	06:05	05:21	04:51	04:43
July - December
	July	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
1st	04:47	05:07	05:33	05:57	06:25	06:55
11th	04:52	05:16	05:41	06:05	06:35	07:04
21st	04:59	05:24	05:49	06:15	06:46	07:11

Cable Car of Middle Gate to Heaven
16th Apr. to 15th Oct. 6:30am--18:30pm
16th Oct. to 15th Apr. 7:30am--17:30pm

Cablr Car of Peach Blossom Basin
16th Apr. to 15th Oct. 7:30am--17:30pm
16th Oct. to 15th Apr. 8:00am--17:00pm

Cable Car of Rear Rock Basin
   Apr. to Oct. 8:30am--16:00pm
   Nov. to Mar. No working

Ticket for single train: RMB20.00
Ticket for down train: RMB20.00

Notice:
1.The time for one-trip cable car will be 8to 15 minutes;
2.The working hour will be last longer when meet large festivals ;
3.The Cable Car would not work when storm or thunder comes;
4.Please booking in advance when a large group come (tel: +86 538 8222606);
5.The child under 1.3meters can take it free.

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