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Tiantai Mountain is located in the north of Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, China. It is not only a Taoist resort in the two provinces of Shaanxi and Shanxi on the banks of the Yellow River, but also a red tourism attraction where Liu Zhidan led the Shaanxi-Gansu Red Army to cross the river and march east in the spring of 1936.
Mount Tiantai is a mountain of extraordinary steepness and height, towering into the clouds. The peak bends and stretches from north to south, like a sword suddenly inserted into the Yellow River and Kuye River. It is as majestic as a giant dragon entering the sea, forming a magnificent spectacle of one mountain dividing into two waters - on the east side are the surging Yellow River and Shanxi Province, and on the west side are the deep valleys of Kuye River and Shaanxi Province. It is magnificent and exceptionally enchanting.
Climbing to the summit, one can take in sweeping views of the Tiantai landscape. To the east, the lush peaks of the Lüliang Mountains, the crisscrossing gullies of the Loess Hills, and the mighty Yellow River await. To the west, the roaring Kuye River winds its way into the Yellow River. Along the Yellow River, the rocky mountainous terrain, the gully-laden loess hills, and the Yellow River's tidal flats and Kuye River floodplains each offer distinct features. Along the two rivers, the vast jujube groves and picturesque villages nestled among the trees are breathtakingly beautiful.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best in summer and autumn
free
All day
Tiantai Mountain is a famous Buddhist and Taoist pilgrimage site, known for its role in the development of Zen Buddhism. The mountain is named after the Tiantai school of Buddhism, which was founded here in the 6th century. It is also renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, which has attracted visitors and spiritual seekers for centuries.
Tiantai Mountain is located in the Tiantai County of Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Taizhou City. The nearest major transportation hub is the Taizhou Bus Station, from where you can catch a bus or hire a taxi. The mountain itself is best explored on foot or by taking a cable car to the top.
Tiantai Mountain is open year-round, but the best times to visit are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is most beautiful. Summer can be crowded, and winters can be cold and snowy, so plan accordingly.
The entrance fee for Tiantai Mountain is approximately 100-150 RMB, depending on which areas of the mountain you wish to visit. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. During peak seasons, it is advisable to buy tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn), especially for specific attractions within the mountain, such as the cable car ride or temple visits. Booking a few days in advance should be sufficient during regular periods.
To fully explore Tiantai Mountain and its main attractions, you should plan to spend at least 1-2 days. If you want to hike the entire mountain and visit various temples and scenic spots, it could take up to 3 days.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some local guides may offer English tours, but it's not guaranteed. Audio guides are available in Mandarin, and some attractions may provide guides in other languages upon request.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Tiantai Mountain. However, some special cultural performances or events may take place during local festivals, particularly in the evening.
Tiantai Mountain can get crowded during weekends and Chinese public holidays, particularly in spring and autumn. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays outside of major holidays, and early in the morning on weekends.
There are public toilets, food stalls, and water stations at various points on the mountain. Rest areas are available for visitors to take breaks. Small shops are scattered around the site, selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Tiantai Mountain's terrain can be challenging, especially for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there is a cable car that provides access to higher points of the mountain. Some areas near the base are accessible for families with children or elderly visitors, but certain temples and hiking trails require more physical effort.
While cash is accepted, mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used across the mountain, including at shops, food stalls, and ticket counters.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the base of Tiantai Mountain offering Zhejiang cuisine. For more options, you can visit the nearby city of Taizhou, which has a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian food is available, particularly at the local temples, where Buddhist vegetarian cuisine is served. Vegan and halal options may be limited but can be found in Taizhou city.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses near Tiantai Mountain. For more luxurious options, you can stay in Taizhou city, which offers a wide range of accommodations.
Yes, there are souvenir shops on the mountain selling items such as Buddhist statues, incense, tea, and local crafts. You can also find typical Zhejiang souvenirs like silk products and local snacks.
After visiting Tiantai Mountain, you can continue your trip by taking a bus or taxi to Taizhou city, where you can catch trains or buses to other parts of Zhejiang Province or further destinations in China.
