Mount Tai​​

​1. Overview​​
Mount Tai (Taishan) is China's most revered sacred mountain, symbolizing stability and imperial power for over 3,000 years. Located in Tai'an, Shandong, it spans 426 km² and integrates ​​natural wonders​​ (e.g., sea of clouds, granite cliffs) with ​​human heritage​​ (e.g., 2,200+ stone inscriptions, 20+ ancient temples).

​​2. Natural Highlights​​

• ​​Peaks & Geology​​: The summit, ​​Jade Emperor Peak (1,545m)​​, offers panoramic views. Unique ​​Komatiite rocks​​ and ​​Zuixin Stone​​ reveal 2.8-billion-year-old geological history.
• ​​Four Wonders​​:
  • Sunrise at Dawn Pavilion
  • Sea of Clouds (resembling jade plates)
  • Bixia Temple Aura (optical phenomenon)
  • Rosy Sunset Glow.
• ​​Flora & Fauna​​: Home to 1,200+ plant species and ancient trees like ​​Han Dynasty cypresses (1,800+ years old)​​.

​​3. Cultural Significance​​

• ​​Imperial Worship​​: Over 72 emperors (e.g., Qin Shi Huang) held ​​Fengshan Sacrifices​​ here to legitimize their rule.
• ​​Religious Harmony​​: Blends ​​Confucianism​​ (Dai Temple), ​​Taoism​​ (Bixia Temple), and ​​Buddhism​​ (Puzhao Temple).
• ​​Art & Literature​​: Features ​​Diamond Sutra inscriptions​​ (largest cliff carvings in China) and inspired poets like Du Fu.

​​4. Key Attractions​​

• ​​Dai Temple​​: A mini-Forbidden City with 150+ halls, built in Han Dynasty (202 BCE).
• ​​18-Mountain Path​​: 7,000+ stone steps pass landmarks like ​​Mid-Heaven Gate​​ and ​​South Heaven Gate​​.
• ​​Bixia Temple​​: Taoist shrine dedicated to the "Goddess of Mount Tai".

​​5. Visitor Information​​

• ​​Best Time​​: February–November (avoid winter ice).
• ​​Tickets​​: ¥125 (peak season), ¥100 (off-season).
• ​​Routes​​:
  • Classic Hike: Red Gate to Summit (4–6 hours).
  • Cable Car: From Zhongtianmen (¥100 round-trip).

​​6. Modern Recognition​​

• ​​UNESCO Dual Heritage​​ (1987) for nature and culture.
• ​​World Geopark​​ (2006) for its geological diversity.

​​7. Symbolism​​
Dubbed "As stable as Mount Tai", it embodies Chinese resilience and spiritual aspiration.