Mount Taishan is the most famous sacred mountain of China, with exceptional historic, cultural, aesthetic and scientific value. Settled by humans as early as the Neolithic (a Dawenkou site is nearby), the mountain has been worshipped continuously throughout the last three millennia. A large and impressive rock mass covering 25,000 ha and rising to 1,545 m above the surrounding plateau, Mount Taishan is considered one of the most beautiful scenic spots in China and was an important cradle of oriental East Asian culture since the earliest times. The mountain was an important object of the cult worship of mountains even before 219 BCE, when the Qin Emperor, Huang Di, paid tribute to the mountain in the Fengshan sacrifices to inform the gods of his success in unifying all of China. On the mountain there are 12 historically recorded imperial ceremonies in homage to Heaven and Earth, about 1,800 stone tablets and inscriptions, and 22 temples, which together make Mount Taishan the most important monument in China, a world-renowned treasure house of history and culture.
The key monument, the Temple to the God of Taishan, contains the Taoist masterpiece painting of 1,009 CE “The God of Taishan Making a Journey”. Inscriptions include the Han Dynasty stelae of Zhang Qian, Heng Fang and Madam Jin Sun; the Valley of Inscribed Buddhist Scriptures inscribed in the Northern Qi Dynasty; the Eulogium on Taishan by Tang Xuanzong, and the Parallel Stelae of the Tang Dynasty. There is also a number of ancient and significant trees, including six cypresses of the Han Dynasty planted 2,100 years ago; Sophora japonica of the Tang Dynasty planted 1,300 years ago, and the Guest-Greeting Pine and the Five-Bureaucrat Pine, both of which were planted some 500 years ago. All the architectural elements, paintings, in situ sculptures, stone inscriptions and ancient trees are integrated into the landscape of...
Read moreDuring my recent trip to China, I had the opportunity to visit Taishan Mountain, one of the tallest and most significant mountains in the country. The journey to the top was both challenging and exhilarating. I started my ascent in the early hours of the morning, determined to reach the summit in time to witness the sunrise. The climb was steep and demanding, but the anticipation of the view kept me going.
As I reached the peak, I was greeted with the most breathtaking view I have ever seen. The sun slowly rose over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The sky was painted with vibrant hues of orange and pink, and the entire scene felt almost surreal. It was a moment of pure tranquility and awe.
In addition to the stunning sunrise, Taishan Mountain is rich in cultural and historical significance. The pathways are lined with ancient inscriptions and temples, each telling a story of the mountain's past. I took my time exploring these sites, immersing myself in the history and spirituality of the place.
Overall, my visit to Taishan Mountain was an unforgettable experience. The combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and cultural richness made it a truly unique adventure. I highly recommend anyone traveling to China to include Taishan Mountain in their itinerary. Witnessing the sunrise from the summit is a memory that will stay with...
Read moreTaishan Mountain in China is one of the tallest and most significant mountains in the country. The journey to the top is both challenging and exhilarating. Many travelers begin their ascent in the early hours of the morning to reach the summit in time to witness the sunrise. The climb is steep and demanding, but the anticipation of the view ahead keeps them going.
Upon reaching the peak, visitors are greeted with one of the most breathtaking views imaginable. As the sun slowly rises over the horizon, it casts a golden glow over the landscape. The sky is painted with vibrant hues of orange and pink, creating a scene that feels almost surreal. It is a moment of pure tranquility and awe.
Beyond the stunning sunrise, Taishan Mountain holds great cultural and historical significance. The pathways are lined with ancient inscriptions and temples, each telling a story of the mountain's rich past. Visitors often take time to explore these sites, immersing themselves in the history and spirituality of the place.
Overall, a visit to Taishan Mountain is an unforgettable experience. The combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and cultural richness makes it a truly unique adventure. For anyone traveling to China, including Taishan Mountain in their itinerary is highly recommended. Witnessing the sunrise from the summit is a memory that will...
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