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Hike up to the peak of Taishi Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Explore ancient temples, such as the Taishi Temple, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Take a scenic walk along the mountain trails and enjoy the fresh air and lush surroundings. It is also a great place for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Mount Taishi, located north of Dengfeng County, Henan Province, is the eastern peak of Mount Song, reaching an elevation of 1,440 meters. Legend has it that Emperor Yu's first wife, Tushan, gave birth to Qi here. A temple dedicated to Qi's mother was built at the foot of the mountain, hence the name "Taishi" ("Shi" refers to wife).
Mount Taishi boasts thirty-six peaks, interwoven with verdant cliffs and towering cliffs, resembling the beauty of a lotus. The main peak, Junji Peak, is named after the line "Junji Peak" from the Book of Songs, "Junji Peak," which reads, "As high as the sky." Later, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, during his visit to Mount Song, composed a poem and erected a stele there, earning it the nickname "Imperial Stele Peak." From Junji Peak, one can gaze out from the horizon, observing the Shaoshi Mountain to the west, Jishan Mountain to the south, the rushing Yingshui River in front, and the belt-like Yellow River to the north. From a rocky perch, the peaks and valleys unfold beneath one's feet, their jagged peaks and valleys forming a majestic spectacle, creating a sense of "overlooking all the other mountains." The ever-changing clouds and mists between the peaks are breathtakingly beautiful. The ancient poet Lü Shou once composes a poem: "Thirty-six peaks resemble a bun of hair, bringing joy to travelers. The white clouds suddenly gather, all in the ethereal void." This captures the breathtaking beauty of Mount Song and the joy and tranquility it brings to visitors.
The temperate monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The Shaolin River marks the central section of Songshan Mountain, bounded by Mount Taishi to the east and Mount Shaoshi to the west. These two towering peaks, layered one above the other, stretch out uninterrupted along the southern bank of the Yellow River. Emperors, generals, poets, monks, Taoists, and hermits throughout history have named these beautiful peaks based on their shapes, leading to the saying of the Seventy-Two Peaks.
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Taishi Mountain is a historically significant site in Henan, associated with ancient Chinese culture and legends. It is believed to be the birthplace of Taoist philosophy and an important center for Taoism. The mountain is home to several temples, including the famous Taishi Temple, which adds to its cultural and spiritual importance.
Taishi Mountain is located in Zhengzhou, Henan. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or private vehicle from Zhengzhou city center. There is no direct metro line, so public transportation options like buses or taxis are recommended.
The mountain is open year-round, with no specific hours for entry, but it is recommended to visit between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM for the best experience. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the mountain is covered in vibrant foliage.
The entrance fee to Taishi Mountain is around 40 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through various travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays. You can book tickets online a few days in advance to secure your visit.
It typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to explore the mountain and visit the temples and scenic spots. If you wish to hike to the peak, plan for around 5-6 hours.
The must-see highlights include the Taishi Temple, the mountain’s peak for panoramic views, and the scenic hiking trails. The stone carvings and ancient trees along the paths are also notable attractions.
Guided tours are available at the entrance. They are typically in Mandarin, but some guides may offer limited English assistance. Audio guides can also be rented in Mandarin.
The peak of Taishi Mountain provides stunning panoramic views. The Taishi Temple and the ancient trees along the mountain trails also offer great photography spots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Start at the base and hike along the main trail to Taishi Temple. Continue up to the peak for the best views, then take the winding path down to explore more scenic spots. The round trip usually takes 3 to 4 hours.
There are no specific night visits or light shows at Taishi Mountain. However, the mountain is open until dusk, and visiting during sunset can offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Taishi Mountain can get crowded on weekends and during Chinese holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning hours before 10:00 AM.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and small shops are available along the trails. There are also kiosks selling water, snacks, and local souvenirs.
The mountain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to steep trails, but the main temple area and lower parts of the mountain are accessible. It’s recommended to check for specific accessibility features when planning a visit.
Cash is accepted at most places, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly accepted, especially for tickets and small purchases.
There are no large restaurants inside the mountain area, but small local eateries offering traditional Chinese food can be found near the base of the mountain.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants near the base, but halal food options may be limited. It’s best to ask for vegetarian dishes when dining locally.
There are several hotels near the base of Taishi Mountain, including mid-range options. For more luxurious stays, you can find accommodations in downtown Zhengzhou, which is a 1-hour drive away.
Nearby attractions include the Zhengzhou Zoo, Yellow River Scenic Area, and the Henan Museum. These can be combined with a visit to Taishi Mountain for a full day of exploration.
Souvenir shops near the base offer items like local crafts, traditional Chinese tea, and small Taoist-themed gifts.
After visiting, taxis or buses are available for continuing your journey. Zhengzhou city is easily accessible by taxi or private vehicle, and from there, you can take a train or flight to other destinations.
