Only after climbing Mount Tai can one truly understand the weight of the "First of the Five Great Mountains."
Climbing from the foot of the mountain, the stone steps wind upward into the clouds, each step a journey through history—the Northern Qi Dynasty stone carvings in Jingshiyu are stained with time, the steep cliffs of Eighteen Bends carry the sound of wind, and the mist of Shengxianfang seems to echo the chants of ancient people. The mountain may not be high, but its richness is imbued with the interweaving of humanity and nature: cliff carvings are everywhere, their seal, clerical, and running scripts conveying centuries of admiration; the Welcoming Pine trees take root in the rock crevices, their branches stretching out like welcoming arms.
The most unforgettable moment is reaching the summit. If you catch sunrise, a sea of clouds billows beneath your feet. As the morning sun breaks through the mist, the entire mountain is bathed in a golden crimson, leaving only awe between heaven and earth. Even if clear skies are unavailable, Mount Tai appears even more imposing in the mist, with the inscriptions on Jade Emperor Peak looming through the water vapor, adding a touch of the heroic spirit of "I will reach the summit."
Looking back down the mountain, it's still the same mountain, but it feels like reading a thick book. It's not only steep, but also contains stories deposited in the stone steps, plants, clouds and mist, making you feel that the trip is worth it.