A Treasure Guide to Mount Tai

One-Day Essential Tour of Mount Tai (Concise and Efficient) [Itinerary] 6:30 AM: Depart from Hongmen - It is recommended to stay near Hongmen the night before and start your hike in the morning with light gear. - Tickets: CNY 115 (purchase in advance via mini-program) - Pass by Guandi Temple and Doumu Palace along the way, maintaining a steady pace to conserve energy. 9:00 AM: Arrive at Zhongtianmen (847m above sea level) - Take a 20-minute break at the rest stop and replenish with electrolyte drinks. - See the ancient cypress trees of the Han Dynasty and take your first panoramic photo of the sea of clouds. 11:30 AM: Conquer the Eighteen Bends - The 1,600+ steps are divided into three sections: Slow Eighteen → Leisurely Eighteen → Tight Eighteen - It is recommended to prepare knee pads and use the switchback climbing method. 1:00 PM: Lunch at Nantianmen - Quick meal at a Tianjie restaurant (budget: CNY 50/person) - Must-try: Taishan pancake roll with scallions (approx. CNY 10) 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Summit Loop 1. Jade Emperor Peak (1,545m): Take a photo with the "Dominating the Five Mountains" stone. 2. Bixia Temple: Ming Dynasty bronze tablet + thousand-year-old incense 3. Gongbei Stone: Geological wonder + sea of clouds viewing point 4. Tianjie: Buy cultural and creative souvenirs (Shigandang ornaments CNY 25-50) 5:00 PM: Descend by cable car - Taohuayuan Cableway (CNY 100/person), closes at 5:30 PM - Transfer to the scenic area bus (CNY 35) to Tianwaicun [Useful Tips] ① Gear: Hiking stick (CNY 5 at the foot of the mountain), headlamp (spare), foldable raincoat ② Transportation: High-speed train to Tai'an Station → Scenic Area Shuttle Bus (Tour 1, CNY 5) ③ Hidden Route: Heilongtan Waterfall (a stop on the downhill bus route, you can stop for 15 minutes) ④ Off-Peak Tip: Wednesday/Thursday has 40% fewer tourists This route has been tested to take 9-10 hours and covers 83% of the core attractions, with moderate physical exertion. If you want to see the sunrise, you can split the trip into two days, stay at a hotel on the summit on the first day (book 15 days in advance), and go to Riguan Peak at 5:00 AM the next day to secure a spot.