Tai’an serves as a gateway to Mount Tai; an iconic peak in Shandong, China with a dazzling history of Imperial cult worship. Still cherished after thousands of years, Mount Tai makes Tai’an an essential stop for tourists.
One of China’s ‘Five Sacred Mountains’, Mount Tai is situated directly north of the city of Tai’an and comprised of several peaks. The tallest is Jade Emperor Peak, standing just over 5,000 feet. The many temples sprinkled across this collection of peaks have been receiving pilgrims for 3,000 years.
The greatest of these is Dai Miao. It’s located squarely in the city of Tai’an and covers a massive tract of land. Built in the Qing Dynasty, it wasn’t until the Han Dynasty (2nd century) that it appeared in its current form.
Beyond temple-hopping and exploring the other cultural relics in Tai’an, tourists can embark on hiking trips to explore the mountain. There are two popular ascent routes on the mountain, taking in different vistas at varying levels of difficulty. Even the easiest return routes take several hours to complete.
Getting There & Away
The closest airport is in Ji’nan transport hub, which can be reached by road (1 hour, 30 minutes) or rail (1 hour). The airport operates quick flights to Beijing (less than an hour) as well as other major cities in China. Otherwise, the train from Tai’an connects to Qingdao (5 hours) or Beijing (6 hours).
Things to Do
Tai’an Attractions
- Mount Tai
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An iconic chinese peak, this mountain has wrapped up in the local religious scene for millennia and continues to dominate the local culture.
- Dai Miao
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The largest temple in the region is a treasure trove of han dynasty artifacts and fixtures. other highlights include a bonsai garden and bronze pavilion.
- Taishan Arch
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This gateway marks the beginning of the east hiking route, a 7,000 step ascent that passes an impressive collection of sculptures, hewn rocks and cultural artifacts.