At 1,545 meters high, Mount Tai Shan is not the tallest but the most significant of China's five sacred Daoist mountains. It is considered the cradle of Daoism, the oldest spiritual tradition in China. According to ancient Chinese cosmology, which depicted the Middle Kingdom as a square, Tai Shan was positioned as the eastern cornerstone.
Despite its moderate height, ancient China revered Tai Shan as the highest peak on earth, where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven and earth. However, only six emperors ascended the mountain.
To reach the summit of Tai Shan, visitors can ascend the 6,293 steps, covering a vertical distance of 1,350 meters. Each section of stairs between gates and pavilions bears its own distinctive name. Along the way, there are various gates, palaces, bridges, and halls. Ancient stone tablets line the path, inscribed with imperial prayers.
Alternatively, a more comfortable option is taking a cable car that ascends near the summit. Numerous buildings, palaces, and even mountain hotels offer places to rest and explore on the mountain.
In 1987, Mount Tai Shan was designated a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
