Jin'an Outskirts Trip | Magnolias Bloom at the Foot of Mount Tai (Still Barren)

🌸Trip Date: Mar 17, 2025

It was a cold and windy day. I had planned a relaxing climb up Mount Tai, but... the Zhongtian Gate cable car was unexpectedly closed for maintenance. I had to take a bus from the Tianwai Village entrance to Zhongtian Gate and then hike up the Eighteen Turns to Nantian Gate and Jade Emperor Peak. I then took the cable car down from Taohuayu.

Although there was still snow on the mountain, the magnolias were blooming at the foot. Must-see spots are Dai Temple and Puzhao Temple. The magnolias at Dai Temple are behind Luban Temple on the west side; at Puzhao Temple, you'll see them as soon as you enter.

🏯Dai Temple
Also known as the Eastern Peak Temple, it's one of the four largest ancient architectural complexes in China (the other three are the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Three Confucian Sites in Qufu, and the Eight Outer Temples in Chengde). First built during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty, it was where ancient emperors held ceremonies to worship the god of Mount Tai.

🌸Main Attractions
Dai Temple Archway
Built during the Kangxi period, also known as the Exquisite Archway, it features relief carvings throughout and is a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty stone carving.

Tiankuang Hall
The main building of Dai Temple, Tiankuang means "heavenly gift." It is considered one of the three great ancient palaces in China, along with the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City and the Dacheng Hall in Qufu's Confucius Temple.

Copper Pavilion and Iron Pagoda
The Copper Pavilion, also known as Jinque, was cast during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. The Iron Pagoda was cast during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. Originally 13 stories tall, it was bombed by Japanese aircraft and now only has 3 stories remaining.

Corner Towers
Dai Temple has walls with corner towers at each corner. The original towers were destroyed during wartime. Although newly built, they are very picturesque.

🏯Basic Information
Opening Hours: 8:00am–5:30pm, last entry at 5:00pm
Tickets: CNY 20

🏯Puzhao Temple
Legend says it was built during the Six Dynasties period and has been expanded and renovated throughout the dynasties. The temple has three courtyards. It's not large, but it's very photogenic, especially the magnolia tree against the backdrop of the red walls and gray tiles. It will be even more beautiful when it's in full bloom in a few days.

🏯Basic Information
Opening Hours: 9:00am–5:00pm
Free Admission

Locals say that the peach blossoms near Feicheng, near Tai'an, will be in full bloom by the end of the month and are very beautiful.