
Zhangren Peak, located northwest of Yuhuangding, is named after its shape, which resembles an old man with a hunched back. There are several smaller stones nearby, giving it the nickname "Old Man Playing with Grandson."
The peak is inscribed with inscriptions such as "The First Mountain in the World," "Reaching the Sky," "Standing Alone in the Middle Sky," and "The First Spiritual Area of the East Pillar." There's also a poem by Emperor Qianlong: "My dear, the Five Sacred Mountains are all from Qingcheng, so why is Mount Tai a pseudonym? This is a well-known custom, but who will comment on it in detail because of Du Fu's poem?" There are also inscriptions by foreigners. In 1990, Japanese calligrapher Yanagida Taiyun wrote "Peace and Prosperity for the Country and the People." A radio and television relay station is located to the south of the peak.
It has a temperate continental semi-humid monsoon climate with distinct four seasons, moderate cold and hot seasons, synchronized light and temperature, and simultaneous rain and heat. Spring is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy, autumn is sunny and refreshing, and winter is cold and snowy.
It is recommended to play for one hour
Included in the Mount Tai scenic area ticket
All day
Zhangren Peak is a notable peak in the Mount Tai area, historically associated with Taoist and cultural heritage. It is valued for its natural beauty, panoramic vistas, and connection to local legends and spiritual traditions.
Located in Tai’an, Shandong Province, within the Mount Tai scenic region. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from Tai’an city. Hiking trails lead directly to the peak from nearby trailheads.
Open daily from 6:00 to 18:00. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photography.
Access is usually included in the Mount Tai scenic area ticket. Tickets can be purchased online or at the main entrance of the scenic area.
Booking is recommended during peak seasons (spring and autumn) or public holidays. Tickets can be booked 1–2 weeks in advance online.
Plan for 2–3 hours to hike to the peak and explore nearby viewpoints comfortably.
Guided tours are available mainly in Chinese; audio guides are not commonly provided.
Start from the base trail, hike through scenic cliffside paths, visit intermediate viewpoints, reach the main peak, and then descend along a different route if available to see diverse scenery.
Night visits are not allowed; no light shows are available. Special guided tours can be arranged upon request during the day.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and holidays. Visiting in early morning provides the quietest experience.
Basic facilities include restrooms at trailheads, small food stalls, water points, and resting benches along the main paths.
Steep paths may be challenging for elderly and children; disabled access is limited due to rocky and uneven terrain.
Mobile payments are widely accepted; cash may be needed at smaller food stalls.
Local restaurants and snack stalls are available near the trailhead and scenic area entrance, offering Shandong cuisine and light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available; halal options may be limited in the area.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located in Tai’an city, within 15–30 minutes by car from the trailhead.
Souvenir shops sell postcards, Mount Tai-themed handicrafts, Taoist charms, and local snacks.
Taxi or private car are recommended to reach other scenic spots or return to central Tai’an. Public buses connect to major tourist sites nearby.