Taishan Mountain

Mount Taishan
 Taishan Mountain Pictures
The leader of the 'Five Sacred Mountains', Taishan Mountain is located in the center of Shandong Province, lying across the cities of Tai'an, Jinan and Zibo. Its main peak, Jade Emperor Summit, which is within Tai'an City, is about 1532.7 meters (5,029 feet) high.

The mountain was once called Mt. Daishan, Mt. Daizong or Mt. Taiyue and was renamed Mt. Taishan in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC). It epitomizes splendid Chinese culture and was listed in the World Natural and Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO in 1987.

In ancient times, the first thing for an emperor to do on ascending to the throne was to climb Taishan and pray to heaven and earth or their ancestors. It was said that 72 emperors of different dynasties made pilgrimages here. These special ceremonies and sacrifices earned the mountain widespread fame. In addition, many poets and literary scholars also visited the mountain to gain inspiration. The grandiose temples, the numerous stone inscriptions and stone tablets are the best testaments to these visits. Mount Tai also played an important role in the development of Buddhism and Taoism.


Taishan Mountain is a natural The stone carvings on Mount Taishanmuseum abounding with cultural relics and artworks. Heavenly Queen Pool, Red Gate Palace, Mid-Heaven Gate, Azure Cloud Temple are powerful examples. Stone carvings include the Buddhist Diamond Sutra in Jing Shi Valley, the Scripture of Taishan Mountain and the Mo Ya Tablet.

Besides historic relics, this mountain boasts unique natural scenery too. The lofty peaks, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls, enchanting rocks and the centuries-old pines and cypresses will undoubtedly encourage you linger with no thought of leaving. The four wonders here are Sunrises from the East, the Sunset Glow, the Sea of Clouds and the Golden Belt along the Yellow River. It would be a great pity to miss the four wonders.

There are four ascents here.
 

East Route

This route is considered to be the ImperialThe steep stairs, Mount Taishan Route because the emperors all took this way to make sacrifices. With elegant natural scenery, palaces, stone inscriptions are also scattered along the winding path. You set off from Dai Temple, and then you will see Dai Zong Archway, Red Gate Palace, Jing Shi Valley, Hu Tian Pavilion and Eighteen Bends, etc. Dai Temple is the place where emperors stayed and offered their sacrifices. The temple was built in the Han Dynasty and expanded in the Tang and Song Dynasties. After several renovations, it has become the biggest and most complete temple on the Mount Tai.

There are 6000-plus steps along this route and it takes about four hours at an average to reach the peak. This classical route is an ideal choice for most people.
 

West Route

The west route is made up of two parts. The first part is the highroad from the Heaven and Earth Square to Mid-heaven Gate. The other part is the cable way from Mid-heaven Gate to the top of the mountain. This route is well equipped with modern facilities and is the most fashionable way to reach Jade Emperor Summit. Attractions concentrated on this route are Heaven and Earth Square, Black Dragon Pool, Tomb of General Feng Yuxiang and Longevity Bridge, etc.
 

Peach Blossom Ravine Route

This route is the most convenThe peak of Mount Taiient way to climb the mountain, especially for tourists who drive or take a bus from northern places. Peach Blossom Ravine can be accessed by taking the No.104 national highway, then setting off from the big parking lot by bus to the cable-car stop. From there you reach the top in a few minutes. The ropeway is designed for sightseeing from the air giving a clear view.

The best time to take this route is in spring and summer. The flourishing peach blossom, falling petals and limpid steams will make you feel like you are in heaven.
 

Tianzhu Peak Route

Just as its name implies, Tianzhu Peak was named because it is shaped like a candle, with a pine tree standing on top like a flame. This route is the most rugged one and is suitable for the adventurous. You will enjoy General Peak, Eight Immortals Cave, Big Tianzhu Peak and Small Tianzhu Peak, etc. It is also a better way to appreciate the pine trees in Hou Shi Wu (a spot where most of the old pine trees are growing).

Taishan Mountain is a perfect combination of natural scenery and cultural relics and is well worth visiting.
 

How to Travel from Taishan Railway Station to Taishan Mountain

1. Take Tourist Line 5 from the railway station to Hongmen or Tianwai Village. Hongmen is the starting point of hiking route, while Tianwai Village is where to take a sightseeing bus to Mid Heaven Gate (Zhongtianmen).
2. Take bus 39 (North Ring Line) to get to Tianwai Village Square.
3. Taxi: After arriving at Taishan Railway Station, take a taxi to Hongmen directly. The cab fare is around CNY 15.
 

How to Travel From Tai'an Railway Station to Mount Tai


1. If you arrive at Tai’an Railway Station, then you need to transfer to Tourist Bus Line 1, 2, or 3 to Tianwai Village.
2. If by taxi, the cost to Tianwai Village is CNY 35-45.
 

