Be enthralled with the natural museum that is Taishan Mountain. Have your fill of fantastic artwork and cultural relics that await you in this mountain, the leader of the so-called Five Sacred Mountains. Taishan Mountain sits majestically at the heart of Shandong Province in China, across the cities of Zibo, Tai'an and Jinan. On the north, you will find the Yellow River (the Yangtze) and on the east, the sea.
Mt. Taishan is the emperor's first stop upon his ascension to the throne. There, the new emperor beseeches his ancestors or heaven and earth to look down upon him and bless his reign with abundance. In all, over 70 emperors from different dynasties have made the trek to Taishan Mountain to perform the ceremony. Mount Taishan is considered a holy mountain and has made a great contribution to the development and establishment of Taosim and Buddhism.
Mont Taishan also gained its current prestige when scholars and poets would likewise visit the mountain to gain some inspiration. As a result, you will be delighted to see magnificent temples. You will also see stone inscriptions and tablets (such as the Scripture of Mt. Tai, the Buddhist Diamond Sutra, the Wordless stone tablet and the Mo Ya tablet) along the way.
What's more, Taishan Mountain beguilingly mixes these cultural gems with unique natural scenery. It is virtually paradise! The mountain boasts of four wonders: the Golden Belt along the Yellow River, the Sun Rises from the East, the Sea of Clouds and the Sunset Glow. Here, you can climb any of its 72 peaks, take a dip underneath awe-inspiring waterfalls, pose beneath towering centuries-old cypresses and pines, deep valleys and soaring peaks.
To ascend up to Jade Emperor peak, you can choose from any of the four options, each having its own set of attractions.
The East Route was the route that emperors took so that they can perform their ceremonies. The route is thus called the Imperial Route. The route has 6,000 steps that lead to the peak. You will start from the Dai Temple, which is the largest and most complete temple in Taishan Mountain. Along the way, you will find the Red Gate Palace, Hu Tian Pavilion, Dai Zong Archway, Jing Shi Valley and Eighteen Bands.
If you want an easier and more modern route, take the West Route, which is composed of highroad (from Heaven and Earth Square up to Mid-heaven Gate) and cable cars (to go up to the peak). Here you can find the Tomb of General Feng Yuxiang, Heaven and Earth Square, Longevity Bridge and Black Dragon Pool.
For the adventurous, the Tianzhu Peak Route is the way to go. Tianzhu is shaped like a candle. Climbing up this route, you will be able to enjoy the Eight Immortals Cave, the Big and Small Tianzhu Peaks and General Peak. This is also where a forest of old pine trees can be found. You can also use the Peach Blossom Ravine Route, which is by far the most convenient. You can ride the bus to the cable-car stop. Come summer or spring, you will be treated with the breathtaking view of peach blossoms in full bloom.
Because of its treasures, Taishan Mountain is included in UNESCO's World Natural and Cultural Heritage List. Climb atop what is hailed 'the most sublime' of the five sacred mountains and be captivated with the beauty and charm that has held many poets, romantics and religious in thrall.