Introducing Mount Tai
Mount Tai, also known as Daishan, Daizong, Daiyue, Dongyue, and Taiyue, is located in central Shandong Province and belongs to Tai'an City. It stretches between the cities of Tai'an, Jinan, and Zibo, covering a total area of 24,200 hectares. Its main peak, Jade Emperor Peak, stands at 1,545 meters above sea level, boasting a majestic and imposing presence. It is known as the "First of the Five Sacred Mountains," "The Longest of the Five Sacred Mountains," and "The Best Mountain Under Heaven." It is a World Natural and Cultural Heritage, a World Geopark, a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction, a National Scenic Spot, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and a National Civilized Scenic Tourist Area.
Climate and best time to travel
Mount Tai has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique characteristics. April to November is the best time to visit Mount Tai, while autumn (September to early November) is the best time to watch the sunrise.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Hongmen Tour Line
Scenic spots along the way: Daizong Archway, Guandi Temple, Yitian Gate, Confucius's landing place, Hongmen Palace, Wanxian Tower, Revolutionary Martyrs' Monument, Fengyue Wubian Carved Stone, Sanguan Temple, Doumu Palace, Yuanjun Temple, Jingshiyu, Feng'an Monument, Baidong, Hutian Pavilion, Huimaling, Zhongtianmen, Yunbu Bridge, Wudafu Pine, Wangren Pine, Chaoyang Cave, Shibapan, Shengxian Archway, Nantianmen, etc.
Recommended for first-time climbers, the 9.5-kilometer route takes about 4-6 hours to reach the summit at a moderate pace.
Tianzhu Peak Tour Line
Scenic spots along the way include: Xianhe Bay, Wangtianmen, Big and Small Tianzhu Peaks, Jiangjun Mountain, Huanghuazhai, Laojun Temple, Yuanjun Temple, Lotus Cave, Jade Girl Cultivation Place, Jiulonggang, Sister Pine, Crouching Tiger Pine, etc. Among them, Big and Small Tianzhu Peaks are particularly famous for their unique shapes and scenery, so they are named after them to refer to the entire scenic area.
The Tianzhu Peak tourist line is a hiking route full of mountain and forest fun. The whole route is about 5.4 kilometers and takes about 3-4 hours.
Tickets
Peak season (February-November): 125 yuan/person
Off-season (December to January): 100 yuan/person
Seniors (60-70 years old), students, and children (1.2-1.4 meters): 60 yuan per person in peak season, 50 yuan per person in off-season. On special dates (the second day of the first lunar month, the third day of the third lunar month, and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month), seniors over 60 years old can enter the mountains and scenic spots free of charge.
Teachers, provincial and ministerial model workers, heroes, and moral models: 100 yuan/person in peak season, 80 yuan/person in off-season.
Active-duty military personnel, disabled military personnel, retired military cadres, journalists, honorary citizens of Tai'an City, seniors over 70 years old, and disabled people (the blind and those with lower limb disabilities are allowed to enter the mountain with one caregiver free of charge) can enter the mountain free of charge with their valid ID.
Children under 1.2 meters are free of admission fee.
Most Popular FAQs for Mount Tai
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Mount Tai is one of China’s Five Great Mountains, historically significant for over 3,000 years as a site of imperial worship and Taoist rituals. Emperors performed ceremonies to honor heaven and earth here, making it a cultural and spiritual symbol of China.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Tai'an, Shandong Province.
- Accessible by high-speed train to Tai'an Railway Station, then taxi or bus to the mountain entrance.
- Local buses and taxis are available from Tai'an city center.
- Walking is suitable for exploring the mountain trails and scenic spots.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open daily, typically from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
- Best times to visit: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and clear skies.
- Sunrise visits are popular for photography at the summit.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Ticket prices: approximately 145 CNY for the main scenic area (subject to seasonal adjustment).
- Tickets can be purchased online via official websites or travel platforms, or at the entrance.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended for weekends, holidays, and peak season. Usually, booking 1–3 days in advance is sufficient.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- Half-day for cable car rides and short visits.
- One full day for hiking key trails and exploring temples and monuments.
- Two days recommended for a complete experience including sunrise/sunset photography and full trail hikes.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Dai Temple at the foot of the mountain.
- South Gate to Heaven trail and stone stairways.
- Jade Emperor Peak, the highest point.
- Historical inscriptions and stone tablets along the trails.
- Taoist temples and ancient pavilions.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours are available in Chinese; English tours can be arranged in advance.
- Audio guides are available via apps, mostly in Chinese with some English options.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Summit at Jade Emperor Peak for sunrise views.
- Stone stairways along South Gate to Heaven.
- Dai Temple courtyards and historic inscriptions.
- Cloud sea views from upper trails on misty mornings.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start at Dai Temple → ascend via South Gate to Heaven trail → visit major stone inscriptions and temples → reach Jade Emperor Peak → descend via cable car or alternate trail.
- Optional split into two days for sunrise and sunset photography.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night visits are generally not allowed for safety reasons. Special guided tours may be offered during cultural festivals, but regular light shows are not available.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Weekends and Chinese national holidays are very crowded.
- Weekdays and off-peak months (March–May, September–October) are less crowded.
- Early morning visits help avoid crowds and capture sunrise photography.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public toilets along main trails and near temples.
- Restaurants and snack stalls at Dai Temple and lower trails.
- Rest areas and benches along hiking paths.
- Souvenir shops near entrance and temple areas.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Cable cars provide access for elderly or less mobile visitors.
- Steep trails may be challenging for children or elderly without good fitness.
- Disabled access is limited on hiking trails but available in main entrance and cable car areas.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted.
- Cash is useful for small vendors or remote trail-side stalls.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Restaurants around Dai Temple serving Shandong cuisine.
- Cafes and snack stalls at scenic area entrances and near cable car stations.
- Hotels and resorts provide additional dining options.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian meals are available at temple restaurants and local eateries; vegan and halal options are limited.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Hotels in Tai’an city center and near Dai Temple.
- Guesthouses and inns along the mountain base.
- High-end resorts offering convenient access to Mount Tai trails.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Confucius Temple in Qufu.
- Red Gate Mountain and nearby historical parks.
- Famous Taoist temples and local cultural sites in Tai’an.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops near entrance and temple areas.
- Typical souvenirs: Mount Tai-themed crafts, stone carvings, postcards, Taoist charms, and local tea.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or private car to Tai’an city or nearby attractions.
- Bus services connecting to Tai’an Railway Station for regional travel.
- High-speed trains to other cities in Shandong or Beijing/Shanghai.