How to Travel from Tai'an City to Taishan Mountain

Take bus 2, 3 (West Ring Line), 11, 14, 19, 37, 39 (North Ring Line), 39 (East Ring Line), 45, 49, 67, Tourist Line 1, 3 or 5.
 

How to Travel from Jinan to Mount Tai

1. Take a train from Jinan Railway Station to Taishan Railway Station first. The duration is around an hour. Then change to Tourist Line 5 to Hongmen or Tianwai Village, or transfer to bus 39 (North Ring Line) to arrive at Tianwai Village.
2. Take a coach from Jinan General Bus Station to Tai’an Bus Station first. Then take bus no. 14, 11 or 37 to Hongmen, or take bus no. 68 to Tianwai Village.
 

Taishan Mountain Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

Through Ticket Enter from Tianwai Village CNY115
Enter from Hongmen
Enter from Peach Blossom Ravine
Independent Dai Temple Ticket CNY 20
Opening Hours From Tianwai Village by bus 06:00 - 21:00
From Hongmen by foot 05:00 - 24:00
From Peach Blossom Ravine by bus 08:00 - 17:00
From Peach Blossom Ravine by foot 08:00 - 16:00

 Notes:
1. The through ticket contains entrance tickets for Dai Temple, Mount Taishan, Dai Temple, Red Gate Palace, Heavenly Queen Pool, Jade Spring Temple and Puzhao Temple. And it is valid for three consecutive days.
2. Free for children under 1.4 meters (4.2 feet) or 6 years old; Children between 6 and 18 years old can buy half price ticket.
3. Seniors elder than 60 years old can enjoy free entrance tickets with a valid ID or passport. 
 

Taishan Cable Car Fee

Cable Cars Fee Operation Hours
Mid Heaven Gate (Zhongtianmen) Cable Car CNY 100 for a one-way trip
Children taller than 3.9ft (1.2m) should buy a full ticket.
April 1 to October 31: 07:00 to 17:30;
November 1 to March 31: 07:30 to 17:00.
Taohuayuan Cable Car CNY 100 for a one-way trip
Children taller than 3.9ft (1.2m) should buy a full ticket.
April 1 to October 31: 08:00 to 17:00;
November 1 to March 31: 08:00 to 16:30.
Houshiwu Cable Car CNY 20 for a one-way trip
Children taller than 3.9ft (1.2m) should buy a full ticket.
pril 1 to October 31: 08:30 to 16:00;
and closed from November 1 to March 31.
 

Sightseeing Buses

Lines Fee Operation Hours
Tianwai Village - Mid Heaven Gate CNY 35 for a one-way trip 05:30 - 21:00
Peach Blossom Ravine - Taohuayuan 08:00 - 21:00

 

Sunrise Timetable

January- June
         Month
  Day
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
         Month
  Day
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
21dt 04:59 05:24 05:49 06:15 06:46 07:11

 China Sightseeing Tours to Top 6 Attractions on CNY Banknotes

 Recommended Mt. Taishan Tour:
Jinan - Qufu - Mt. Tai: 3 days Shandong tour from Jinan to the hometown of Confucius and Mt. Tai

- Last updated on Jul. 24, 2024 by Catherine He -
Questions & Answers on Taishan Mountain
Asked by Winnie from MALAYSIA | Oct. 10, 2019 00:10Reply
Will there be snow in Taishan Mountain end of December ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jack from GERMANY | Oct. 11, 2019 00:17
00Reply


Generally speaking, you can see the snow-covered landscape at end of December.
Asked by Bernice from SINGAPORE | Jul. 22, 2019 21:51Reply
TaiShan train and senior entrance fee
1) Is there a new train station "TaiShan" which can be taken in Jinan?
2) Is free entrance fee to TaiShan entitled for non-local seniors?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lily from USA | Jul. 23, 2019 02:17
00Reply


1. Yes, it is. It takes about 20 mins and costs about CNY30-90.
2. Yes, non-local seniors above 60 can also enjoy the policy.
Asked by Sunny from SINGAPORE | Apr. 08, 2019 04:07Reply
Left-luggage service is available at which entrance of Taishan Mountain Area?
for how long, and costs how much?
Answers (1)
Answered by Henry from USA | Apr. 08, 2019 23:35
00Reply


Near the Red Gate of the mountain area, there are some private left-luggage services and it costs about CNY10-30 per day according to different sizes. You can also left luggage in the tourist center but I'm not very clear the cost.
Asked by Stephanie Bejarano from USA | Nov. 15, 2018 06:39Reply
Are there storage lockers near the gates of Taishan Mountain?
Answers (1)
Answered by Fabian from AUSTRALIA | Nov. 15, 2018 22:38
00Reply


There is no storage lockers but some privates shops or left-luggage points at the entrance of the scenic area.
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