Sky Candle Peak

Sky Candle Peak is located on the southern cliff of Jiulonggang, where the two peaks, which are not far apart and face each other across a ravine, resemble giant candles and are known as Great Sky Candle Peak and Little Sky Candle Peak, respectively. Nearby is the place to admire ancient pines on Mount Tai. The Houshi Dock Ancient Pine Garden is located here, along with three pools of clear water. To the south is Jianchi Pool, legendarily the place where Yuanjun washed her hair and looked at her reflection, also known as the Jade Maiden's Washbasin; to the north is Phoenix Pool; and to the northeast is Yinhu Pool. Below Great Sky Candle Peak is Xili Valley, where legend says a witch sat in meditation until death, also known as Fengmo Creek, which features the Sky Candle Waterfall. Little Sky Candle Peak is a solitary, pillar-shaped peak that rises abruptly from the valley floor, towering like a candle. The sturdy pine at the peak resembles a burning candle flame, hence it is called the Candle Flame Pine. To the east of Little Sky Candle Peak is another pillar-shaped peak, which is more majestic and thicker than Little Sky Candle Peak. This is Great Sky Candle Peak. Below Little Sky Candle Peak is a bay called Crane Washing Pool, where cranes used to rest and play among the pines. Near the southwest of the two peaks, at the foot of Tiankong Mountain, is a complex of Taoist temples, including the Laojun Temple, Yuanjun Temple, Yuanjun Tomb, Lingyi Spring, Lotus Cave, and the Jade Maiden's Cultivation Site. The route from here to the Houshi Dock scenic area at the summit is an original and rustic hiking trail, as well as a route with a concentrated and beautiful natural landscape. Here, the peaks are steep, the valleys are deep, and strange pines and rocks are everywhere. Mountain springs, streams, and waterfalls can be seen everywhere. Apart from the mountain climbing paths, there are few traces of human construction. It was once rarely visited and is full of natural, primitive charm. Its beautiful natural scenery rivals that of Huangshan and Zhangjiajie, so people call it the secluded area of Mount Tai. Visitors feel as if they are in a painting, so it is also known as the Ten-Mile Gallery of Mount Tai, making it a route favored by adventure and independent travelers.