The First of the Five Great Mountains - Mount Tai

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tai'an & Prepare at the Foot of the Mountain
💰 Budget: Transportation 300 RMB + Accommodation 80 RMB + Meals 40 RMB = 420 RMB

Morning
Choose train hard seat/hard sleeper (e.g., Beijing to Tai'an hard sleeper about 150 RMB, adjust transportation from other cities).
Check in at a youth hostel/homestay at the foot of Mount Tai (60-80 RMB/night, recommended near Hongmen).

Afternoon
Visit Dai Temple (ticket 20 RMB, included in Mount Tai combo ticket, can save money).
Purchase hiking supplies (flashlight 5 RMB, trekking poles 10 RMB, water/snacks 20 RMB).

Evening
Dine at the foot of the mountain snack street (recommended Mount Tai pancake rolled with scallions, 10 RMB).

Day 2: Hiking Up the Mountain & Overnight at the Summit
💰 Budget: Ticket 115 RMB + Accommodation 100 RMB + Meals 50 RMB = 265 RMB

Morning
Hike via the Hongmen route (classic free route, ticket 115 RMB includes Dai Temple).
Scenic spots along the way: Zhongtianmen, Yunbu Bridge, Shibapan (bring your own food, lunch 20 RMB).

Afternoon
Reach the summit at Nantianmen (about 4-6 hours), stay at the summit youth hostel dormitory (100 RMB/person, book in advance).

Evening
Simple meal at the summit (instant noodles + hot water 10 RMB).
Watch the sunset, rest and prepare for the next day's sunrise.

Day 3: Sunrise & Descend + Leisure Tour
💰 Budget: Cable car 100 RMB (optional) + Accommodation 80 RMB + Meals 50 RMB = 230 RMB

Early Morning
Watch sunrise at Yuhuangding/Riguan Peak (free, recommended to secure a spot before 5 AM).

Morning
Hike down (free) or take the Zhongtianmen cable car (one way 100 RMB, saves energy).

Afternoon
Check in at a city youth hostel (60-80 RMB/night), rest and adjust.
Stroll Tai'an Old Street (free), try local snacks (budget 30 RMB).

Evening
Recommended: Mount Tai stir-fried chicken (40 RMB per person).

Day 4: Return & Nearby Sightseeing
💰 Budget: Transportation 300 RMB + Meals 30 RMB + Others 50 RMB = 380 RMB

Morning
Visit Puzhao Temple (free) or Tai'an Museum (free).
Buy local specialties (Mount Tai pancake 10 RMB, walnuts 20 RMB).

Afternoon
Return trip (train hard seat/hard sleeper, budget 300 RMB).

💰 Total Cost Breakdown
Transportation: 600 RMB (round-trip train hard sleeper/hard seat)
Accommodation: 260 RMB (3 nights youth hostel/homestay)
Tickets/Cable Car: 215 RMB (combo ticket 115 + cable car 100 optional)
Meals: 170 RMB (40 RMB per day average)
Supplies/Others: 155 RMB (hiking gear, souvenirs, etc.)
Total: 1400 RMB (600 RMB flexible for adjustments)

💡 Money-Saving Tips
✅ Transportation: Night train hard sleeper saves accommodation costs, buy tickets early for discounts.
✅ Tickets: Half price with student ID, combo tickets are more cost-effective.
✅ Accommodation: Book summit dormitory 2 weeks in advance to avoid peak season price hikes.
✅ Meals: Prices are high mid-mountain, bring your own snacks (chocolate, energy bars).
✅ Cable Car: If physically fit, hike down to save 100 RMB.

📸 Recommended Photo Spots
🌄 Sunrise at Yuhuangding (free, a must-see!)
⛩️ Nantianmen (summit landmark)
🏯 Dai Temple (starting point of Mount Tai culture)
🌿 Shibapan (steepest section, challenge yourself)

This plan ensures you explore Mount Tai within a 2000 RMB budget, combining hiking challenges and cultural experiences, perfect for travel bloggers to share! Feel free to leave a comment if you need adjustments~ 🚀