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Jade Emperor Peak, Mount Tai, Shandong Province. Photo by xiquinhosilva –

Top 10 Remarquable Facts About Mount Tai

Mount Tai (Taishan) is the Foremost of the Five Sacred Mountains, while actually, it’s not the highest one an altitude of only 1545 meters. It is listed as a world natural & cultural heritage site in 1987.

People named it “First Mountain under Heaven” because of traditional religion dating back to ancient emperors, like Qinshihuang-the first emperor in China, Qian Long emperor of the Qing dynasty, etc. It was regarded as the symbol of power.

 Because of the various natural landscapes of Mount Tai, different seasons have their unique charm. Whether it is Mount Tai covered by spring rains and mists, under the shining sun in summer, covered with golden leaves in autumn, or covered with snow in winter, all people will linger.

1. Mount Tai is the leader of the five sacred mountains

Mount Tai cable car. Photo by xiquinhosilva –

In absolute terms Mount Tai can not be considered the highest of China’s mountains, but because it is close to the sea and rivers and rises abruptly from the relatively low rolling hills and Qilu plains.

 Its relative height is quite impressive, with an altitude difference of 1395 meters within nine kilometers.

Moreover, in Chinese culture, the east is regarded as a sacred direction, since it is where the sun and the moon rise. Therefore, Mount Tai is often regarded as the first of the Five Sacred Mountains. It is associated with sunrise, birth, and renewal.

2. Mount Tai is full of natural Beauty

Xianren Bridge, Mount Tai. Photo by kanegen –

Mount Tai boasts 156 peaks, among which Jade Emperor Peak, Heaven Candle Peak, and Sun Viewing Peak are the most famous. It has 138 cliffs, the highlight of which is Fan Cliff; 72 caves; 72 grotesque stones, among which the Immortal Bridge is the most distinctive.

 It lies in the zone of oriental deciduous forest, with about 80 percent of its area covered with vegetation. The flora is known to comprise almost 1,000 species.

3. The mountain has cultural and historic relics

Heaven Street, Mount Tai, Shandong Province Photo by xiquinhosilva –

The majesty of Mount Tai has profoundly moved many visitors in all periods of history: the emperors who claimed they were the sons of heaven, the proud high-ranking officials, brilliant poets, Buddhists, Taoists, and ordinary people too.

They left numerous cultural and historic relics. There are in total 2000 historical relics. There are 58 ancient building complexes, which are mainly in Ming and Qing Dynasty style, and 29 are well-preserved.

4. Jade Emperor Peak is the summit of Mount Tai

Taoism activity on Mount Tai. Photo by xiquinhosilva –

Jade Emperor Peak (in Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor is the most powerful god in heaven) is the summit of Mount Tai. The city of Tai’an, at the foot of Mount Tai, is 153 meters above sea level, while the Jade Emperor is 1545 meters above sea level, with a sharp altitude difference of 1392 meters offering tourists a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire area.

 It is also called Taiping Peak (Peace Peak) and Celestial Pillar Peak and has long been known as the First Peak under Heaven.

5. Bixia Temple is located south of the summit of Mount Tai

Mount Tai UNESCO mark. UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Photo by xiquinhosilva –

Bixia Temple (Azure Cloud Temple) is located south of the summit of Mount Tai, Jade Emperor Peak, east of Heavenly Street, and 6.5 kilometers away from Dai Temple. It was firstly built in the year 1008 during the Song Dynasty and was originally called Zhaozhen Temple.

It gained the present name Bixia Temple at the year of 1770 during the Qing Dynasty after a restoration. It is a grand building complex set among high mountains which consist of twelve pieces of distinctive architecture.

Bixia Temple has a compact overall arrangement and the buildings are arranged along the medial axis symmetrically.

6. Goddess Yuanjun is also called the Mother of Mount Tai

The peak of Mount Tai. Photo unattributed –

As one of the Chinese mythologies goes, Bixia Temple was the heavenly residence of the Goddess, Yuanjun (Supreme Monarch). Goddess Yuanjun is also called the Mother of Mount Tai who might bring good luck to people especially women and children according to Chinese mythology.

She is said to be the daughter of the God of Mountain. The temple consists of two courtyards. A gilded bronze sculpture of Goddess Yuanjun is housed in the main hall of Bixia Temple.

7. Dai Temple is the largest and best-preserved ancient building complex in the scenic area of Mount Tai

Top of Mount Tai. Photo unattributed –

Dai Temple, located at the south foot of Mount Tai, is the largest and best-preserved ancient building complex in the scenic area of Mount Tai. It was firstly built during Han Dynasty and greatly expanded during Tang, and Song Dynasties.

 It is a Taoist temple where emperors during the past dynasties offered sacrifices to the God of Earth to pray and say thanks for peace and prosperity. Dai Temple is in the palace style of ancient Chinese emperors, composed of over 150 ancient buildings of many kinds.

8. Mount Tai international Mountaineering Festival is held in September every year

Gongbei Rock, Mount Tai. Photo by kanegen –

Mount Tai international Mountaineering Festival is held in September every year since 1987. The festival and climbing competition attract athletes and tourists from around the world, providing a development platform for the strong economic and cultural construction of Tai’an, and helping to build the city into an international travel destination.

The Mountaineering Competition is an important part of the festival, consisting of a 5 km climb for seniors group (591 steps and 800 meters high), a 7.7km climb for middle-aged group (5884 steps and 1400 meters high), and an 8.5 km climb for youth group (6566 steps and 1545 meters high).

Athletes and teams who get the top three will be awarded certificates, prizes, or trophies.

There are also other events like the exhibition of paintings and calligraphy, bonsai and root sculptures, as well as a lot of folk shows and performances.

Mount Tai international Mountaineering Festival has become more and more popular in China and abroad since its first hold in 1987. The number of participants in the mountaineering competition in 2009 was over one thousand.

9. Mount Tai cuisine is renowned for its featured feasts and local-favored snacks

View Mount Tai from HalfWay Gate to Heaven. Photo by xiquinhosilva –

Mount Tai cuisine is renowned for its featured feasts and local-favored snacks. The featured feasts mainly include Tofu Feast and Potherb Feast. The local-favored snacks include Millet Pancake and Grilled Meat. Besides, Jiaozi (Chinese Ravioli) is popular in Tai’an.

10. Mount Tai is a sacred mountain in China.

Taishan Weather Station was constructed in 1935 on Sun Viewing Peak, Mount Tai. Photo unattributed –

Mount Tai is a sacred mountain in China. For thousands of years, emperors of the past dynasties all offered sacrifices to the earth and heaven at Mount Tai. They all abstain from eating a meal to show their godliness. Tofu feast is their favorite. The Tofu Feast includes 150 dishes including the famous Yipin Tofu (tofu cooked with egg, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots and the dish is in the shape of the Chinese character  ; Tofu cooked with ginseng and Furong Tofu (tofu is cooked with string beans, mushrooms, eggs and flavored seasons).