Climbing Mount Taishan: A Soulful Journey Through the Mountains

Prior Preparations • Documents: Bring valid IDs such as your passport, ID card, and student ID for ticket purchase and verification. • Clothing: Temperatures at the summit of Mount Taishan are low, so even in summer, pack long pants, long sleeves, a down jacket, or a thick coat. You can also rent military coats near Nantianmen. • Items: Prepare hiking poles, a flashlight, a power bank, a selfie stick, sunglasses, and a raincoat. A flashlight is essential if climbing at night. • Food and water: Bring high-energy foods like chocolate and beef jerky. Only a moderate amount of water is needed as there are shops selling supplies along the way. Climbing Route Options • Red Gate Hiking Route: Red Gate - Zhongtianmen - Eighteen Turns - Daiding. This is the most classic route and the imperial climbing path used by emperors throughout history. There are over 600 historical sites along the way. The entire route is 9.5 km with about 7,000 stone steps, requiring good physical strength. It is suitable for those in good shape and climbing Mount Taishan for the first time. • Tianwaicun Cable Car Route: Tianwaicun - Zhongtianmen - Eighteen Turns - Daiding. This is the most time-saving and labor-saving route. The journey is divided into two sections: the first half by tourist bus to Zhongtianmen, and the second half on foot or by cable car to the summit. Suitable for families with elderly people or children, or those with limited time. • Tianzhufeng Hiking Route: Tianzhufeng - Daiding. This route is full of wild mountain scenery, allowing you to enjoy natural landscapes such as peaks, strange rocks, and clear springs. Reaching the summit takes about 3-4 hours. Suitable for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, tourist service facilities are limited along the way, so bring your own food and water. • Taohuayu Cable Car Route: Taohuayu - Daiding. This is the most romantic climbing route. The scenery is stunning in spring when the peach blossoms are in full bloom. Take a tourist bus from Taohuayu to Taohuayuan, then transfer to the cable car to Daiding. Suitable for spring and summer visits. Must-See Attractions • Dai Temple: Located at the foot of the mountain, it is one of the four major ancient architectural complexes in China, along with the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Chengde Mountain Resort, and the Confucius Temple in Qufu. It was once the place where ancient emperors held sacrificial ceremonies. The Tiankuang Hall houses a giant Song Dynasty mural, "The Imperial Procession of Mount Taishan," which is worth seeing. • Zhongtianmen: Located halfway up the mountain, it is the intersection of the east and west climbing routes of Mount Taishan. There are many shops and rest areas here where you can replenish energy and rest. • Eighteen Turns: This is the most challenging section of Mount Taishan, with over 1,600 stone steps. The cliffs on both sides are steep, and at the end is Nantianmen. Pay attention to safety when climbing. • Nantianmen: Located at the end of the Eighteen Turns, it resembles the gate of heaven and is the top of the climbing path. Looking up from below, it looks like a celestial palace. • Jade Emperor Peak: This is the highest peak of Mount Taishan, named after the Jade Emperor Temple on its summit. It is the highest point of Mount Taishan, known as the "Number One Mountain Peak in the World," and is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise. Watching the Sunrise The sunrise at Mount Taishan is a must-see. Check the sunrise time for the day in advance...