Mountain Tai 泰山
Previously called “Daishan Mountain”, Mountain Tai is also known as “the  Great Peak”, “the Great Mountain” and “the Eastern Mountain”. It is in the central part of Shandong Province. Its main peak-Jade Emperor peak is 1,545 meters above sea level. Mountain Tai is ranked as the No. 1 of all famous mountains in China. Comprised of natural and humanistic landscapes, the scenic area of Mountain Tai is within the radius from the main peak. The scenery of Mountain Tai is best known for its magnificence. Layers and layers of grand mountains surrounded by green pines and giant rocks, as well as the ever-changing clouds and mists make Mountain Tai majestic, bright, beautiful, quiet and mysterious.
Mountain Tai is China’s only famous mountain that used to be the place for the emperor to hold a grand ceremony to worship the heaven and to pray for peace and prosperity. Therefore, the mountain was deified. Throngs of Buddhist and Taoist practitioners, scholars and celebrities all came to Mountain Tai, leaving the place lots of historical sites and humanistic landscapes. The main cultural sites spread from Sheshou Mountain’s memorial site to Haoli Mountain and all the way to Jade Emperor Peak, creating the three  dimensions of “Hell”, “World” and “Heaven”. Daimiao Temple is the main building on the medial axis of Taicheng City at the foot of Mountain Tai. The temple connects Tongtian Street in the front and the winding path at the back, bringing the mountain and the city together. Ascending the mountain from this spot is a good choice, because it symbolizes going from “this world” to the “divine heaven”.
The natural scenery of Mountain Tai is grand and imposing. The penetration and influence of thousands of years’ spiritual culture and humanistic landscapes have catapulted Mountain Tai to the top of the Five Famous Mountains of China. The mountain is not only a snapshot of the spiritual culture of the Chinese nation, but more of a precious world heritage.
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