Conquer Mount Tai in one go! The 2025 Ultimate Mount Tai Guide is here~

Hey buddies‼ This guide is seriously comprehensive! Whether it's your first climb, a night hike for sunrise, or a relaxed trip with parents, I’ve got you covered 📋✨ Don’t forget to bookmark and share with your travel buddies!

⛰ Which route to choose? Read this to avoid pitfalls!
🔴 Classic Hongmen Route | Steeped in culture!
📍 Route: Hongmen → Zhongtianmen → Eighteen Bends → Nantianmen → Jade Emperor Peak (~9.5km / 7,863 steps)
🕓 Duration: 4-6 hours (night hike ~6 hours, start around 22:00)
💡 Highlights: Pass by Dai Temple, Doumu Palace, Sutra Stone Valley… every step feels like walking through history 📜
👣 Perfect for those who want the "real hiking experience"!

🌿 Tianwaicun Easy Route | Hassle-free & family-friendly!
📍 Route: Take a shuttle from Tianwaicun → Zhongtianmen → Walk/Cable Car → Nantianmen
🕓 Duration: 1.5-2 hours up (incl. transport) | ~1.5 hours down (cable car + shuttle)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for families with kids/elders—almost zero effort!

🌅 Night Hike for Sunrise | Unforgettable vibes!!
📍 Route: Classic Hongmen Route
🌙 Start around 22:00—bring a headlamp/flashlight ⚡ Rent a military coat at the summit (¥30) 🧥
🕓 Summer sunrise ~4:30—arrive by 4:00 to snag the best spot at Riguan Peak 📷
🌌 A must for stargazers, sea-of-clouds chasers, and sunrise lovers!!

🎒 Essential Packing List! Wrong gear = ruined experience ❌
🧥 Wear: Windproof jacket (summit is 3-6°C colder), anti-slip hiking shoes (Eighteen Bends is slippery ⚠)
🔦 Bring: Headlamp/flashlight 🔋 Power bank 📱 ID
🍫 Snacks: High-energy food (chocolate, energy bars), 1-2 water bottles (available en route but pricey 💰)
🧴 Extras: Sunscreen, cash (spotty signal—mobile pay might fail)

💰 2025 Cost Breakdown | Avoid overpaying!
🎫 Ticket: ¥115/adult | ¥57/student/teacher | Free for 60+ 🧓
🚌 Shuttle: ¥35/one-way
🚡 Cable Car: ¥100/one-way
🏨 Summit lodging: ¥600-1,200/night (Shenqi Hotel is closest to Riguan Peak—book early‼)
🍽 Food ref: Scallion pancake ¥5, Taishan fried chicken ~¥40/person
💡 Budget estimates:
✨ Hikers: ~¥200/person
✨ Leisure (shuttle + cable car): ~¥400/person (incl. food, tickets, transport)

🚉 Transport/Parking Tips!
🚆 High-speed rail 🚆
📍 Tai’an Station: ~¥25 taxi to Hongmen or Bus 37 direct
📍 Mount Tai Station (regular rail): Bus K3 (10 mins)
🚗 Drive 🚗
📍 Tianwaicun Parking: ¥5/hour
📍 Taohuayu: Free & spacious—perfect for budget travelers!

🔔 Must-Know Tips! Read before you go!
📅 【Ticket reservation】Book 7 days early via "Mount Tai Scenic Area" official WeChat—valid for 3 days after first entry (re-reserve each visit).
⚠ 【Safety】
- Eighteen Bends has 70° slopes—avoid night hikes in rain ❌
- Those with hypertension/knee issues: take the cable car—way easier!
🌦 【Check weather】Always check the official site! ⚡ Heavy rain may close trails.
🎯 【Time-savers】
- Only 1 day? Tianwaicun + shuttle + cable car—round trip in 4 hours!
- Sunrise + easy? Night hike up, cable car down—efficient & comfy!

📸 That summit moment will move you to tears—standing atop Jade Emperor Peak, watching clouds roll beneath you, feeling what "all other peaks look tiny" truly means! A must-experience life highlight!